25 days ago
Topic:
Notify
BritainPosts: 568
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Back again not getting e-mail notifications on posts Im watching.
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25 days ago
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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Buford wrote:
Usually the game cameras set by the park have etched on them "property of CA State Parks" or something similar from a couple I have stumbled on.
State park ones are usually locked with a cable lock, and many in ABDSP have the same key.
LOL never really looked closely at it to see any details. Wasn't on my hit list that day.
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26 days ago
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BufordPosts: 446
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Usually the game cameras set by the park have etched on them "property of CA State Parks" or something similar from a couple I have stumbled on.
State park ones are usually locked with a cable lock, and many in ABDSP have the same key.
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28 days ago
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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Rocko1 wrote:
Did anyone get the pics offloaded from this?
Not yet. Ill try and snag them next year if its still there and theres a card in it.
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28 days ago
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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Rocko1 wrote:
Did anyone get the pics offloaded from this?
Not yet. Ill try and snag them next year if its still there and theres a card in it.
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28 days ago
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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Rocko1 wrote:
Did anyone get the pics offloaded from this?
Not yet. Ill try and snag them next year if its still there and theres a card in it.
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8/21/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Did anyone get the pics offloaded from this?
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8/13/2023
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1029
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Brian wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
This interesting video showed up in my youtube feed about Desert Steve Ragsdale and I thought I'd pass it on. Wasn't aware he founded Desert Center before retiring to the Santa Rosas. Enjoy: https://youtu.be/XqGNFJRAtwg
Great video, thanks. Too bad they didn't show more of Santa Rosa MTN, but I guess that wasn't the topic of the video.
Agree. Going to try an camp out at the top in the next weeks weeks and do a few day hikes with the spouse.
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8/5/2023
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
BrianPosts: 194
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tommy750 wrote:
This interesting video showed up in my youtube feed about Desert Steve Ragsdale and I thought I'd pass it on. Wasn't aware he founded Desert Center before retiring to the Santa Rosas. Enjoy: https://youtu.be/XqGNFJRAtwg
Great video, thanks. Too bad they didn't show more of Santa Rosa MTN, but I guess that wasn't the topic of the video.
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8/3/2023
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1029
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This interesting video showed up in my youtube feed about Desert Steve Ragsdale and I thought I'd pass it on. Wasn't aware he founded Desert Center before retiring to the Santa Rosas. Enjoy: https://youtu.be/XqGNFJRAtwg
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7/2/2023
Topic:
Pholisma arenarium
deborah Posts: 110
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Thanks Britain. I saw some of these in the North Pinyon Mountain area around mid May and was really curious about them. The bees seem to like them.
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6/8/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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dsefcik wrote:
Re https, industry standard is moving towards all https and browsers are beginning to drop support for http only. SSL is a must at this point for web content. Http only will still work but you will slowly see it stop functioning
Got an SSL now https
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5/7/2023
Topic:
Notify
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Got the test post notification, thanks!
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5/7/2023
Topic:
Notify
BritainPosts: 568
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Test
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5/4/2023
Topic:
Notify
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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I found a config that was off, can someone test a new post now notify message?
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5/4/2023
Topic:
Notify
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Still waiting to hear from surfponto about a resolve to this.
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5/4/2023
Topic:
Notify
tekewinPosts: 348
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There used to be a check box when posting a reply to get notified of additional replies. I can't find it now.
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5/4/2023
Topic:
oldBayHiker
tekewinPosts: 348
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Welcome! I also have a 4x4 Tacoma. It has more features than I will probably ever feel comfortable using. I haven't run into much trouble on the dirt roads in AB. Of course, I don't seek out the dangerous places like the Squeeze or Heart Attack Hill. Much to explore!
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5/4/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
tekewinPosts: 348
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Great report! Sounds fun. I like the views from Diablo, broken earth. Haven't been up June wash, but it looks nice.
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5/1/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
Rocko1Posts: 574
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I love that area. Diablo is a cool hike also. Like a miniature Font's Point vibe. Nice report.
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5/1/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Yep. Both The ABF and the State Parks site were listing June Wash as a spot to see the wildflowers this past flower season.
There were also a bunch of FaceBook posts on the area in some of the groups.
Personally, when I post a FB picture I say "Somewhere in southern Anza Borrego" 😉
Brian wrote:
I used to go to June Wash a lot. I used Schad's route to access Sandstone Canyon from there. It was before I had a car with AWD, so I couldn't drive to Sandstone from the usual route through Fish Creek. It's been a few years now since I've been to June Wash, but it sounds like more people know about it now. I never remember seeing people camping there when I used to go.
edited by surfponto on 5/1/2023
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5/1/2023
Topic:
oldBayHiker
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Welcome aboard.
