Travel Info

DO NOT bring any type of contraband across the border.

Party smart and don’t put the event in jeopardy.

There are two recommended crossings. If anyone asks where you are headed, respond with “camping in San Felipe.”

First things first - Apple, Google, whatever, make sure you save your map for offline viewing.

Calexico/Mexicali - Our tried and true option, and the route the crew usually takes. We’ve tested the Google map this way and it is up-to-date regarding all of the border construction. If you come via Mexicali, on Hwy 2 you will see an official green highway sign letting you know where to u-turn, and then another for the actual right-hand turn that will take you on to the washboard road heading towards the canyon.

Tecate - Good choice going north-to-south, may save you as much as an hour in travel time, depending on the border crossing. However, this route requires more driving on a Mexican highway instead of on a US highway. Be aware this route has two options: “Cuota” (toll road) and “Libre” (free/no-cost road). Be sure to have either $1 or $5 US bills, or Mexican pesos on hand. You will need the equivalent of at least $40 US to be safe. (Change will only be given in pesos.)

Many of you have asked about directions, and we’re happy to let you know that unlike in the past, you CAN use Google Maps to navigate directly to the canyon by simply searching for “Guadalupe Canyon Hot Springs.” Download the map for offline viewing. (We cannot guarantee that this will work with Apple Maps or any other mapping service other than Google.)

REGARDLESS of what your map says, FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY SIGNS once you are one Hwy 2. (They will prevent you from accidentally taking the lakebed.)

For additional reference, at the entrance of the washboard road there is a tripod sign with red and green rectangular concrete columns.

The past two years the lakebed has had issues with loose sand and now with the current weather fronts passing through, it is likely to be MUDDY AF. Unfortunately, with the lakebed, hazard, you won’t necessarily know you’re in danger until you’re deep into it. We have had vehicles stuck for unexpectedly long periods because of how difficult it can be to access and retrieve them. Don't put yourself, your friends, your stuff, or your vehicle in danger. Just take the damn washboard, which will theoretically will be less bumpy than usual.

Important side note: Google shows there is a "road" between the lakebed entrance and the washboard road. DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD. YOU WILL GET STUCK. If you take the wrong exit, get back on the highway and try again.

Once you’ve exited the highway, continue straight for around 30mi. The right-hand turn-off from the washboard towards the canyon is marked with signs for Cañon de Guadalupe. (Veterans be aware: the olive grove no longer exists.)

Expected travel time from when you exit the highway to when you pull up to the Gate is around 55min, based on an average speed of 35-40 MPH.

DO NOT TAKE THE LAKEBED.

Mexican auto insurance is REQUIRED.

Don’t mess around - you're only f*king yourself. You can either buy it at the border before you cross or be prepared ahead of time and purchase it online. Have the information printed and ready in your glove compartment like you do with your regular insurance. (We recommend Baja Bound as our tried and tested provider.) Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have it.
...Also, be aware that vehicles with expired tags are NOT advised, as MX police may impound your vehicle.

Getting Home....

If you have service, you can check out the border wait times at https://bwt.cbp.gov/. The crossing names you want to use are Tecate or Calexico East (Garita Nuevo Mexicali - Mexicali II).

It's a good idea to figure out and map your route home before you leave to avoid any unnecessary stress when you're tired after the weekend. if you have a recent passport that has a “camera-like symbol” on the cover, a passport card, or a RealID Driver’s license, you are eligible for the ReadyLane.

Tecate:
There are only 2 lanes going north into the United States, and does not have a Sentri or ReadyLane. You can follow Google’s directions without worrying about getting trapped in the wrong lane.

Calexico East/Garita Nuevo Mexicali - Mexicali II:
If you plan to drive home via Mexicali/Calexico, you’ll want to navigate to Garita Nuevo Mexicali - Mexicali II - East Port Of Entry. When you go to turn north towards the border, you will see three lane options. Make sure you turn into the correct lane.

If you end up in the wrong lane you will make the border patrol cranky and will likely be subject to secondary inspection. Additionally, if you accidentally take the SENTRI Lane any person with Sentri in a car with others who do not have Sentri will risk the loss or suspension of their card.

When you go turn north (left) towards the border, you will see three lane options. Make sure you turn into the correct lane - ie Sentri, ReadyLane (RFID), or the “all traffic” lane.