BajaNomad

Guadalupe Hot Springs

beachbum1A - 1-20-2011 at 07:28 AM

Guadalupe Hot Springs has been one place I have always wanted to experience but have been waiting for the “right time” (and the right person to go with). Well the right time is this spring, maybe April or so. Anyway, in checking my bookmarked web site I see that Arturo’s Campo has closed (whether by fire or a land/water dispute I’m not certain), but it looks like Mario’s Los Manantiales Campo is alive and well.
So what’s the story here? Is Arturo’s Camp still closed?
Anyone have a report on their experience at Mario’s they can tell me about? Is it even open?
http://www.guadalupe-canyon.com/campsite/campmap.html

You can see a yellow line on this map that shows the seperation between the two camps so there's no doubt as to which camp is which. What's the current situation?

mcfez - 1-20-2011 at 07:47 AM

Arturo’s Camp still closed, to my understanding. It's a family fight from what I heard. That fire up there in the same area didnt help much either :o

I was set to go there right before the place closed up :-(

Cyanide41 - 1-20-2011 at 10:04 AM

I have been wanting to go as well. Right now would be a great time because it's so unseasonably warm. Try this link. http://guadalupecanyonoasis.com/

David K - 1-20-2011 at 10:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by beachbum1A
Guadalupe Hot Springs has been one place I have always wanted to experience but have been waiting for the “right time” (and the right person to go with). Well the right time is this spring, maybe April or so. Anyway, in checking my bookmarked web site I see that Arturo’s Campo has closed (whether by fire or a land/water dispute I’m not certain), but it looks like Mario’s Los Manantiales Campo is alive and well.
So what’s the story here? Is Arturo’s Camp still closed?
Anyone have a report on their experience at Mario’s they can tell me about? Is it even open?
http://www.guadalupe-canyon.com/campsite/campmap.html

You can see a yellow line on this map that shows the seperation between the two camps so there's no doubt as to which camp is which. What's the current situation?


The web site is from Canyonman Rob, who is Arturo's son-in-law... I have not heard of any change in the family isolating Arturo... whose camp sites were far superior to any of the others... jealous of his success and taking advantage of his age and poor health, they stabbed him in the back... IMO.

Mario's is the former Angel's Campo #3, and is also where the source spring is located... none of the privacy that Arturo's offered, nor the water pressure being so close to the spring'e elevation. However, if you gotta go at least Rob is working with Mario.

This site: http://guadalupecanyonoasis.com/ is the rest of the family's camps across the canyon from Arturo's...

In email exchanges with them, they claim Arturo really isn't a son of the founder and has violated the agreement with them as to how many camps he could run... garbage like that... My reply to them asking me to camp there and promote their side, was to turn Arturo's water back on first.

Instead of benefitting from Arturo's success and getting 'over-flow' customers... they shut him down to 'force' campers to their less-than-ideal camps. So far, I will wait until Arturo's is open again... or when hell freezes over... whichever comes first!:lol:

The fall 2007 fire didn't do much to hurt the canyon... the trees were blackened, and a couple palapas were burned. We were there after the fire... no problema.

See trip page of Jan. 2008: http://vivabaja.com/108/

We do miss our hot tub and palapa camp 'La Jolla B', however!




Our last trip there was Halloween, 2008:

See trip report/ photos:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=35050

beachbum1A - 1-20-2011 at 12:56 PM

David, I'm a bit confused.
It appears that there are actually (3) hot tub areas/sites:

1. Arturo's, which is closed down.

2, Mario's, which is open and reservations being handeled by Rob Williams (in Huntington Beach).

3. Guadalupe Hot Springs at this web site: http://guadalupecanyonoasis.com/ is the rest of the family's camps across the canyon from Arturo's...

Is this correct?

David K - 1-20-2011 at 01:59 PM

Sorry if I wasn't clear...

Yes... that one is across the canyon from Arturo's. It is were locals from Mexicali would camp with their music blairing, but far enough from Arturo's to not be a problem... Arturo kept a strict policy of no music (that could be heard beyond your camp)... It was great.

Mario's is just above Arturo's on the same side... it used to be called Angel's Campo #3.

