Sonora Mexico backroads
 

Hmm after lots of failure I think I've finally figured out how to post a question here. Here goes.
I live in Tempe Az and want to travel the backroads of Sonora Mexico, alone, on my 1981 Yamaha XS650.
Any info on the roads that run next to the Sonora River or thru the eastern mountains of Sonora state? Especially interested in campgrounds and good food! Hope to wind up in Alamos before heading back home up thru Hermosillo on Hwy 15.
Muchas Gracias, Larry

The roads you are speaking about are good quality pavement Sonora 118 south from Cananea is through gentle mountains and the river valley, much like southeast Arizona,with ranches. Mex17 south from Agua Prieta is a bit heavier traffic, but really still calm , more rances, valley floor farms, pecan orchards and mining towns. Get a Guia Roji or Quimera road atlas and it will have all the detail you need to connect Moctezuma to Sahuaripa by dirt road which may be a bit tough for an XS650 , but do-able, Then paved to Rosario and Cd.Obregon and Mex 15 again. Lots of roads to explore.

I had asked a similar question regarding Baja if you intend to travel more west. You can look down the replies if these interest you, but these were assuming entering Mexico thru San Luis or Algodones...

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000862.html

Thanks for the good info. Especially the map sources. Also I'm hearing conflicting info about permits from people who own property in Guaymas. One says no permits needed for anywhere in Sonora north of Empalme. The other says only on Mex Hwy 15, if using backroads, permits still required. I've tried the Mex Consulate in Phx, but their phone is always busy and guess what? No web site! No email!
Larry

I am not at home right now to find the number in the phone book, but there is a small Mexican consulate office in Yuma if you can track it down. They should be able to tell you the information. Someone answered my question on travel permits on one of the replies to my question, and had a link. Read the replies I had, and you should find the link. See if this link helps...

http://www.bajabound.com/before/permits/visa.asp


[This message has been edited by yuma simon (edited 04 April 2006).]

The thing you are talking about is , I believe, the " Solo Sonora" program.
Having always used a tourist card I know little about it but info should be finadable on the Sonora state tourism website.
It is /was a program which gave tourists a certificate, like a tourist card so that they could travel around Sonora up to certain limits beyond the Zona Fronteriza.If you had only that Solo Sonora card you would limit yourself.
Get the normal Mexican Tourist card and import documents and be free to cross state lines.

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I found the phone # for the Mexican consulate in San Luis, Arizona. 928-6278712

I would suggest stopping at Aconchi, South of Cananea where there are some absolutely excellent hot springs! Follow the signs for Agua Caliente in town...it's down a kinda sandy arroyo, but well worth it for a great place to camp and unwind after a hard day of riding.

-H-