11 hours ago
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
BrianPosts: 191
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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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13 hours ago
Topic:
Cacti are blooming in southern Anza Borrego
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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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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6 days ago
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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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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12 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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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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13 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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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13 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tekewinPosts: 344
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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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13 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Rocko1Posts: 571
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Bob SPosts: 7
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Lake City 1971
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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
BrianPosts: 191
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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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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Some beautiful desert backcountry. Looks like you had great weather
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14 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
Rocko1Posts: 571
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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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15 days ago
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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15 days ago
Topic:
Bisnaga Alta to Near Whale Peak
tommy750Posts: 1027
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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: 344
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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: 344
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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: 344
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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: 344
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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: 191
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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: 665
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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: 191
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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: 571
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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: 445
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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: 191
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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: 1297
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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: 191
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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: 571
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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: 665
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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: 1297
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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: 1297
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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: 191
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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: 571
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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: 344
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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: 555
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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: 571
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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: 665
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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: 571
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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: 1027
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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: 445
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Well done! Hiking in desert snow is magic.
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2/9/2023
Topic:
White Whale/Pinyon
Rocko1Posts: 571
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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: 1297
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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: 571
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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: 191
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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: 571
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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: 571
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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: 665
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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: 1297
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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: 1297
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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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2/5/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Really nice pictures
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2/5/2023
Topic:
6582
BufordPosts: 445
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Brian wrote:
Buford wrote:
I have always been able to get my vehicle to the end of the Rockhouse Truck Trail even when it is in bad condition. However, it is not any quicker than walking.
I remember seeing your truck parked at the end one time last year when it turned out we were both exploring different areas that started from there.
The weird thing about the last section of road now is that there are spots where I can't tell where the road is supposed to be (along with spots where I know it used to be somewhere else but now has a new route).
I have driven to the end about a half dozen times. First experience was with one of the old timers in the dark. A number of the times have actually been in the dark. The road always changes depending on the last flood. I have full skid plates plus rock sliders and definitely have used them there. Sometimes there are branches of the road that eventually meetup and it is not clear which is "official."
From what you have said, I am surprised more people don't do 6582 via Rockhouse instead of the Schad route. I have been on the ridge between Rabbit and 6582. It got brushy really quick north of Rabbit.
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2/5/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BufordPosts: 445
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New shots, nothing great...
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BrianPosts: 191
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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:
6582
BrianPosts: 191
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Buford wrote:
I have always been able to get my vehicle to the end of the Rockhouse Truck Trail even when it is in bad condition. However, it is not any quicker than walking.
I remember seeing your truck parked at the end one time last year when it turned out we were both exploring different areas that started from there.
The weird thing about the last section of road now is that there are spots where I can't tell where the road is supposed to be (along with spots where I know it used to be somewhere else but now has a new route).
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2/5/2023
Topic:
6582
BufordPosts: 445
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Brian wrote:
Buford wrote:
Nice. Going up the gentler Rockhouse approach must take some of the sting out of that final climb. Still, no way it is easy. Is Rockhouse longer mileage wise?
Was the register there? It was in 2019 when I did 6582, but the recent report from Tekewin indicates it disappeared.
I think the mileage would be about the same as the traditional route IF one's vehicle could make it to the road end (which is pretty screwed up right now - we didn't see any evidence of recent tire tracks for about the last 1.5 miles). Since I parked in my usual spot at the Rockhouse/Butler split, our route was 6 miles longer than the traditional route (but those extra miles are essentially road walking).
We didn't find any register. We might have spent more time looking if not for the persistent blasts of cold wind that were encouraging us to get on our way.
That definitely looks like a more efficient route than Schad. I think part of the point of Schad's route is to take you by the Corp BM area and explore the canyon on the way up.
Cool bighorn find.
I have always been able to get my vehicle to the end of the Rockhouse Truck Trail even when it is in bad condition. However, it is not any quicker than walking.
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BufordPosts: 445
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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.
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Did a quick write up
https://www.anzaborrego.net/2023/02/03/winter-wildflower-search-in-anza-borrego/
Pardon the grammar 😫
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2/5/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Nice. This looks similar to where I was.
I imagine this weekend was a little busy out there.
Britain wrote:
Lots of flowers.
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2/3/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BritainPosts: 555
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Lots of flowers.
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2/2/2023
Topic:
6582
Rocko1Posts: 571
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tekewin wrote:
Great hike and photos! Glad you made it.
When Henry and I visited, we didn't find the register, but didn't know it was located in the base of the cairn. It might have been there. We left another in the open that maybe was removed or added to the original. These photos kind of want to make me go back, but I also remember how I felt coming down. Haha.
The bighorn carcass was a great find.
On thing being up there really solidified is actually how far away Rabbit and Village look. Knowing how thick the brush can be it seems to be a very daunting task to get to them.
Yeah, they both looked a long way off. Crazy that some people have traversed the entire ridge in one go.
