Baja Ken and his Jeep Rubicon Owners club had a camping and four wheeling party at Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs this weekend and invited Chris and I
to join them (even though I drive a Toyota!).
We left Oceanside about 3 pm Friday, headed for Tecate... Joining my son Chris and I, was my friend Jimmy.
The dry lake access off Hwy. 2 is now well signed as 'Laguna Salada', 2.6 miles east of the Guadalupe Canyon signed exit (which is the graded, wet
weather road).
We arrived at Arturo's Campo #1 at 8 pm. Baja Ken had both El Dorado and El Castillo reserved for the group. We camped at El Castillo with Ken &
Suzanne, David & Susan, and Russ. The hot tub felt wonderful after the drive and camp set up!
Saturday morning, Ken had planned a hike up to the pool of the virgen with its tall waterfall filled pool and giant granite walls and even further to
the next pool which was all sand with palms... very inviting!
We returned to prepare for the Jeep run... Ken had hoped to do a big loop trip to the top of the Sierra Juarez going up El Mano Canyon and down the
Jamau 'summit', which was the WWII telegraph line road from Ensenada to San Felipe...
Time was not available for such a grand run, but the Jeepers wanted some rock crawling and the road up to Mano Canyon provided a rough ride.
The first road fork in the canyon I hoped would go to Rancho El Mano, but it dead ended. However, a large boulder on that fork provided great
entertainment as the Jeep boys who took turns driving their Wranglers' front left tires as high as possible for a photo opp.! Chris had a lot of fun
driving my truck most of the day, as well.
We got back to Guadalupe Canyon just as darkness fell. Steaks and corn for dinner! After purchasing a caguama of Tecate and some sodas from Arturo,
Chris, Jimmy and I were set for the evening in the hot tub and visiting with the other nice people of Ken's group!
This morning I made chorizo and egg burritos for all the meat eaters in our camp and then we all loaded up for an exit about 9 am.
Pemex was 5.83/litre (I think)...
El Hongo Toll was US$4.50 and La Rumerosa was US$1.15
Arrived at the Tecate border line at 12 noon Sunday (today) and was across about 12:25... no problemas.
Of interest to some, I went by David Eidell's, but didn't see his truck there.
Arturo's camp looked okay (I didn't inspect all of it), trash bags were in each of the (empty) cans, hot water flowed 24/7, but the larger of the two
tubs at El Castillo was not kept clean for hot tubbing and is full of algae... like a natural pool would be in the mountains! The place is still worth
it, IMHO...
I have the GPS of the Pool of the Virgen and the next pool up, if anyone wants them.
Hasta la vista!
[Edited on 3-29-2004 by David K]
[Edited on 3-29-2004 by David K]Mexitron - 3-28-2004 at 08:41 PM
Hey David,
Sounds like a fun time! How were the wildflowers down there in the desert?David K - 3-28-2004 at 08:47 PM
Desert was blooming... mezquitte trees, too. What I noticed most was the barrel cactus blooms. The road to Mano Canyon passes a barrel cactus
garden... most were topped by orange-red flowers. Bright pink flowers on small brush, as well!Dave - 3-28-2004 at 09:37 PM
David, I have been told the Virgin pool was the third one up, one I have yet to find.
As I recall, the first pool was a short hike and the trail was well ducked. The second was all sand with a small, rectangular granite swimming hole on
top of the falls. From there it was all large boulders and rough going. Has anyone been farther?
Do you have pics?David K - 3-28-2004 at 10:32 PM
No photos... sorry, no camera... it was a quick spur of the moment trip. I believe there are several pools as you go up stream. Not sure of the
correct name. The first big one is so huge with such a tall waterfall and spectacular granite walls... that gets my vote as pool of the virgen, but
I'm not sure... Hotschott would know. It is about a 20 minute hike to there.
what were the rates?
capt. mike - 3-29-2004 at 05:56 AM
David K - 3-29-2004 at 07:29 AM
El Dorado and El Castillo are both designed for 4 vehicles. The rate was $80-$100/ night (or $20-$25/vehicle). See http://www.guadalupe-canyon.comBob H - 3-29-2004 at 08:46 AM
David, sounds like you had a great time. I was two hours behind you crossing at Tecate. Came through there from Ensenada. Fantastic ride and lots
of green hills with yellow blooms!
Bob H
good thing you were able to share
capt. mike - 3-29-2004 at 10:02 AM
those rates seem high to me for what you get. i'd hate to shell out $80 to $100 for a camp spot even with a built in jacuzzi! but WTF, i hear the
place is kind of special. doubt frankly i'll ever experience it for myself.Dave - 3-29-2004 at 11:18 AM
Been there four times in the last six years. Never paid more than $25 a night, usually $20. (Arturo's,weekdays, one vehicle). Never made a reservation
and most always had my choice of campsites.David K - 3-29-2004 at 05:05 PM
Capt. Mike, those two camps (Dorado, Castillo) are for groups (3-4 cars each). Please go to their web site and click on rates after you look at the
various camps... $25-$35 is the rate for most of the camps. http://www.guadalupe-canyon.comelgatoloco - 3-29-2004 at 10:30 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike doubt frankly i'll ever experience it for myself.
Maybe Arturo could put in an airstrip??
ha! more like a heliport likely!
capt. mike - 3-30-2004 at 05:07 AM
Matt - we are still planning on fishing may, right? lets start working dates. mem weekend might be a ticket?elgatoloco - 3-30-2004 at 08:11 AM
10-4! Will be in touch. Diving back in to the grind.
