John M
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Guadalupe Canyon Feb 2006
We spent three delightful days and two nights at Guadalupe Canyon last week.
We entered Baja through Tecate around 10:30 a.m. and easily found the toll road east. Stopped for lunch and gasoline at La Rumerosa and took the
Laguna Salada, or low road, south. The dry lake was indeed dry and we had an enjoyably smooth drive the twenty-five or so miles until we reached the
olive orchard.
Interestingly, we noticed the orchards being watered both on our way in as well as when we came back out a few days later. The many different size
olive trees look healthy. One of our traveling partners pointed out that these many acres of trees were planted beginning back in 1999 and it won't be
until 2012 that the olives will be properly "seasoned" for pressing - certainly patience and perserverance for the growers!
Once to the orchard area the washboard road surface began, and continued for the next 5 or so miles. As we entered the lower part of Guadalupe Canyon
the rocks and boulders in the road became the targets to avoid. We didn't have any luck with that approach so it was just bopping over basketball
sized boulders, dodging the larger ones, and distracting ourselves with the increasingly pretty sights.
We were soon directed to our campsite - El Castillo - on the north slope of the canyon. Two tubs - wonderful fireplace - stone and ocotillo shelter
made this our home for the next two nights. This is one of the less shady campsites but the sunlight was welcome in this season of mild temperatures.
We soon had the tubs filled with steaming water and took great pleasure in the soaking/drying off/soaking cycle for the rest of the day, and the next,
and the next.
Our planned excursion to Palomar Canyon was cancelled due to the beauty of this canyon and other explorations on foot rather than behind the wheel of
our 4x4s.
Day and nighttime temperature were nearly perfect as far as we were concerned. Our choice of Wednesday and Thursday night was right on the money as
the clouds of dust from arriving vehicles passed us on our return to the highway mid morning on Friday. The usual frustration with my ability (or
inability) to navigate through the streets of Mexicali were on display for all in our small group. Finally reaching the east border crossing we were
greeted by the longest line at this crossing we've yet been a part of. The wait was around 20 or 25 minutes.
We were surprised that a small purchase of gum from one of the very young female vendors at the border did nothing to brighten her sad eyes. Maybe we
should have bought the whole tray of gum.......
Below photograph from our campsite toward the Laguna Salada - at dawn.
[Edited on 2-27-2006 by John M]
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John M
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Second photo
Approaching the camp sites
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bajalou
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Thanks John - sounds like a great time - of relaxation
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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chino
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nice looking camp, whats the privacy factor and do you recomend reservation?
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John M
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Privacy &
Most of the sites have decent privacy. I suppose if someone was intent on spying, and had binoculars, they could catch a peek at some of the sites.
I'd offer a guess that Friday night/Saturday nights would require reservations. Weekday, not spring break time -probably not.
We were the only campers on Wednesday and Thursday. Actually one truck came in quite late Thursday. Maybe a dozen camp sites in this camp. There is
another camp across the canyon a short distance we've not been to, nor know anything about.
There is a website for much more information. This is a cool getaway place! Would be hot in summer!
http://www.guadalupe-canyon.com/
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chino
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thanks, John M, Its been about 10 years since we prowled around that part of baja, but never made it to Guadalupe, it's back on the list
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BAJACAT
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John M
Im sorry to hear John that you did'nt make it to Palomar canyon, is fun getting there, maybe next time here I will share some of my pictures from my
trip to Palomar canyon. well done report. thanks heres one of the three arroyos crossings
[Edited on 2-28-2006 by BAJACAT]
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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BAJACAT
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The palm grove one mile before P- canyon
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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BAJACAT
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Palomar canyon,
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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BAJACAT
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And one more thing
Watch out for this if you don't belive me ask my cousin 
[Edited on 2-28-2006 by BAJACAT]
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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John M
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BajaCat --
It was because of your earlier photos and trip report that we had intended to go to Palomar!
The hot water and perfect weather kept us at Guadalupe like metal filings attracted to a magnet.
The views along the Waterfall Trail didn't hurt either.
John M
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BAJACAT
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Yeah I don't blame you
maybe next time.
BAJA IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE, FUN,DANGEROUS,INCREDIBLE, REMOTE, EXOTIC..JUST GO AND HAVE FUN.....
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MexicoTed
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Hey John:
Any news on Campo 3, the one past Arturo's (#1) where you stayed and #2 (Angel's)? I hear there was a gringo up there who has it closed? Somehow
working with one of the brother's family. By the way, I'm not talking about the canyon across the wash.
Ted
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John M
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Campo 3
Ted, I'm not certain where Campo 3 would be located. But, from your description it would seem to mean that if you drive up the road beyond Arturo's,
just beyond (west of) the little office/store/cafe there are camp sites. These would be the ones nearer to the beginning of the trail to the
waterfall.
If so, there was a rope across the road just beyond the office. There are perhaps half dozen sites, all were raked clean and neat. They looked ready
for occupancy. Of course mid-week there was no one camping there. Who ever is maintaining them is doing a nice job keeping 'em ready to welcome
visitors.
Hope this answers your question. We didn't talk to anyone about them. The only fellow we spoke with in that area was Mexican, he didn't offer any
English, just showed off his new rake with all the tines in place, evidence of its use was everywhere!
John
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CWF
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I had a great time there with friends last month. Stayed in the El Sol site at Arturo's. And across the canyon is the Guadalupe Canyon Oasis.
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