Presa Morelos — Local services in Baja California

Beautiful and Peaceful Spot, but with Some Things to Consider

Our recent trip to La Presa de Agua in Algodones was a great experience overall, and I wanted to share a detailed review for anyone considering a visit. This place is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful views, fresh air, and a great spot for relaxation.

Scenery & Atmosphere

The first thing you notice when arriving is the stunning natural beauty. The reservoir itself is surrounded by open desert landscapes, which creates a unique contrast between the water and the arid environment. It’s a great spot to take in a sunset, as the sky lights up with vibrant colors reflected off the water. There’s a real sense of tranquility here, especially if you come on a weekday when there aren’t many people around.

The area around the presa is relatively undeveloped, which adds to its natural charm. If you’re looking for a break from city life or just want a quiet place to unwind, this is a fantastic option. However, because it’s more of a local spot rather than a big tourist attraction, don’t expect a lot of modern infrastructure.

Activities & Things to Do

One of the best things about La Presa de Agua is the variety of outdoor activities you can enjoy. Fishing is a popular option here, and while it’s not a heavily stocked reservoir, you can still catch some decent fish if you’re patient. Make sure to bring your own gear, as there aren’t any rental shops nearby.

If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing, the calm waters are perfect for paddling around and exploring. We brought an inflatable kayak, and it was a great way to take in the scenery from the water. Swimming is also possible, but since there aren’t designated swimming areas or lifeguards, it’s best to be cautious.

For those who love photography, this is an amazing spot to capture nature shots. From the reflection of the sky on the water to the occasional birds flying overhead, there are plenty of great photo opportunities. It’s also a nice place for a picnic, though there aren’t many shaded areas, so bringing an umbrella or canopy is a good idea.

Access & Road Conditions

One thing to keep in mind is the road leading to the presa. It can be a bit rough in some areas, so if you’re driving a smaller car or anything with low clearance, be prepared for some bumpy spots. A truck or SUV would be a better option if you want to avoid any issues.

There’s no official entrance or park ranger, which means no entry fee, but also no real maintenance or services. Make sure to bring everything you need, including extra water, snacks, and any supplies for your visit. There are no bathrooms or facilities, so be prepared for that as well.

Crowd & Cleanliness

On the weekends, the area can get a bit more crowded with locals coming to fish, relax, or have small gatherings. While it’s never overwhelmingly busy, if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday is the way to go. Most of the visitors are respectful, but like any natural area, you may come across some litter. It would be great if more people took the time to clean up after themselves, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Final Thoughts

Overall, La Presa de Agua is a beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for a day of relaxation, fishing, or just enjoying nature. However, because of its remote location and lack of amenities, it’s best suited for those who are prepared to bring their own supplies and don’t mind a more rugged experience. If you’re looking for a place with lots of facilities and activities, this might not be the best choice, but if you appreciate quiet natural beauty, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Would I come back? Absolutely! But next time, I’d make sure to pack even more supplies and maybe bring a small shade tent for extra comfort. If you’re in the Algodones area and want to experience something off the beaten path, this is a great little...

La Presa Derivadora Morelos no es solo una obra de ingeniería; es un símbolo de la soberanía hídrica de México y la pieza clave para la vida en el desértico Valle de Mexicali. Se encuentra estratégicamente ubicada en el poblado de Los Algodones, justo en el límite con Estados Unidos, sobre el Río Colorado. A diferencia de las presas de almacenamiento (como El Carrizo o la Abelardo L. Rodríguez), la Presa Morelos es una presa de derivación, lo que significa que su función principal no es guardar grandes volúmenes de agua, sino desviar el flujo del río hacia los canales para su distribución. La existencia de la Presa Morelos está directamente ligada a un hito diplomático crucial entre México y Estados Unidos: La presa fue la primera estructura construida en el marco del "Tratado Sobre Distribución de Aguas Internacionales entre los Estados Unidos Mexicanos y los Estados Unidos de América" (1944). Es el punto donde México recibe la mayor parte del volumen de agua que le corresponde por el Río Colorado (1,500 millones de metros cúbicos al año, aunque el volumen puede variar según los acuerdos vigentes). Su principal propósito es derivar el agua del Río Colorado hacia el Canal Alimentador Central para regar las extensas áreas agrícolas de los Valles de Mexicali (Baja California) y San Luis Río Colorado (Sonora). Ha sido fundamental para el desarrollo de la agricultura en la región, en particular el histórico cultivo del algodón. También provee el agua necesaria para el abastecimiento de las principales poblaciones de esta zona fronteriza. Históricamente, la presa ha sido el punto central de monitoreo de la salinidad de las aguas entregadas por Estados Unidos, un tema resuelto por el Acta 242 de 1973, que estableció límites aceptables de calidad para el agua que recibe México. En años recientes, la presa ha sido clave para implementar acuerdos binacionales (como el Acta 319) que permiten la descarga de "flujos pulso" de agua río abajo, buscando beneficiar y restaurar el ecosistema del Delta del...

No es,de ninguna forma presa, muy poca agua,se considera embalse que es una retencion de agua para reteber el...