BAJACAT - 1-20-2011 at 10:09 PM

Ernesto Loya runs the campos across Arturo, El Aguila , La Rana (name of some of the camps), MArio is above Arturo,where the hot water source is located, just as Dk mentioned.Arturos camps are the best, Im with DK in this one I haven't been in GDC since they cut the water off, Ernesto is to pricey, and doesn't offer what Arturos camps have, privacy and rules that are inforce to keep averybody happy...

beachbum1A - 1-21-2011 at 07:47 AM

Thank you David K and Bajacat! Now I got it.
With Arturo's closed imdefinately it seems, the two choices are Mario's just up hill from Arturo's, or GC Oasis on the other side of the road from Arturo's.
Has anybody stayed at either of these camps that they could add a few personal comments?

David K - 1-21-2011 at 11:24 AM

I once stayed above Arturo's when his place was full... it was called Angel's then (now Mario's): No privacy, noisy... not worth the drive... But that was many years ago.

Please have a great time and post the details when you get back!

David K - 1-21-2011 at 12:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
I've stayed across from Arturo's twice with my family ages ago when his camp was full.....once by choice.....once by mix-up, go figure......that sucked.
For that kind of money I would rather head down to Villarino's for a hell of a lot less and dig a hot tub in the sand than do that again.


Because...? Noisy, lack of privacy, or other?

beachbum1A - 1-21-2011 at 01:19 PM

Rate wise, GC Oasis's rate for weekdays is $35 dlls for 2 people, one car, and there are a choice of (3) hot tub areas.
Mario's is a bit vague; rates start at $100 dlls for 2 nights, 2 people - weekends higher & weekdays cheaper. Go figure?
Wonder if anyone might have been at either of these more recently and has some feedback to share?

bajaguy - 1-21-2011 at 02:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
.................It was shortly after that that I doffed my shorts and I would just stand up to grab a beer or just talk and that seemed to shorten the conversations considerably.
.......................





Is it true what I have heard about firemen and long hoses????? :lol:

mackconsult - 1-21-2011 at 03:37 PM

I think that is also called girth :biggrin:
Quote:
Originally posted by soulpatch
Actually it's the diameter that really matters.......:saint:

roverdude - 5-29-2012 at 05:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David KSo far, I will wait until Arturo's is open again... or when hell freezes over... whichever comes first!:lol:


My sentiment as well. Any update????
One of the websites makes it look like a hippie colony. Wonder if I can drink Tecate while at the yoga session?

Ken Cooke - 5-29-2012 at 10:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by roverdude

My sentiment as well. Any update????
One of the websites makes it look like a hippie colony. Wonder if I can drink Tecate while at the yoga session?


My Jeep group took 15 Jeeps into Guadalupe Canyon, and it really upset the "Not a leash on my dog" hippie crowd. We saw a Subaru getting stuck on the rocks as it left Guadalupe Canyon, and took pictures of the poor family as they stacked rocks.

David K - 5-30-2012 at 08:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Quote:
Originally posted by roverdude

My sentiment as well. Any update????
One of the websites makes it look like a hippie colony. Wonder if I can drink Tecate while at the yoga session?


My Jeep group took 15 Jeeps into Guadalupe Canyon, and it really upset the "Not a leash on my dog" hippie crowd. We saw a Subaru getting stuck on the rocks as it left Guadalupe Canyon, and took pictures of the poor family as they stacked rocks.


When was that trip, Ken?

Hot Spring's

J.P. - 5-30-2012 at 01:30 PM

It cant be much more than 10 miles from your house drive up and check it out. or better yet camp in your front yard its just as nice:lol::lol::lol::lol:

motoged - 5-30-2012 at 05:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
My Jeep group took 15 Jeeps into Guadalupe Canyon, and it really upset the "Not a leash on my dog" hippie crowd. We saw a Subaru getting stuck on the rocks as it left Guadalupe Canyon, and took pictures of the poor family as they stacked rocks.


Most of us feel like newcomers to "our spot" are intruders. I have enjoyed outback places only to have a rowdy bunch of jeepers, motorhomers, or campers w/ generators ruin the ambiance....

After standing back and taking pictures, did you offer some of your off-roader goodwill....or just stand there and judge them?

Ken Cooke - 5-30-2012 at 05:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Quote:
Originally posted by roverdude

My sentiment as well. Any update????
One of the websites makes it look like a hippie colony. Wonder if I can drink Tecate while at the yoga session?


My Jeep group took 15 Jeeps into Guadalupe Canyon, and it really upset the "Not a leash on my dog" hippie crowd. We saw a Subaru getting stuck on the rocks as it left Guadalupe Canyon, and took pictures of the poor family as they stacked rocks.


