The year was 1867. During an expedition exploring the Pacific Baja California Peninsula with family and fellow cattle ranchers, Don Guadalupe Loya Arce, a highly regarded cattle dealer, discovered a natural desert paradise.
In the middle of, what is now called Cañon de Guadalupe; a lush oasis emerged with beautiful waterfalls, healing mineral hot prings, refreshing natural swimming pools and magnificent palm trees. Guadalupe Canyon was a paradise in its most natural form, complete with the historical rupestrian paintings from the Cucapa tribes which were the last known natives of the area.
Don Guadalupe and the Loya family befriended the last known members of the Cucapa tribe. They will never forget how the tribe embraced them as friends, as they learned how to work together and thrive despite their cultural and language differences.
Don Guadalupe Loya Arce lived to the age of 76 years old. He passed away in 1911.
In the year of 1920, Don Jose Murillo, son of Don Guadalupe followed his footsteps. He had the passion of cattle dealing and liked to explore. In 1957, at the age of 60, Don Murrillo retired ranching and wholeheartedly dedicated his last 40 years to the Guadalupe Canyon with his sons.
Don Jose Murrillo lived to the age of 100 years old. He passed away in 1997.
In the early 1940’s, Don Guadalupe’s Grandson Don Jose Loya, first experienced the amazing hot spring oasis canyon his grandfather encountered. In 1956, Mr. Loya was granted ownership of the 1,000+ acres of land by the Mexican government “Terrenos Nacionales de Mexico”. Don Loya had a vision to create an all natural camping area for tourist. It would take him more than 20 years of hard work and dedication, to create this unique destination for those who love adventurous trips and are seeking an unforgettable experience with nature.
Don Loya suffered from arthritis and soon discovered the healing qualities of the mineral hot springs. He channeled the healing waters to a variety of hot tubs of all sizes built by hand using river rocks and cement. Today thousands of tourists visit Guadalupe Canyon from different states all year long to experience the healing waters.
Don Jose Loya lived to the age of 89 and passed away in 2011.
After many decades of hard work and dedication, Don Jose Loya’s sons continue the legacy of promoting the canyon as one of the jewels of Baja California. The family is proud to offer the favorite getaway for Mexican families and the thousands of visitors that come every year to enjoy this natural desert paradise.