We also have a Tacoma 4x4.
We usually frequent the southern areas south of Scissors Crossings
Usually have a slide in camper on it but here is a shot from last month 😎👍
oldBayHiker wrote:
Howdy,
Chula Vista resident. Moved here just a couple of years ago. Have done quite a bit of hiking in the coastal mountains and through the Lagunas, looking to expand out in the desert. Have done just a couple of hikes and camping trips. Have a Tacoma 4x4, so able to get off the beaten path. So far have camped in Tamarisk Grove and June Wash and hiked Whale, Diablo, culp valley, and pictographs.
From Culp Valley Loop, my first time into Anza Borrego.
Look forward to learning more about this great place in our backyard!
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4/30/2023
Topic:
Notify
BritainPosts: 568
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The headers have the notify missing. Such as this one General discussions. I think they did at one time. Umm the notify isn’t working.
edited by Britain on 4/30/2023
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4/30/2023
Topic:
Notify
BritainPosts: 568
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The headers have the notify missing. Such as this one General discussions. I think they did at one time.
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4/30/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
BrianPosts: 194
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I used to go to June Wash a lot. I used Schad's route to access Sandstone Canyon from there. It was before I had a car with AWD, so I couldn't drive to Sandstone from the usual route through Fish Creek. It's been a few years now since I've been to June Wash, but it sounds like more people know about it now. I never remember seeing people camping there when I used to go.
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4/30/2023
Topic:
oldBayHiker
BrianPosts: 194
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Welcome! I also live in Chula Vista and I also started out with local and mountain hikes. I did a similar expansion to the desert starting in 2009. At first I got ideas from Jerry Schad's book and more recently from here. And somewhere along the way, I realized that 4WD (or at least AWD) is a must. I have a Subaru Crosstrek, which mostly gets me where I want to go, or close enough to walk.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Re https, industry standard is moving towards all https and browsers are beginning to drop support for http only. SSL is a must at this point for web content. Http only will still work but you will slowly see it stop functioning
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4/29/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Not knowing the location it could have been abdsp ranger, Border Patrol or CNF or similar. We have seen BP cameras on BLM and state park property. Can't know unless you open up.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Last time I camped there the wind was really strong also. Great area with lots of great views. If you can get yourself up early enough, the sunrises are gorgeous in the mud hills.
Thanks for the TR.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
oldBayHiker
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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Welcome to the forum!
Lots of good info here and if you have any questions there are knowledgeable folks here who can help.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
Notify
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2577
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I do not believe it is, I have not received any new posts email alerts.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
June Wash Camping/Diablo Hike (April 2023)
oldBayHikerPosts: 2
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Camped June Wash first weekend of April. Three dads and three teenage boys. Our first camping trip in the desert outside of a campground.
Went out Friday afternoon. Took two trucks. F-150 and Tacoma. Both 4x4.
We turned off S-2 and made our way up the wash. We went to the end, which quickly narrows. Able to turn-around and 4x4 was handy for that. Picked a flat spot off a side wash and set up camp.
Sunsets out here were quite nice, though different from San Diego.
Friday night was spent just exploring our area, cooking supper, and enjoying a fire. We used a solo stove.
Saturday we headed up to Diablo Benchmark. Didn't have much info on it, just that it was a peak nearby and found a path off of PeakBagger to use.
The path was up a wash for a goodways, but sooner or later, you have to climb to the ridgeline. It was a short, but steep climb (30-40%) up to the ridge. Once on the ridge, pretty smooth going. Did see a jackrabbit hiding in a bush.
The trail out there is mainly a cholla forest. We had pants and boots, but routinely had to stop to use pliers to pull cholla out of soles or pants where it had jumped too.
Diablo has a geodetic marker, but it isn't at the peak. The true peak is the northern peak, maybe another 100 yards further.
Good views back into Sandstone canyon from peak.
Peak did have blister beetles on it.
We came down the west face. It's less steep, but a longer route.
Made our way back to camp for supper and evening fire.
Wind picked up Saturday night. My son's scouting skills paid off as his tent was the only one not blown down or blown away. Tent anchors would have been handy. Settled for rocks.
There were a few other campers in the wash. Couple of RVs were closer to the paved road. One camper we could see, they were using a roof-top tent. Would have been nice if there had been just a little farther away, out of sight.
Sunday packed up and back to civilization.
