We left the cold wind behind in Arizona and once crossing the border the weather drastically improved. Having been down to Baja several times I wanted to explore some new terrain and an area I hadn't been to was Canyon De Guadalupe Hot Springs. Wayne had been here a few years ago so he agreed to haul me back in. We worked our way through the border town of Mexicali, gassed up and headed west towards Laguna Salada, a massive dry lake bed. It sits below sea level in places and almost 40 miles in length and a little over 11 miles wide at its widest point. Once on the lake bed, it's about 35 miles due south as you parallel the Sierra De Juarez mountain range. This is one of those areas that is not driveable if there has been recent rains. Although it had been months since the last rains you could still feel the tires breaking through the upper crust into a mud base if you got off track. It's imperative that you follow old tracks across the lake bed to ensure you don't break through. We made the hot springs late that afternoon and set up camp. Sites are certainly overpriced based on Baja prices. Because this place is fairly close to the border it gets campers/soakers from the states. They know this and get $40 a night. Easily, the highest priced campground I've ever come across in Baja. Not sure I'd come back if I had to pay this again but it's worth it on your first trip. I hate paying for camping as it's so easy to boondock camp with my rig. Paying for a spot to park and sleep just rubs me wrong. The soaking tubs are spotless, hiking available up the canyon and the campground is well maintained by the caretaker so we bit the bullet and paid. Each site has its own private spring to soak in and you can drain and refill as needed. It's a beautiful place, tucked into a canyon at the base of the Juarez range. Was glad we came in and since it's quite a drive to get here we ended up staying two nights.
Petey ensuring we're headed in the right direction. You just kind of head in the general direction as there isn't a road per say just several old tracks headed off in the distance.
Wayne throwing up big dust coming across the lake bed.
Campsite for our two nights in the spring. Private pool located behind the partition on the right.
Private spring. Perfect temps for soaking away the day.
Road leading out of camp headed back to the lake bed.
A hike up the canyon behind camp leads to this waterfall and pool. You can continue up this canyon by doing a little climbing here but this was it for Petey and I. I was tired of carrying him at this point. Petey doesn't do well if any climbing is required. Constantly picking him up to get over the larger boulders wears on you after a few miles. Wayne and Ike continued up the canyon while Petey and lounged around on the small beach before heading back to camp.
Looking up the canyon behind camp. Wayne has seen Bighorn Sheep in here on a previous visit. Hiked in here with the camera and big lens but didn't see anything. If I hadn't of brought the camera I would have been overrun with them!
Visitors.
Setting moon our first morning at the springs.
View as you head up the canyon after leaving the lake bed.
Another visitor.
After two nights at the springs we left the following morning and on the way out came across these guys walking through the desert. They had gotten stuck the prior day and ended up spending the night in their vehicle. They had run out of water and had no food. Coming out here unprepared without food, water and shovel is asking for trouble. Luckily we came along as they were hiking back to the springs to hopefully find some help. They had already walked about 4 miles and had about another 10 to go. Fourteen miles out here without water can get serious in a hurry. The nearest paved road from where we picked them up was a good 30 miles or so and there is no cell coverage. Needless to say, they were happy to see us. We gave them food and water, then drove back to where they had gotten stuck, hooked up a tow strap and pulled them out. No water, no food, no tow strap, no shovel......nothing! They were all smiles in this picture but they weren't so happy when we came across them. Nice group but not so smart.
Man looks like fun!!!
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