The Road Not Taken. One of the best-known writings by Robert Frost. The 1915 poem looks at the difficulty of predicting what happens in life once you make choices. On the other hand, Mexico Highway 8 is the road most often taken by those driving from Arizona to Puerto Peñasco. It too gets predictable focus based on the wide-ranging choices made by drivers and politicians.
Federal Highway 8 in Sonora is a free section of the Mexico Federal Highway system. It intersects in the town of Sonoyta with Federal Highway 2 which runs east and west. However, mainly regarding Rocky Point Mexico, the road allows drivers using Arizona Route 85 to the border to continue with highway driving from Sonoyta all the way to Puerto Peñasco.
The Road to Rocky Point Mexico
Because most people are more interested in getting there, we called it the road to Rocky Point Mexico. However, Federal Highway 8 is both the primary way in and out.
Starting in Sonoyta and finishing in Puerto Peñasco, Federal Highway 8 runs north and south for 62 miles. Despite how some people drive, there is just one designated lane in each direction.
There are no entrance and exit ramps on and off the highway, and no service stations or rest areas with bathrooms. You will only find informal pullover areas and some private roads and driveways.
So… before you hit the highway, make sure you have enough gasoline to reach Rocky Point.
For the most peace of mind, I recommend filling up at the GasTrak gas station. It is located at the Lukeville Port of Entry on the Arizona side of the U.S. Mexico border.
Starting in Sonoyta
Most travelers coming from Arizona Route 85, will go from driving on open highways to small towns. You must be aware of slower conditions in spots such as Gila Bend, Ajo, and Why. The same is true when crossing the U.S. Mexico border into the State of Sonora.
On the Mexico side, the border checkpoint puts you in the small, border town of Sonoyta, Sonora. Driving through here is less than a 4-mile trip from the border checkpoint to the highway. However, it is best to exercise patience because Sonoyta has a well-earned reputation for being a speed trap.
Keep your speed under 40 km (24 mph) and come to a complete stop at stop signs. (I always count to 3). If not, you risk getting speeding tickets or bribery requests from corrupt members of the local police department.
Never reward bad behavior by paying a bribe. If you do, you are part of the problem and foolish. This is because the fine you pay by following police to the station is always less. Besides, police may simply let you go since there is nothing in it for them. And for what it’s worth, I go back and forth quite often without incident.
Upon leaving town, you will pass under a banner at a stop point for voluntary donations to various causes. No, I can’t tell you exactly where the monies go. But I can tell you this. Contrary to what some tourists think, donating plays no role in whether you experience a traffic stop by police.
Federal Highway 8 Driving Directions
Logistically speaking, you will get all the only directions you need by using your favorite GPS system on your phone. I tell our rental guests, “Just enter Sonoran Sun Resort on your GPS and it will lead you right to it.” The same is true for many destinations in Puerto Peñasco.
After passing some small businesses (and what were businesses) you will be on Federal Highway 8. Again, I am going to keep it real for you. Out here it is basically the opposite of Sonoyta.
This is because there are no law enforcement officers working this area. Lines painted in the middle of the road are optional. Many treat these markings like rules that don’t apply to them since they think Mexico is a lawless country.
Furthermore, any State Police vehicles you see out on Federal Highway 8 are legitimate law enforcement professionals. Usually, you will notice they are in a hurry to get somewhere. They simply have no interest in shaking down tourists.
What you will find is a journey of opposites on the ride to Rocky Point. There are some who drive like the Sea of Cortez is evaporating. Therefore, they must drive 90 or 100 miles an hour to see it before it’s gone. On the other hand, old cars and pickup trucks are just as common. These are driven like the vehicles will disintegrate if they go faster than 35 mph.
Nonetheless, the sweet spot is driving the highway between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco at your comfort level. Hopefully, it is somewhere in between the two extremes.
Pinacate Biosphere Reserve
There is not much in terms of landmarks on this highway trip. The biggest by far is the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features volcanic craters, mountain peaks, dunes, and various forms of wildlife.
Mexico Federal Highway 8 Car Trouble
Should you experience any car trouble, you will often find good people willing to stop and help you. Keep in mind, just because they don’t speak English, doesn’t mean they cannot or will not help you. In addition, the Green Angels emergency service roams Federal Highway 8 between Sonoyta and Rocky Point.
This free service is reachable by phone by calling (800) 841-1801 or 066.
Driving after Dark in Sonora
Here’s hoping you see the light on this topic. Driving after dark on highways is Sonora is not exactly a good idea. You should avoid this as much as possible.
It is important to remember the U.S. Mexico border for Rocky Point closes at 8:00 p.m. There are exceptions for Friday nights in summer.
Keep in mind there are no street lights along main roads such as Highway 8. Once beyond the city lights, you are driving in total darkness. This makes for less than comfortable conditions should you get a flat tire or engine trouble. Even the Green Angels don’t patrol at night.
One night when the border was open late, I was all alone about halfway to Rocky Point. I saw a couple of lights ahead of me. Then a couple more. I hit the brakes in time thankfully. There before me was a herd of cattle hanging out… in the middle of Mexico Federal Highway 8!
The lights I saw were their eyes Trust me. It is better to read about this here than experience it in real life.
Highway 8 Approaching Rocky Point
Sometimes, you will find Puerto Peñasco police or State Police set up on the west side of the highway a few miles north of the small bridge into town. If there are officers in the road, they will want you to stop. Personally, I have never found this is a thorough inspection. Usually, they just look at you and wish you a friendly welcome.
Otherwise, if you just see an officer sitting in a police vehicle, they are not looking for you to stop.
The bottom line. The Sea of Cortez, Sandy Beach, and the Sonoran Sun Resort will wait for you. They will be there when you arrive. First and foremost, getting to your destination safely is the most important part of navigating Mexico Federal Highway 8.
A Path of Mexican Politics
Consider reading this before you jump into the blame game in social media. Politics in Mexico is a topic where things get complicated. Regardless, uninformed Rocky Pointers commonly rush to judgment to complain. In this case, it is because they harshly criticize the Puerto Peñasco local government for ignoring problems with this highly important highway it does not control. Read that again if it helps to sink in.
Federal Highway 8 is a free section of the Mexico Federal Highway system. However, 8 only exists in the State of Sonora. Although it is a national highway, it is maintained on a state level by the Board of Highways for Sonora. Think of it this way. Any requests from Rocky Point must go to the state to hope for help with the federal highway it depends on for tourism.
Share this article if you think it will help some people to hit the brakes on always ripping Rocky Point’s Mayor for the highway. These are issues he also dislikes but doesn’t control much more than you.
The end of the highway story is this. The Sea of Cortez, Sandy Beach, and the Sonoran Sun Resort will wait for you. They will be there when you arrive. First and foremost, safely reaching your destination is the most important part of navigating Mexico Federal Highway 8.