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4/29/2023
Topic:
oldBayHiker
oldBayHikerPosts: 2
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Howdy,
Chula Vista resident. Moved here just a couple of years ago. Have done quite a bit of hiking in the coastal mountains and through the Lagunas, looking to expand out in the desert. Have done just a couple of hikes and camping trips. Have a Tacoma 4x4, so able to get off the beaten path. So far have camped in Tamarisk Grove and June Wash and hiked Whale, Diablo, culp valley, and pictographs.
From Culp Valley Loop, my first time into Anza Borrego.
Look forward to learning more about this great place in our backyard!
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4/25/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
tekewinPosts: 348
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Curious to know what's on it.
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4/23/2023
Topic:
Notify
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Sorry for the delay this should be fixed.
Britain wrote:
Is this missing now on forum posts?
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4/13/2023
Topic:
Notify
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Let me look into it
Britain wrote:
Is this missing now on forum posts?
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Notify
BritainPosts: 568
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Is this missing now on forum posts?
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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surfponto wrote:
I had to add an https to your images since they weren't loading for me
Not sure if anyone else was having that issue
My picture storage is not a https only http. Not sure what happened to the pictures they were working when posted. Thanks for the head up.
Left the cam alone Ill check next year for a card.
EDIT Got an ssl cert now https
edited by Britain on 4/11/2023
edited by Britain on 4/11/2023
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Pholisma arenarium
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Looks like they are going after those Woolly Daisies. Nice closeups
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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I had to add an https to your images since they weren't loading for me
Not sure if anyone else was having that issue
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Hey I really appreciate it. Labor of love 😀
rockhopper wrote:
The rain dance worked! Keep the photos coming and a big thanks to surfponto for keeping this most excellent site up and running.
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4/11/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Guessing it is no longer functioning 😉
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4/9/2023
Topic:
Pholisma arenarium
BritainPosts: 568
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Root Parasite. Lives off of other plants.
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4/9/2023
Topic:
Trail Cam from long ago.
BritainPosts: 568
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Stumbled on someones long forgotten trail cam. SO old the plastics has melted.
 
edited by surfponto on 4/11/2023
edited by Britain on 4/11/2023
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4/7/2023
Topic:
Anza-Borrego Desert Region GPX files?
Rocko1Posts: 574
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kylekai wrote:
Well I finally decided to make my own iOS ABSP hiking app. It's in development now, but here's how it looks so far: http://modesittsoftware.com/Hikes/. The app will contain TOPO maps of the area, so you'll be able to view the maps offline. I've obtained permission from Modern Hiker http://www.modernhiker.com/area-maps/anza-borrego-desert-state-park/ to include their hikes in the app.
If anyone has any GPX files of hikes they've taken in ABSP and would like to see them in the app, let me know. The GPX file can include a link back to the contributor's site if desired. I'll probably charge a few dollars for the app in the App Store to cover development costs. Comments welcome!
I loved this app. Why did it get removed from the IOS app store?
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4/4/2023
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
rockhopperPosts: 667
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The rain dance worked! Keep the photos coming and a big thanks to surfponto for keeping this most excellent site up and running.
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4/4/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
rockhopperPosts: 667
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Nice hike. I always wanted to do the southern route. Thanks for the motivation!
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3/30/2023
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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I am the same way.
I rarely go north of Scissors Crossing. Really need to change that.
Brian wrote:
Nice! I don't think I've been to Indian Gorge at all this season. Or Fish Creek for that matter. Sometimes I get caught up in certain areas of the park and neglect others.
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3/29/2023
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
BrianPosts: 194
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Nice! I don't think I've been to Indian Gorge at all this season. Or Fish Creek for that matter. Sometimes I get caught up in certain areas of the park and neglect others.
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3/29/2023
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Took another quick overnighter to see the wildflower and cactus bloom progression.
Not quite peaking but here are some of the blooms we found.
It's going to be a great spring in Anza Borrego 👍
Beavertail Cactus in Indian Gorge
Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus Indian Gorge
Buckhorn Cholla
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3/23/2023
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Borrego Springs - Regional Decarbonization Framework
Reminiscent of the Sunrise Powerlink battle as some of you might remember, Borrego Springs has been designated a low-cost option for industrial-size solar farms. Of course with this comes miles and miles of transmission lines to pipe the power to the populated areas.
A petition is circulating to delay the San Diego County Board of Supervisors' vote on the Regional Decarbonization Plan until independent consultants update the Technical Report.
