Getting to Guadalupe Canyon is not an easy task (which is one of the reasons it is so much fun).

Four wheel drive and high clearance is recommended, although it is technically possible to get to this Baja California oasis without it.

How to Visit Guadalupe Canyon

To visit Guadalupe Canyon, you’ll need to enter Mexico from either Tijuana, Tecate, or Mexicali.

From Mexicali, drive 20 miles west on highway 2 towards La Rumorosa. From Tecate or Tijuana drive east through La Rumorosa descending down into Laguna Salada.

After entering the Laguna Salada section of the freeway there will be a very large clearly marked freeway sign indicating the dirt road that leads to Canyon de Guadalupe. It is a 30 mile journey on a decent dirt road to get to the canyon. The last 5 miles heading up into the canyon are the most difficult. Drive straight until you come to the enormous olive plantation, immediately at the end of the olive planation is a small sign indicating a gentle right hand turn. Follow this road straight to the canyon.

Once at the canyon, you can park your car in the palm tree grove and hike throughout the canyon. Then… relax in the hot springs, hike up the canyon, swim in the deep pools or do some stargazing.

There are two separate campgrounds each with palapa’s for rent next to a personal campsite hot spring. Both campgrounds are grossly overpriced making the area a better day trip than overnight destination. Campground number 1 starts at $50USD a night and campground 2 charges $100USD for a weekend. Technically the website requires a reservation, but you could just show up and you would probably find space.

Note: Bring plenty of water, particularly if you are traveling in the summer months as you’ll be crossing the wide open desert.

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  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.