POTA Summary: Guale Mesa 2 Campsite
Located on a high bluff above Lower Guale Mesa and near the edge of a Rancherias Canyon,
Guale 2 campsite has dramatic vistas in every direction. This is the most remote, and by far the
most spectacular campsite in the entire park. Guale 2 has it all — millions of years of volcanic
geology to study, views into Mexico, solitude that is deafening and sunrises and sunsets that will
change the way you think about color forever. The sheltered fire ring overlooks the canyon and is
perfect for small group meetings. The tent pads are perched on the overlook and on a ledge
overlooking the canyon.
The experience was amazing, but there are a couple of tips you should follow. The views are breathtaking; this place must be seen in person to grasp the wow factor. Getting there is part of the experience. I enjoy remote primitive campsites, but this one takes the cake. I've been to the Guale Mesa 2 campsite many times and never had a bad experience. This place is a POTA bucket list. Here's a few tips that will help you plan for a successful adventure here:
1 - Don't consider this campsite unless you have an off-road vehicle with good clearance.
2 - You should have at least one spare tire, along with the skill and tools to change it.
3 - Take extra drinking water and food, lots of extra.
4 - Take a generator (fuel or solar) especially if you're planning to stay multiple nights.
5 - Don't plan on making a quick store-run for items you forgot or run out of; it's about a 3-4hr drive into town.
6 - If you're taking small children along, be aware that this campsite is "very" close to a large drop-off edge.
7 - If you're taking pets, don't, unless you have ample shade for them, and pet shoes are a requirement (the ground can cook eggs).
8 - The ground is too hard for tent stakes, so plan on finding a few rocks on the ground to use instead for hold-downs.
9 - Campsite rules to know; you must take your own firewood to the camp, and you must bag your poop and take it home.
- Ham Radio: Yaesu FT-991 (did well in the shade)
- Antenna: TransWorld 5-Band (10m-20m) / Model TW-2010-P
- Power Supply: Diamond (Model GZV4000)
- Antenna Tuner: LDG (Model Z-100PLUS)
- Coax: LMR400 (75ft length)
- Antenna Analyzer: RigExpert (Model AA-1000)