Please sign below and/or add your thoughts :
Thanks,
Bob
Sign The Petition
edited by surfponto on 3/23/2023
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3/17/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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I am really glad you guys have been utilizing this forum 👍
Also want to thank Daren for helping manage it over the years.
My https://anzaborrego.net domain name will be 20 years old on April 03 and the forum started up in 2009
tommy750 wrote:
tekewin wrote:
Very impressive trip! I don't think I've seen that route before, but wasn't on the forum back in 2011.
You really have an eye for native artifacts. I'm sure I walk by treasures all the time in complete ignorance.
Was a casual weekend peakbagger till stumbling on this forum a decade ago and realizing everyone here had a real curiosity of the fauna/flora/geology/artifacts around them. Seems obvious, but have to say it really changed my perspective. Thanks everyone!
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3/16/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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tekewin wrote:
Very impressive trip! I don't think I've seen that route before, but wasn't on the forum back in 2011.
You really have an eye for native artifacts. I'm sure I walk by treasures all the time in complete ignorance.
Was a casual weekend peakbagger till stumbling on this forum a decade ago and realizing everyone here had a real curiosity of the fauna/flora/geology/artifacts around them. Seems obvious, but have to say it really changed my perspective. Thanks everyone!
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3/16/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tekewinPosts: 348
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Very impressive trip! I don't think I've seen that route before, but wasn't on the forum back in 2011.
You really have an eye for native artifacts. I'm sure I walk by treasures all the time in complete ignorance.
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3/16/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Rocko1Posts: 574
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Very nice! Can you explain how a roasting pit differs from say a plain old clearing? I have come across many areas that are cleared of most plant life and rocks but was never sure if was by chance or a real pit.
A roasting pit is going to have fire affected rocks (usually gray/black/sometimes reddish colored) along with ashy soil. They're often on mountain ridges and can be rather pristine or eroded away. If you come upon a nice rock circle of "FAR" filled with a deep layer of ash, it's pretty obvious. Sometimes the rocks are disorganized and the grey ash layer is covered with sediment or overgrown by plants. Have to say my examples of roasting pits are pretty beat up. Daren's trick is to trench the soil layer with your boot heel and see if it reveals the gray soil.
Perfect. Thank you. I have come across a fair number of these areas on ridges and always thought, why is there no rocks or plants in this specific area? Was it a sleeping location previously, roasting pit, etc. They stick out especially when the adjacent areas are thick with flora.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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Rocko1 wrote:
Very nice! Can you explain how a roasting pit differs from say a plain old clearing? I have come across many areas that are cleared of most plant life and rocks but was never sure if was by chance or a real pit.
A roasting pit is going to have fire affected rocks (usually gray/black/sometimes reddish colored) along with ashy soil. They're often on mountain ridges and can be rather pristine or eroded away. If you come upon a nice rock circle of "FAR" filled with a deep layer of ash, it's pretty obvious. Sometimes the rocks are disorganized and the grey ash layer is covered with sediment or overgrown by plants. Have to say my examples of roasting pits are pretty beat up. Daren's trick is to trench the soil layer with your boot heel and see if it reveals the gray soil.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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Brian wrote:
That's an ambitious route for a dayhike. I love seeing reports of routes that are rarely visited. Nice to know there are a few of those left.
Definitely like backpacking for that reason, much more loiter time to explore since no pressure to get back home.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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surfponto wrote:
Some beautiful desert backcountry. Looks like you had great weather
Was nice and cool but a speck breezy for my taste. Still went through 3 liters.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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ziphius wrote:
Good-looking trip Tom. That pestle is the largest I've seen out there. I miss the Sawtooth spine, spent the better part of a day kicking around up there once. Amazing what you can detect for confirm from satellite imagery. Once saw two bighorn rams side by side, drinking at a guzzler on satellite.
I still remember your pic of the two sheep! That was a nice find.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Bob SPosts: 7
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Lake City 1971
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
BrianPosts: 194
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That's an ambitious route for a dayhike. I love seeing reports of routes that are rarely visited. Nice to know there are a few of those left.
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Some beautiful desert backcountry. Looks like you had great weather
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3/15/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Very nice! Can you explain how a roasting pit differs from say a plain old clearing? I have come across many areas that are cleared of most plant life and rocks but was never sure if was by chance or a real pit.
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3/14/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
ziphiusPosts: 911
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Good-looking trip Tom. That pestle is the largest I've seen out there. I miss the Sawtooth spine, spent the better part of a day kicking around up there once. Amazing what you can detect for confirm from satellite imagery. Once saw two bighorn rams side by side, drinking at a guzzler on satellite.