When was that trip, Ken?


February 2006 - I videotaped the whole thing. Next, I need to edit/upload to YouTube.

Ken Cooke - 5-30-2012 at 05:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Most of us feel like newcomers to "our spot" are intruders. I have enjoyed outback places only to have a rowdy bunch of jeepers, motorhomers, or campers w/ generators ruin the ambiance....

After standing back and taking pictures, did you offer some of your off-roader goodwill....or just stand there and judge them?


Our group consisted of an extended family from Tijuana, co-workers (Professionals), not beer-guzzling rowdys tearing up the desert.

In fact, Day one consisted of a trip from Calexico to Guadalupe Canyon. Pure paradise! :yes:

Day 2-4 Our Jeeps conquered the challenging Pole Line Road.

Standing at the top of BASKETBALL HILL:bounce:


Technical section of POLE LINE ROAD:!:

Mulegena - 5-31-2012 at 05:36 AM

I stayed at Arturo's back in '96 for a good week-- $5/night. What a great family. We felt very much included.

The brothers' dad was still alive then, 90+ years old and quite sharp. He lived in a palapa in the upper campground and slept outside every night. We had some great conversations. If I recall correctly, he said his father had been a cowboy with blue eyes and his mom an Indian. He had been born there and dad had claimed the area and ran cattle.

Even then I thought it odd and unfair that he had divided the camp between the two sons geographically. Better to have held it collectively to be obligated to work out their differences, imo.

motoged - 5-31-2012 at 09:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Most of us feel like newcomers to "our spot" are intruders. I have enjoyed outback places only to have a rowdy bunch of jeepers, motorhomers, or campers w/ generators ruin the ambiance....

After standing back and taking pictures, did you offer some of your off-roader goodwill....or just stand there and judge them?


Our group consisted of an extended family from Tijuana, co-workers (Professionals), not beer-guzzling rowdys tearing up the desert.


Ken,
I didn't say that you were beer-guzzling rowdies....just wondered if you offered to assist them or just took pictures...:saint:

dtbushpilot - 5-31-2012 at 12:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Most of us feel like newcomers to "our spot" are intruders. I have enjoyed outback places only to have a rowdy bunch of jeepers, motorhomers, or campers w/ generators ruin the ambiance....

After standing back and taking pictures, did you offer some of your off-roader goodwill....or just stand there and judge them?


Our group consisted of an extended family from Tijuana, co-workers (Professionals), not beer-guzzling rowdys tearing up the desert.


Ken,
I didn't say that you were beer-guzzling rowdies....just wondered if you offered to assist them or just took pictures...:saint:



"Jeepers, motorhomers, campers with generators ruining the ambiance"? What about those crazy dirt bikers racing back and forth without regard to the safety or quality of the Baja experience of the rest of us? :lol::lol::lol:.....dt

motoged - 5-31-2012 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dtbushpilot
[What about those crazy dirt bikers racing back and forth without regard to the safety or quality of the Baja experience of the rest of us? :lol::lol::lol:.....dt


David,
Yeah....they are next on the rant list....:yawn:

My point here is that it appears that Ken stood back and took pictures of fellow off-roader (yes, in a Subaru.....but they made the effort to get to Guadalupe) in distress.....does a person need a jeep to get help....not the BN spirit...:no

Gentlemen motorcycle enthusiasts might have offered a hand....or at least posted the pics of the guy in trouble even if they did not offer assistance...:saint:

green green green

John M - 5-31-2012 at 12:52 PM

Then there are the dog-gone tree huggers - they forget they are in Baja and beg for mercy from all the spines and stickers of every bush and tree they put their loving arms around - keep the comb or pliers handy.

Not to mention the "Hikers" wanting some of my precious water that I thoughtfully carried due to PLANNING, or want to squeeze in our truck for a ride to the next oasis. "Beer? you got beer in that cooler?"

Or the crazy bicyclists on Highway 1 wreaking havoc on passing traffic causing others to swerve just to avoid their love for two wheeled adventure -

oh my aren't we tolerent!

Ken Cooke - 5-31-2012 at 05:31 PM

The Subaru family were stacking rocks in a real tame section of the dirt road as they left Guadalupe Canyon. This section is a short distance from the camp ground.

To erase our BAD KARMA, we helped another SUBARU that could not negotiate the extreme grades leading outside of GONZAGA to PUERTECITOS. Here's the proof!