Andrade California Travel Guide
Visit Andrade California
Welcome to the Andrade California Travel Guide from The Places Where We Go. If you plan to visit Andrade California, the information in this post will help you understand what to expect. This post introduces Andrade, provides some history, and discusses notable places near this community.
Spoiler alert – there isn’t much here. Still, if your travel takes you to this part of California, we hope this guide helps you plan your future travel adventures.
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Introduction to Andrade California
Located in the southeast of California, the small community of Andrade sits in Imperial County, California. Interestingly, it is found within the borders of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. This puts it just across the border from Los Algodones, Mexico – the northernmost town of the municipality of Mexicali, in Baja California.
In 1912, the town received its official name, which remains to the present day. As of 2000, the town population number only 59 people.
Where is Andrade, California?
Andrade, California, is a small, unincorporated town in the southernmost part of Imperial County. It is situated near the Mexican border and is surrounded by agricultural land and desert. The closest major city to Andrade is Yuma, Arizona, about 20 miles east of the town.
Andrade can be accessed by taking Interstate 8 and exiting at the Andrade/Yuma County 4th Avenue exit. It is also located near the Algodones Dunes, a popular tourist destination for off-roading and camping.
Despite its small size, Andrade has a unique location offering easy access to urban cities and outdoor recreational activities.
History of Andrade California
Mexican General Guillermo Andrade (1833-1905) founded the original settlement of Andrade, California. General Andrade sold this land to the California Development Company.
A former stage station for mail transport, Pilot Knob Station, served as a stop in this area before 1877 when the railroad ultimately arrived. The Union Army used this station during the American Civil War. The army presence remained until the Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in nearby Yuma, Arizona, ending the need for a stage line from California.
Two canals were built in the area in the early 1900s, including the Alamo Canal and the All-American Canal.
Canals bring water to the area
In 19101, the construction of the Alamo Canal connected the Colorado River with the Alamo River for irrigation to the Imperial Valley. Though mainly in Mexico, some of this canal extended into the United States area near Andrade, California.
A second canal, the All-American Canal, came about through funding via the 1928 Boulder Canyon Project Act along with the Hoover Dam. This canal brought more water from the Colorado River to the Imperial Valley. Today, this 82-mile canal is the sole water source for the valley and makes irrigation possible for over 630,000 acres of land. Run-off from this canal drains into the Salton Sea, located north of Andrade.
The All-American Canal received designation as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 2016.
Over the years, more than 500 deaths by drowning occurred in this canal, making it “the most dangerous body of water in the U.S.” The depth, cold temperature, and steep sides have made escape impossible for many victims who have found themselves in the water, with many undocumented immigrants among the deceased.
In 1917, road construction allowed traveling through this area. This road received the number 186 in 1972, making it officially California State Route 186.
Notable Places In And Near Andrade California
Our Andrade California Travel Guide is short for specific places to visit in Andrade. We have two areas of note – The Andrade Port of Entry and the Landmark history of Charley’s World of Lost Art.
Andrade Port of Entry
This entry port is the easternmost along the United States-Mexico border within California. The crossing between Mexico and the United States dates back to 1909, when inspection of trains was common after the Southern Pacific Railroad installed a branch crossing in the area.
More than one million annual pedestrian crossings have recently been documented here. A popular reason for tourists crossing here is medical reasons, particularly in Los Algodones. Dentists and pharmacies cater to US customers.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
How can you cross the border at the Andrade Port of Entry?
It is possible to cross the border in a car or on foot. Even though the location is remote and in the desert. Andrade is a popular crossing destination between the U.S. and Mexico.
Does it cost money to cross the border?
Generally, a toll is not required here to cross the border. You will need to pass through an immigration checkpoint. Persons who travel more than 22 miles into the country may need to pay a fee.
What are the operating hours of the Andrade border crossing?
The Andrade Port of Entry operates between 6 am and 10 pm seven days a week. The road has a single lane for commercial vehicles and three for private passenger cars. The shortest waiting times to cross the border are typically in the middle of the day.
What is located on the Mexican side of the border in this area?
Upon crossing the border, a short 5-minute walk gets you to the Mexican town of Algodones. Algodones features several small shops and many pharmacies. If you travel here for medicine, only a 90-day supply is permitted back into the United States. In the event you are found to exceed this amount, border agents may confiscate your medicine upon your re-entry back to the United States.
Do I need a passport to cross the border at Andrade Port of Entry?
Proper identification is required to cross the border. United States Citizens need one of the following forms of identification:
- Passport
- Passport Card
- Enhanced Driver’s License
- Trusted Traveler Program Card For children under the age of 16
An original birth certificate might be requested at the border.
Charley’s World of Lost Art
There is one notable landmark in Andrade. Built in 1967, Charley’s World of Lost Art is on the registered listings of California Historical Landmarks.
Charles Kasling began creating artistic works in 1959. Ultimately, his creations would cover nearly 2 ½ acres. Mr. Kasling used stone as a primary medium to create figures spanning the Bible and various creatures and objects.
The California Historical Landmark reads:
NO. 939 Twentieth Century Folk Art Environments (Thematic) -CHARLEY’S WORLD OF LOST ART – Charles Kasling began sculpturing near Andrade in 1967, and his creations now fill a site of approximately two and a half acres. His style, best described as eclectic, was inspired partly by his world travels with the U.S. Navy and partly by the desert terrain.
Sadly, this former folk art site is mostly rubble today, and travel to the site is listed as “not recommended.’
Directions to the site of Charley’s World of Lost Art
From Interstate 8, navigate to California State Route 186 south.
After crossing the first waterway, turn on the dirt road near the water.
Make a left on the dirt road heading towards the RV park and continue until you pass a pet cemetery on your right to a grove of palm trees.
Make a right on a dirt path near the palm trees.
The former site of Charley’s World of Lost Art is hidden behind brush in this area.
Where to stay in Andrade California
There are no lodging facilities directly within Andrade, California. So, the closest place to stay is
Quechan Casino Resort in Winterhaven, California.
You can find more nearby lodging in cities of interest near Andrade through the hotel resources map below.
Thanks for visiting our website and reading this article. We hope to see you at the places where we go.
Julie & Art
#andrade
Related reading
Bard, California – A Visitors Guide
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