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3/14/2023
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1029
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Haven't been up Whale in quite a while but always wanted to explore the flats to the east and southeast. Figured I'd try the Bisnaga Alta route, a southern approach I first head about on this forum when Daren did it in 10/2011. Unfortunately the pics are no longer hosted but Daren sent me his route which was a way tougher loop hike. Googled the route and even looked at the last 50 or so PeakBagger gps entries and zero hits for the Bisnaga route.
 123_1 by tomteske, on Flickr
Was a cool somewhat cloudy day and very windy near the top. A look back at the Sawtooth spine about two miles up Bisnaga Alta wash.
 Sawtooth Spine by tomteske, on Flickr
Still a little snow on at least the north facing Lagunas.
 Nine Miles Away by tomteske, on Flickr
Was assuming the route was not that popular but noted fresh vehicles tracks at the Bisnaga turn out and two sets of prints heading up/down the wash maybe the first 3-4 miles. At about mile 3, a third set of prints appeared. Here they are with better lighting on the descent, size 14 boots for scale. Not sure where the two hikers went but didn't see anymore of their prints.
 IMG_2979 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_2982 by tomteske, on Flickr
Nice succulent.
 IMG_2923 by tomteske, on Flickr
Thought I spotted a native trail heading out of the flat above Bisnaga Alta on GE and maybe found bits of it. Here's a rather well preserved section.
 IMG_2945 by tomteske, on Flickr
The view toward the flat.
 IMG_2942 by tomteske, on Flickr
Found a dozen or so roasting pits on the way up and with the sun fading, kinda quit counting on the way down. Some are almost easier to see on GE. Here's RP-8 and the view from space. You can even see the slick on the boulder from the satellite image (red arrow)
 IMG_2949 by tomteske, on Flickr
 RP-8 by tomteske, on Flickr
Another roasting pit a bit farther up.
 IMG_2952 by tomteske, on Flickr
 RP-10 by tomteske, on Flickr
At the top there were a lot of downer trees looking like they'd been ripped out of the ground and tossed presumably by some ferocious winds.
 IMG_2954 by tomteske, on Flickr
Explored around one of the flats and found a couple rock shelters with cultural stuff. Nice mortero and pestle.
 IMG_2956 by tomteske, on Flickr
Didn't spend as much time as I'd hoped exploring the flats since I wanted to get down to the wash before dark. Here's a historical .50 cal artifact a long way from the Carrizo Impact Area.
 IMG_2973 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_2974 by tomteske, on Flickr
A little less that 13 miles and about 3700 ft g/l. Another nice day in the desert. Enjoy!
 IMG_2984 by tomteske, on Flickr
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2/27/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
tekewinPosts: 348
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Nice trip!
I was wondering about the water level at second crossing with all the rain we've had. Nice to know it was passable. Who knows after this last set of storms. I love Collins Valley.
I got lucky and was able to do a number of hikes out of Los Coyotes before they had any driving restrictions. I got Square Top from there, probably the shortest route. Also Palm Mesa, Pike BM, and Cody BM.
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2/27/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
tekewinPosts: 348
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Brian wrote:
Man, there's so much to explore in the Santa Rosas. I've only done a little bit on the east and north sides (basically both ends of the Cactus Spring Trail). I have a nice map of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument that I got at the visitor center at the bottom of the Pines to Palms HWY. Every time I look at that map, I just see lots of places I want to explore.
Yeah, especially the east side of Santa Rosa for me. I've only been to a few of the major peaks there.
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2/27/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
tekewinPosts: 348
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Rocko1 wrote:
Very cool views up there. That's a bit too far of a drive for me. My back can hardly take driving to Borrego Springs these days lol.
I've resigned myself to long drives. I like doing new mountains if possible, but the radius for new stuff keeps getting wider. The first time I drove to Indianhead (2 hrs 15 min one way), I thought I won't do many drives that long again. Bzzzt! My tolerance is higher now, record day hike drive so far is about 4 hours one way to the SLO area. At some point, overnight becomes mandatory, just for safety driving home.
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2/27/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
tekewinPosts: 348
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rockhopper wrote:
Very nice hike. Brian is right. There is a lot to explore in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto wilderness. The PCT thru the San Jacinto's is a favorite.
Looks like you scored a perfect day for your hike!
Got lucky considering the weather we've had this year.
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2/24/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
BrianPosts: 194
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rockhopper wrote:
Nice adventure Brian. I like the story of the Japanize tourists. Los Coyote reservation access has jeep trails heading toward the direction Coyote canyon. We went to hike up to Hot Springs Mountain. San Diego's counties highest peak. Later we drove and hiked east to some great overlooks into Sheep / Coyote canyon. Looked like it would be a tough scramble down.
