WideAngleWandering
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Guadalupe Valley / Canyon Hot Springs
Hola Nomads,
I'm winding down my trip to Baja ... crossing back to the states in Tecate on Saturday. 
We're in San Felipe now, and moving out tomorrow. I'd like to get a couple more nights of camping, preferably up in the desert/mountains, with some
hot springs, before we reach Tecate.
Last year we drove out to the Guadalupe Canyon to try out the hot springs before leaving. The springs were nice and had private baths at each
campsite, but we were shocked by the price - $50 to camp! It's just not a good value. So I'm looking for alternatives.
At the entrance to the Canyon, I remember two signs for springs/camping. I can't remember which one we chose, but does anyone have any info on
options for camping and enjoying springs in the Canyon?
I found this thread on Nomad which talks about Arturo's Camp #1, Angel's Camp #3, Los Mantiales, and some fabled remote spots, and some kind of family
drama that limited access to the canyon.
On the web I found two sites for fancy-pants $50 camping:
http://guadalupecanyonoasis.com
http://guadalupecanyonhotsprings.com
In short, does anyone know if it is possible to camp and visit the springs for a reasonable fee? I don't need a private tub.
If we decide to splurge anyway, does anyone know these places are still operating and if so, which one of the two is the best use of $50?
And finally, we might also like to pass through the Guadalupe Valley and drink/buy some wine and perhaps visit the springs near La Cetto.
Is it possible to camp near these springs?
If not, is there any reasonably priced, non-luxury eco-whatever accomodation in the valley?
Muchas gracias.
[Edited on 2016-3-15 by WideAngleWandering]
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bajaguy
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If you can't find anything in the Valle, you might want to try Canyon San Carlos, about 5 miles south of the Ensenada COSTCO. There are rustic camping
spots and a developed hot springs
http://www.instant-mex-auto-insur.com/baja-log/index.php%3Fi...
http://www.ranchosancarlosensenada.com/
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WideAngleWandering
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Thanks Bajaguy. I'll put that on the list. Am hoping to avoid driving through Ensenada again but it's a possibility.
Has anyone been to the place mentioned by wilderone in this thread? Is that Federico's ranch?
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David K
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1) Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs is on the east side of the Sierra Juarez and faces Laguna Salada, near Mexicali.... about 50 miles from.
The answer is no, the source spring is inside the private property campground area, on the north slope, high end.
The hot water is piped downhill via gravity to the various tubs in the camp sites. I have MANY photos of the times we were there (at Arturo's Campo
#1) before Arturo was forced out (or bought out after relatives shut off the water line to his part of the canyon. Expensive, but unlike anyplace else
in Baja... at least Arturo's camp was.
http://vivabaja.com/108/
http://vivabaja.com/906/
http://vivabaja.com/405/
http://vivabaja.com/bbbb2/
Here is the source spring for Guadalupe Canyon.
Water at this point is 125°F.
Insulated pipes carry the thermal water to dozens of camp sites, swimming pools, and even flush toilets! (April 2005)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The other Guadalupe, is Valle de Guadalupe, between Tecate and Ensenada... the winery place (and location of the last California mission to be founded
(1834-1840).
The hot springs near there are sometimes called Russian Valley Hot Springs. BajaCat and others have been there... and a waterfall is also there, too.
See this post on them from Don Jorge... map at the bottom!: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=82204
Search 'Federico' for more!
[Edited on 3-15-2016 by David K]
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WideAngleWandering
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I take it Guadalupe canyon oasis hot springs must be the 2nd entrance I remember seeing last year? Their website also indicates expensive camping.
Bummer.
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David K
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Both sides of the canyon are now the same owner. One road that splits at the entrance.
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WideAngleWandering
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Damn. Well, I guess I'm going to cross Guadalupe canyon off my list of destinations.
I think I'll look into camping near Federico's ranch if I can find it.
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micah202
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...rancho san Carlos is a favorite for me,, a great way to chill and adjust coming and going from Baja.
...and who can beat 120Ps for camping?
It's usually the only campground I use in Baja!
http://www.ranchosancarlosensenada.com/
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MexicoTed
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David K, about 5 years back there were some American squatters at the upper campground (I think Angels camp) blocking off campsites and asking for $$.
They tried to ask our group for a fee to walk through to the cold pools above, but we said no. Any idea what happened there? When was it consolidated
into all camps being one? And is Rob still involved?
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David K
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No idea about what happened at Angel's camp.
With Arturo gone, Rob would not be involved as he is married to Arturo's daughter. A Nomad search may turn up the date Arturo was bought out or forced
out. It has been a few years now. Our final trip there was 2008, I think. On my phone, otherwise I would search it for you amigo.
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MexicoTed
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Thanks DK. When we were last there, the squatter group was also trying to interfere with Arturo's camp too. I'm sure the rest of the family got them
out and took back the camp.
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wilderone
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Agua Caliente on Mex. 3 has a nice hotsprings pool, with campground among huge oak trees. About 30 miles east of Ensenada. Get on Mex. 3 north of
San Felipe, you'll be heading west, and end up in Ensenada. It was $10/pp last time I was there many years ago.
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WideAngleWandering
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I saw that spot on mx3 but haven't stopped there.
Instead we went by don Federico's place. The people there were really rude to some friends I met along the way (we were caravanning with
myvantastic.com that day) so we bailed and boondocked in an arroyo nearby. I'll post details in my trip report but I was surprised by their words. It
wont stop me from considering them on a future trip though.
[Edited on 2016-3-19 by WideAngleWandering]
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Cisco
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Youngest son just returned from Guadalupe Canyon. They were there Friday to this afternoon and hosted a group of 40 people.
Said all fine, everyone had a great time as always. They go three or four times a year and have had no complaints about the facilities or management.
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WideAngleWandering
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I had a nice time when I stayed there too, but the $50 camping fee stung and knowing the history of the place it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
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yumawill
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Aguga Caliente Hot Springs" in the US. North of I-8 on S-2( Ocotillo turn off).. charges $5 day use has three pools and camping is $30/ night w/water
and electric. It's a Gringo deal and usually not crowded.
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John M
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Agua Caliente - more info
We spent 5 days there last week and as Yumawill said it's not crowded during the week - large campground, tents, partial & full hook ups - price
went up recently - a basic tent site is like $25 now - though the days use fee is the same. One word of caution though - the place is like a sardine
can (packed) Friday/Sat/half-day Sunday. There are lots of areas to camp without charge along Highway S-2.
John M
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WideAngleWandering
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Nice tips. I'll have to check that out. Hot springs are one of the great pleasures of living out west.
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