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Unlike many regions within the Republic of Mexico, Baja California was originally formed by intense seismic activity and massive volcanic eruptions that have also helped to create the rugged, rocky coastline for which the peninsula has become famous.

One beguiling aspect of this type of terrain is an abundance of hydrothermal aquifers that hold seemingly infinite quantities of scalding hot, mineralized water that often comes bubbling up to the surface in some of the most unexpected places. And while these areas can certainly be found throughout Baja California, they seem to be more common and easily accessible in Baja California, the northern part of the peninsula. From hot springs to hot tubs, here is more information about northern Baja and its thermal treasures.

Over the decades, rocky thermal pools near Puertecitos have soothed the muscles of many a traveler.
Sometimes this phenomenon occurs immediately adjacent to the coast, as in the case of the Puertecitos hot springs located on the Sea of Cortez about 50 miles south of San Felipe.

Here, bathers can relax in purely primitive surroundings as they slowly work their way around inside the rocky pools to find just the right temperature. And then there is the Canyon Guadalupe, which is just 40 miles southwest of Mexicali.

Here, you can find hot springs and hot tubs — even your own private ones — to your heart’s content!

Rancho San Carlos near Ensenada offers eight natural pools with hot springs, and cabins for overnight lodging.

The benefits related to soaking in hot mineral water have been known and embraced for centuries, and for those who prefer to enjoy this luxurious experience in a more controlled and civilized setting, northern Baja is definitely the place to visit.

One of the most conveniently located hot springs, Rancho San Carlos, lies only a few miles south of downtown Ensenada.

Situated near the popular Baja Country Club and golf course, it offers a great venue for family fun in and around the mineral baths.

Rancho San Carlos features eight different natural pools, as well as cabins for overnight lodging and other outdoor recreational activities that include a rock climbing wall and several bicycle paths.

For those who would seek out an even more bucolic venue, Rancho Agua Caliente, which is about an hour’s drive south of Ensenada, offers a unique geothermal resource along with a delightfully potable artesian spring of exceptional quality.

As a matter of fact, in a laboratory analysis of this pristine water that was performed by the prestigious international brewing firm, Interbrew of Belgium, it was determined to be comparable in quality and taste to some of the leading natural bottled waters around the world, including Evian and Perrier.

Rancho Agua Caliente offers a remote getaway between 1-2 hours south of Ensenada.
The main hot spring feeds enough hot water to constantly fill two large swimming pools with a continuous flow of both hot and cold mineral water.

There are also eight exclusive Roman style baths where guests can experience the opulence of having a private mineral spa that they can enjoy in the privacy of their own room. The property has been listed in numerous travel publications including the AAA guides and maps as being one of Baja’s most prominent hot-spring resorts.

And in past decades, Hollywood movie stars such as Anthony Quinn and other famous artists of that era were frequent guests.

Although many visitors to Baja California may very well end a busy day of sightseeing, shopping and dining by relaxing with couple of stiff margaritas, it is still nice to know that there is yet another option for getting yourself into hot water.

Hot Springs and Hot Tubs: Getting into Hot Water in Baja - Noticias - SanDiegoRed

More please! We miss Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs since the family closed off the hot spring water line that was always shared with Arturo Loya, operator of Campo #1. We won't support the hostile family who run the other camps and hot tube at Guadalupe. Also, they are not private and tranquil as Arturo's was.

Photos from past trips:
2005:









2006:







2008:







Vibora Canyon Petroglyphs, 8 miles south of Guadalupe Canyon.

There is also an Agua Caliente northeast of Ensenada on Hwy 3 between Ensenada and Ojos Negros. It is northeast of, and in the same canyon or drainage as the San Carlos Hot Springs.

David,

Can you look at this link and advise if this is the 'hostile family or the Arturo that you reference?

Guadalupe Canyon - Buy The PDF Guide Book Now!

thank you!

Originally Posted by bwall

David,

Can you look at this link and advise if this is the 'hostile family or the Arturo that you reference?

Guadalupe Canyon - Buy The PDF Guide Book Now!

thank you!

No, this is from the husband of Arturo's daughter, 'Canyonman Rob'... who helped put Guadalupe Canyon on the map with improvements he and other Americans did to make Arturo's Campo #1 such a perfect place for a quiet time under the stars.

When the 'family' shut off the water flow to Arturo's part of the canyon, Rob negotiated with them to provide reservation services, at least for some of the Los Manantiales (former Angel's Campo #2) camp sites. This was a few years ago, and I have not heard anything new.

A family member from the campo across the canyon (El Palmar) emailed with me asking for my help to promote their camp... I said I would be happy to, just turn on the water back to Arturo's side! You see, Arturo's camp was so beautiful and private that his got all the American customers first... The over-flow would go to Angel's or across the canyon... which has none of the privacy and solitude of most of Arturo's camps... yet the cost was the same.