I've also hiked to Hot Springs MTN. Unfortunately, some time in the past few years the reservation gated off the road just past the campground and it's now their policy that Hot Springs MTN is the only hike that's allowed on the reservation (for non-residents anyway). There are a number of interesting hikes that could leave from there that I know about now and I wish I had done before that restriction was put in place.
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2/24/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
rockhopperPosts: 667
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Nice adventure Brian. I like the story of the Japanize tourists. Los Coyote reservation access has jeep trails heading toward the direction Coyote canyon. We went to hike up to Hot Springs Mountain. San Diego's counties highest peak. Later we drove and hiked east to some great overlooks into Sheep / Coyote canyon. Looked like it would be a tough scramble down.
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2/23/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
BrianPosts: 194
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Rocko1 wrote:
Cool trip. Looks like you had decent weather as well. How deep did the water come up on your Sub?
It was great weather. Got a few sprinkles while I was setting up my tent, then it stopped.
Hard to say about the water level. I didn't see any evidence of water on the trim below the doors. I spent a lot of time watching other cars drive through and even took my shoes off and waded around to find any deep spots. At second crossing I favored the left side going in and at third crossing I favored the right. I think that avoided some spots where I saw other vehicles sink in more.
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2/23/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Cool trip. Looks like you had decent weather as well. How deep did the water come up on your Sub?
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2/23/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
BufordPosts: 446
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Very nice. That is one way to access the Palm Mesa area I’ve always been curious about. Always worried about the brush. I’ve seen the old maps showing the trail up.
Boulder alley was a mess in December. About as bad as it has been in the last couple years. I was able to drive over and almost no one was in Collins Valley which was really nice. However, all the road grading equipment was parked at the bottom and the road leading up was just graded. They must have just graded Boulder Alley right after. It was definitely not Subaru passable then. I have mixed feelings about how accessible they have made it the last couple years.
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2/22/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
BrianPosts: 194
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Scooter wrote:
on Friday did Schad's route from Box Canyon over to Hidden Springs. Have never done this before. Really cool to follow the old Native American trail that is still in great shape.
I've done that route in 2 halves. The first half was going from Box canyon up to one of the playas where I camped. I remember that one very well because I went up on the day the state shut down for the pandemic. There's hardly a more isolated place to camp so it was a nice spot to get away from the craziness, but I didn't know what I would find when I went back down. Then last year Rocko1 and I went up to the playas from the Butler Canyon side so that I could see the rest of the route.
Scooter wrote:
Wish the bypass road was not as well maintained. A lot more traffic up there.
I have mixed feelings. It's nice when I can drive in with my Subaru rather than the long road walk hiking in. But it certainly does increase the traffic. If the last few years are any indication, it won't take long for boulder alley to be back in a condition that isn't driveable for a car like mine, so I guees everyone gets a bit of what they want at different times.
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2/22/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
ScooterPosts: 109
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Brian... missed you by a few days. Went out and camped at the mouth of Cougar canyon for three days. Hiked South Fork Sheep's Canyon, Hiked Cougar and on Friday did Schad's route from Box Canyon over to Hidden Springs. Have never done this before. Really cool to follow the old Native American trail that is still in great shape. While on top we were talking about your route up to Dawns. Very impressive !! Very large mountain lion tracks in Box Canyon.
Even though I moved to Arizona, I still get about four trips to Borrego each year.
Wish the bypass road was not as well maintained. A lot more traffic up there. Funny a lot of Jeeps come up and just turn around and leave.
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2/22/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Very cool.
Thanks for posting the route. That is crazy about the tourists! Doesn't sound like they had [planned out their trip very well. 🤔
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2/22/2023
Topic:
Indian Canyon
BrianPosts: 194
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On Sunday of President's day weekend, I drove into Collins Valley. Turns out a lot of other people had the same idea! I've never seen so much traffic on Coyote Canyon Road. When I was driving out Monday, I waited at first crossing while 11 cars passed on their way in. Luckily most people didn't go beyond second crossing, but a lot of people did stop there and hang out. Unfortunately that meant I had an audience of onlookers as I negotiated my Crosstrek through the water crossing. But that went fine and boulder alley was in the best shape I've ever seen it (although I had to deal with oncoming traffic in the middle of it both on the way in and the way out).
