Found in the northern mountainous portion of Baja California, Mexico, Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs & Nature Reserve is a serene spot that can only be described as a utopia. With a number of unique features, private tubs, and picturesque 360° views, it’s a must-visit for those who don’t mind traveling off the beaten path.
The first recorded discovery of the Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs was in the 1940s when Jose Loya Murillo (Don Jose) found the area while searching for his cattle on horseback. He and his sons dipped into the warm waters, which would soon prove to have natural healing properties. This led Don Jose and his son to build a few small-scale tubs.
Eventually, the hot tubs were visited by a swimming pool builder named John Nelson in 1980. He was unimpressed with the size of the tubs and convinced Don Jose to build more extensive and magnificent tubs complete with piped-in hot water.
Since the original expansion in 1980, the Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Hot Springs has undergone many positive changes, creating what is now known as nothing less than a paradise hidden in the rugged mountains of Baja California, Mexico.
Mineral Hot Springs
Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs contains 14 fantastic campsites, all of which come complete with their own private hot tub.
While the hot tub sizes can range from small to large, one thing remains true for all the tubs: they’re filled with the natural mineral waters of the nearby Guadalupe Canyon hot spring. The water comes to the surface at 125° but cools down enough to be enjoyed by soakers once it reaches the rustic tubs (temp can also be adjusted at each pool by shutting off the water).
Aside from the tempting waters and entirely private experience, the views are another draw to the Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs. This destination features bright green palm trees, incredible granite boulders, and enchanting canyons created by the streams and river action of the Sierra Juarez mountains.
The private oasis is enough to keep visitors happy and relaxed, but it’s not the sole activity found at Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a slew of other wonderful activities, such as:
Dips in Cold Pools
A short walk into the hills will guide you to a series of beautiful pools situated at the bottom of cold waterfalls. These pools vary in depth, some ideal for sitting and relaxing and others for diving and swimming. Regardless of which pool is visited, you can rest assured of a rejuvenating escape from a sunny summer day in Mexico.
If you don’t want to trek to find cold water pools to cool off in, you can always opt for the many cold water pools sprinkled throughout the oasis.
Mud Baths
Are you looking to enhance your skin? Then head to the naturally occurring mud baths, the newest addition to Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs. These side-by-side mud baths were strategically placed to receive underground water flow, ensuring an organic and skin-improving experience. One bath is warmer than the other, so choose accordingly.
Petroglyphs and Pictographs
Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs is a few steps away from fascinating petroglyphs and pictographs originally illustrated by Native tribes of the region. For those seeking to take a step back in time and see an enchanting piece of history, this is the ideal jaunt.
Rock Climbing
Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs is surrounded by a mountain range, making it the perfect spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. The area is already equipped with a top rope course, but you’ll need to bring your own belay device.
Camping
With private hot tubs filled with mineral-rich water and many outdoor excursions at your fingertips, it’s no wonder why so many travelers stay at the campgrounds of Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs.
This destination has 14 different campsites to choose from, each of varying sizes – with the biggest, El Indio, able to accommodate up to four cars or 16 people. All sites have a secluded hot tub, a palapa that offers beauty and shade, a barbecue grill (or fireplace), and a picnic table. There’s plenty of room to pitch your tent and enjoy your stay. There are also restrooms and showers on-site.
Reservations are required.
Getting There
Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs is known for being off the beaten track and somewhat challenging to get to. While the directions are relatively straightforward, the rugged dirt road can spell trouble, especially for vehicles without four-wheel drive. If the directions sound too adventurous, you can always arrive by the convenient Baja Trek shuttles.
Details
Address: Carretera Federal Number 2, Mexicali-Tijuana Km. 28, Mexicali, B.C., Mexico
Phone: +52 686 558 5048
Season: Year-round
Website: guadalupecanyonoasis.com
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