Typical family greed had them figure if Arturo's was closed, then that would force tourists to the other camps in the canyon... (my opinion naturally). Arturo and his wife were getting quite old and had health issues. The last I heard, they lived there, but unless a dry camp is all you wanted, the business was pretty much gone. We sure enjoyed it for the few years we went there (2001-2008)... Maybe, after Arturo has died, the rival brothers and nephews/ cousins will return it to its glory?

PS I have that e-book from Rob.

David,

Thanks for the info. I had emailed Canyonman Rob back in 2008 and I planned on going. But, I never did. He told me about his relation to the Canyon and that his father in law (Aturo apparently) had lived for ever there and recently gained title to the land. Rob sounded like a very nice guy and the story sounded fantastic (although I don't recall the details). I do remember the directions: "Travel for 45 minutes and then turn right" and I'm like WTH!?!? Sounded like adventure . . . . ..

And then I read your post and thought uh-oh. ... who is who, now? Thanks for the clarification.

It's a shame that people see these things as a zero-sum game instead of trying to improve their business and getting a bigger slice of an ever growing pie.

Originally Posted by bwall

David,

Thanks for the info. I had emailed Canyonman Rob back in 2008 and I planned on going. But, I never did. He told me about his relation to the Canyon and that his father in law (Aturo apparently) had lived for ever there and recently gained title to the land. Rob sounded like a very nice guy and the story sounded fantastic (although I don't recall the details). I do remember the directions: "Travel for 45 minutes and then turn right" and I'm like WTH!?!? Sounded like adventure . . . . ..

And then I read your post and thought uh-oh. ... who is who, now? Thanks for the clarification.

It's a shame that people see these things as a zero-sum game instead of trying to improve their business and getting a bigger slice of an ever growing pie.

Exactly!

Yes, unless there has been rain, you drive south on the Laguna Salada lakebed (Laguna Salada signed road, not Guadalupe Canyon signed road) for about 26 miles when the main track will veer off towards the mountain and junction with the graded dirt road that parallels the lake, on the west side (this is the Guadalupe Canyon signed road, and is much rougher than the lakebed)... jog left, then soon turn right, along the olive plantation... It should all be well signed... the final couple of miles are very rough and rocky... go slow! It is about 35 miles overall from Hwy. 2-D.

I have many photos and a road log and GPS, etc. in various trip pages on my web site VivaBaja.com...

Here they are, enjoy!:

2001: http://www.vivabaja.com/bbbb2/index.html
2005: http://vivabaja.com/405/
2006: http://vivabaja.com/906/
2008: http://vivabaja.com/108/

GPS DIRECTIONS TO GUADALUPE (WGS84)

Graded Road at Mexico #2: N32°34.33' W115°47.40'
Dry Lake Road at Mexico #2: N32°34.57' W115°44.67'
Jcn. Graded and Dry Lake Roads: N32°13.06' W115°42.29'
Entrance Guadalupe Campo #1: N32°09.40' W115°47.33'

Guess I can put up a couple pictures of San Jorge near Santiago :)








I'm assuming with the more conservative views of Mexican families that nudity is not the norm at the hot springs like it is in the states?

Nice photos... I have not seen photos of that San Jorge site before, just the one in the canyon going to the waterfall above El Chorro.

Originally Posted by Jaybo

I'm assuming with the more conservative views of Mexican families that nudity is not the norm at the hot springs like it is in the states?

nudity in Mexico? Nope, not so much. If the water's hot enough they'll enjoy the springs fully clothed and consider their clean clothes to be an added bonus. I think there is more steam rising from the hot springs of northern California too.

We're modest...

As well as Oregon. Nudity seems to be pretty much the rule at the hot springs here.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

nudity in Mexico? Nope, not so much. If the water's hot enough they'll enjoy the springs fully clothed and consider their clean clothes to be an added bonus. I think there is more steam rising from the hot springs of northern California too.

We're modest...

We've been told by some reliable sources that the playa down below us was a common nude beach back in the 60's and 70's, frequented by foreign tourists. The locals here considered it a curious thing but mostly just kept their distance we are told...

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

We've been told by some reliable sources that the playa down below us was a common nude beach back in the 60's and 70's, frequented by foreign tourists. The locals here considered it a curious thing but mostly just kept their distance we are told...

All the men around here go crazy when they see a woman on the beach in a "two piece" suit. A nude area would push them over the edge I'm afraid.

Originally Posted by BajaGringo

We've been told by some reliable sources that the playa down below us was a common nude beach back in the 60's and 70's, frequented by foreign tourists. The locals here considered it a curious thing but mostly just kept their distance we are told...

All the men around her go crazy when they see a woman on the beach in a "two piece" suit. A nude area would push them over the edge I'm afraid.

Have one of those on the front door ....... it helps a little

Originally Posted by wessongroup

Have one of those on the front door ....... it helps a little

I'll bet!

What a GREAT thread!

Thanks guys, I really appreciate this info.

I had googled all over the web a while back, and found NOTHING in the way of mineral springs in Northern Mexico.

Then a year ago I got down to TJ and Ensenada and asked around and again noone knew anything.

So THANKS!

Another satisfied "Hot Springs of Baja" customer thanks to David K and all. Don't forget to browse the archives.