My knees haven't quite recovered from the Dawn's Peak hike, so I didn't do much hiking but I did explore Indian Canyon to get a feel for what I could do on a future trip. On Sunday night I found a nice camp site far away from the mob who were at Sheep Camp. All I heard was the sound of frogs in the stream below.
I had been looking at an old native trail on a map that climbs a ridge out of the canyon, but it became apparent that just getting to the base of the ridge was going to involve a lot of bushwhacking. This is what the canyon looked like just past the split with Bennis Bowl.
Monday morning I started up a ridge that had a gentle slope, good footing and great views. Some time I'd like to return and continue all the way up to Palm Mesa.
My final stop of the weekend was a brief detour into the bottom of Cougar Canyon. I had explored this before, but it was 10 years ago. I had a very interesting encounter with a group (possibly Japanese tourists?) who had rappelled down the canyon and were on their way out that morning. They were telling me how cold it had been that night, which confused me because I think it was probably mid-40s. Then they mentioned "but we found a cave to stay in, so we survived." It was then I realized they hadn't brought any tents or sleeping bags. They had intended to do the whole thing the day before, but it took longer than expected. They had horror stories about how it had taken all day just to go a mile and their parting words were "don't rappel, it's no fun."
Naturally I was curious how they got to the head of the canyon (the only way I know would be through the Los Coyotes reservation). They told me about a wiki page that has the route and it turned out I had a pic of the approach they would have taken. They would have climbed the wall up to the notch in the center/top of this pic.
Here's the wiki page with the route:
http://ropewiki.com/Cougar_Canyon_(Anza_Borrego_Desert)
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2/21/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
Rocko1Posts: 574
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rockhopper wrote:
Very nice hike. Brian is right. There is a lot to explore in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto wilderness. The PCT thru the San Jacinto's is a favorite.
Looks like you scored a perfect day for your hike!
I would love to do the PCT section from San Jacinto south to Warner Springs. I could do without the climb from the 10 frwy up to San Jacinto though.
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2/20/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
rockhopperPosts: 667
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Very nice hike. Brian is right. There is a lot to explore in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto wilderness. The PCT thru the San Jacinto's is a favorite.
Looks like you scored a perfect day for your hike!
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2/20/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Looks like a great area to explore. Thanks for sharing tekewin
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2/15/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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I bet. I try to avoid weekends if at all possible 😉
That area did have a lot of flowers when I was out there a couple weeks back.
We were out Monday night near Jojoba Wash and the wind was crazy.
Ended up cutting our trip short.
Driving home, I have never experience that much wind up near the summit at Campo.
Watching the storm clouds to the west
Desert Poppies in Torote Canyon
Britain wrote:
Carrizo creek north side end on Canyon Sin Nombre had a lot of flowers. The weekend I took the picture is was a zoo out there.
edited by surfponto on 2/15/2023
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2/14/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
BrianPosts: 194
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Man, there's so much to explore in the Santa Rosas. I've only done a little bit on the east and north sides (basically both ends of the Cactus Spring Trail). I have a nice map of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument that I got at the visitor center at the bottom of the Pines to Palms HWY. Every time I look at that map, I just see lots of places I want to explore.
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2/14/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Very cool views up there. That's a bit too far of a drive for me. My back can hardly take driving to Borrego Springs these days lol.
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2/14/2023
Topic:
Haystack Mountain
tekewinPosts: 348
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I recently discovered Haystack Mountain in the Santa Rosa foothills. The starting point was the Art Smith Trailhead in Palm Desert. The trail was well groomed and started up in earnest through rock piles and varieties of cactus. Barrel cactus in particular seemed to love this area and got larger as I went up. I passed a couple of splinter trails that descended to residential areas. About 2.5 miles in, I reached a palm oasis which seems to be a popular destination.
A little more than 3 miles in, I left the trail and headed toward Haystack. There were multiple ridge line options, but the second ridge seemed the most uniform. Once I gained the ridge, there were 4 peaklets to overcome. Each had a steep section, then the slope leveled off until the next one. The final peaklet was class 3 but had a bypass on the right. The final mile gained 1300'. When I got off the ridge, it was an easy quarter mile walk up. The summit had a large cairn and a register that went back to 2010. I was surprised how often it had been visited, maybe 10 people a year. A reference mark and benchmark were not placed by the USGS, but by the US Army War Department in 1951. I found the views on top superlative. San Jacinto and Gorgonio maintained their winter snow coats, but were looking less covered than last month.
San J and San G.
LaQuinta ridge with several fun peaks
Martinez (left) and Toro (right), and I think one of the bumps in the middle is 6582.
Descent
No wild life this trip. 10 miles, 3400'. I think you can hike to it from the other side on Dunn Road, longer but less gain.
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2/13/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BritainPosts: 568
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Carrizo creek north side end on Canyon Sin Nombre had a lot of flowers. The weekend I took the picture is was a zoo out there.
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2/13/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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rockhopper wrote:
Nice Trip. You're really clocking off the miles Rocko1 !! First time we climbed Whale was in January snow. We used the snow melt for water. I have an old film photo of us in a snowball fight somewhere.
That is sweet!
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2/11/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
rockhopperPosts: 667
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Nice Trip. You're really clocking off the miles Rocko1 !! First time we climbed Whale was in January snow. We used the snow melt for water. I have an old film photo of us in a snowball fight somewhere.
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2/10/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Buford wrote:
Well done! Hiking in desert snow is magic.
That is the perfect description. When I was working my way up the canyon the first patch of snow I saw I got excited like a when I was a child, it only got better as snow increased.
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2/9/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
tommy750Posts: 1029
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Very nice, Rocko 1! A favorite hiking memory is descending Whale some years ago while it lightly snowed. Very serene.
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2/9/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
BufordPosts: 446
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Well done! Hiking in desert snow is magic.
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2/9/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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surfponto wrote:
I like the snow picture at the top with the elevation sign. Looks like a great hike.
edited by surfponto on 2/9/2023
It's one of my favorite areas.
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2/9/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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I like the snow picture at the top with the elevation sign. Looks like a great hike.
edited by surfponto on 2/9/2023
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2/7/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Brian wrote:
I've never gone up Pinyon. That's a nice view of the northern part of the park.
I love driving along S-2 when the Lagunas have snow. Makes a nice contrast with the desert.
It really does. I was super stoked to hike in the desert snow-been wanting to do that for a long time, it's just the timing never worked out.
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2/7/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
BrianPosts: 194
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I've never gone up Pinyon. That's a nice view of the northern part of the park.
I love driving along S-2 when the Lagunas have snow. Makes a nice contrast with the desert.
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2/7/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 574
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Had the day off Friday so I needed a short workout hike and thought I would go to my old favorite-Whale via Little Blair Valley. I started seeing snow at about 4,000ft. Trail was mostly clear except for a few of steep sections-those had a good covering of snow/ice. Made it interesting for sure. Stopped by a native cave that is very protected. I went back from the summit the regular route to Pinyon Mtn Road and then up to Pinyon Mountain. Great views to the north and east from here. I then dropped down to PMR from the peak which was tough. Loose DG mixed with softball size rocks and ridiculous amount of agave plants and their dead stalks which are really good at tripping me. Followed the road back then cut across and connected to the canyons near Shake BM to the car. If you are doing Pinyon I suggest going up from the west-steep- and coming down on the east ridge-much more gradual and less obstacles. Pinyon Mtn Road looked to be in good shape except for one spot that may give 2wd an issue.
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2/7/2023
Topic:
6582
Rocko1Posts: 574
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rockhopper wrote:
Congrats. Great trip report. Thanks for sharing the route map. I like it!
One thing-after you leave RHC and follow the wash up to the north western ridge going up to Dawns, don't leave the wash until the ridge starts climbing. On our way up we left the ridge about 1/2 mile early and the terrain is not fun-boulder hoping, cactus. Much easier to take the wash all the way until the canyon walls on the south start climbing steeply, then gain the ridge and go up.
edited by Rocko1 on 2/7/2023
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2/6/2023
Topic:
6582
rockhopperPosts: 667
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Congrats. Great trip report. Thanks for sharing the route map. I like it!
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Thanks I was trying to get a shot of the moon and Jupiter and realized the Ocotillo was more interesting 😀
Brian wrote:
surfponto wrote:
Did a quick write up
https://www.anzaborrego.net/2023/02/03/winter-wildflower-search-in-anza-borrego/
Pardon the grammar 😫
I love that "ocotillo illuminated by my bonfire" shot in the write up.
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1306
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Apparently the City of Lake Elsinore is taking steps to stop Poppygeddon.
They closed Walker Canyon trail. I was able to check out some of the poppies on an adjacent hill but word has it you can't park anywhere near there or they will ticket.
Buford wrote:
Definitely starting to see lots of people out there this weekend. I am probably going to avoid the usual flower spots at the north end of the park for a while.
Sand verbena and primrose were widespread. Sunflowers in some areas. Strange it isn't all that green in some of the flower fields. Other areas are very green. Hopefully no flowergeddon like a couple years ago.
edited by surfponto on 2/5/2023
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