There was some broken red plastic pieces near the cairn, maybe from another register?
I was pleasantly surprised at the difficulty level of the climb was after reading all the reports. I thought I would be climbing on hands and knees but it wasn't so bad. A bit steeper than going up from Stifferino to the ridge in my opinion. 2 hours up from the 4,600ft mark with a few breaks. Maybe the northwestern ridge that we took was the easier route. I am sure day hiking I would just be wrecked.
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2/1/2023
Topic:
6582
tekewinPosts: 344
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Great hike and photos! Glad you made it.
When Henry and I visited, we didn't find the register, but didn't know it was located in the base of the cairn. It might have been there. We left another in the open that maybe was removed or added to the original. These photos kind of want to make me go back, but I also remember how I felt coming down. Haha.
The bighorn carcass was a great find.
On thing being up there really solidified is actually how far away Rabbit and Village look. Knowing how thick the brush can be it seems to be a very daunting task to get to them.
Yeah, they both looked a long way off. Crazy that some people have traversed the entire ridge in one go.
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1/31/2023
Topic:
6582
BrianPosts: 191
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I forgot about that unfortunate former resident of the Hidden Springs metropolitan area.
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1/31/2023
Topic:
6582
Rocko1Posts: 571
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Was a fun trip for sure. Setting up camp at 4,600ft was a good choice as it broke up the climb into two days. A few more pics.
View from the top-https://imgur.com/kpUUq3D
Hidden Spring had water flowing out of the rock https://imgur.com/KBSZ6a3
On thing being up there really solidified is actually how far away Rabbit and Village look. Knowing how thick the brush can be it seems to be a very daunting task to get to them.
Album https://imgur.com/a/RChvH21
edited by Rocko1 on 1/31/2023
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1/29/2023
Topic:
6582
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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The pictures from the top are awesome.
Great job.
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1/29/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Was nice. Didn't find my phone but we were out early enough so we were able to explore by ourselves.
Quite a display down south.
My wife was really happy that I dragged her along. 😉
edited by surfponto on 1/29/2023
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1/29/2023
Topic:
6582
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2569
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I remember the register was buried at the bottom of the cairn in the rocks and was hard to find, I almost gave up looking for it the first time I went there. Perhaps it is still there and just not found.
Nice TR, wish I could have joined you.
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1/28/2023
Topic:
6582
BrianPosts: 191
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Buford wrote:
Nice. Going up the gentler Rockhouse approach must take some of the sting out of that final climb. Still, no way it is easy. Is Rockhouse longer mileage wise?
Was the register there? It was in 2019 when I did 6582, but the recent report from Tekewin indicates it disappeared.
I think the mileage would be about the same as the traditional route IF one's vehicle could make it to the road end (which is pretty screwed up right now - we didn't see any evidence of recent tire tracks for about the last 1.5 miles). Since I parked in my usual spot at the Rockhouse/Butler split, our route was 6 miles longer than the traditional route (but those extra miles are essentially road walking).
We didn't find any register. We might have spent more time looking if not for the persistent blasts of cold wind that were encouraging us to get on our way.
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1/28/2023
Topic:
6582
BufordPosts: 445
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Nice. Going up the gentler Rockhouse approach must take some of the sting out of that final climb. Still, no way it is easy. Is Rockhouse longer mileage wise?
Was the register there? It was in 2019 when I did 6582, but the recent report from Tekewin indicates it disappeared.
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1/28/2023
Topic:
6582
BrianPosts: 191
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Thanks Scooter, nice to see you here again.
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1/28/2023
Topic:
6582
ScooterPosts: 109
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Great trip report !! That is one tough hike. You have to really love the desert to climb Dawns. Great job. Nice pictures
Have done Dawns as a day hike and overnight. Not sure I could do the day hike again. Thanks for the report.
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1/28/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Agreed.
Saw a total of 3 people the whole day but I am sure this weekend will be busy.
Heading out early today for phone search and to show my wife the flowers 🌸🌻
Will keep everyone posted
Bob
Buford wrote:
surfponto wrote:
Buford wrote:
Things have been blooming since November from the fall rains. Lots of verbena, primrose, poppies, and desert sunflowers. It looked like the winter bloom was actually winding down a couple weeks ago with stuff going to seed. Spring bloom may just be getting growing. Everything was green a couple weeks ago. Despite all the rain in the city, not sure how much made it to the desert floor. Don’t know how good spring will be.
Great thanks,
Just got back from the southern area and there were a lot of Sand Verbena, primrose in some of the washes.
Unfortunately i lost my phone with all my pictures near the Vallecito Creek turn off on my way out. 😫
it was a crazy trip, saw two overturned 18-wheelers off the 8 near the Tecate divide on my way out and then dropped into Ocotillo to find hundreds of semis parked along the S2 waiting out the wind.
Going to head out again tomorrow for another phone search but I think it is futile at this point.
Windy!
Yeah, the verbena and primrose were still strong. The sunflowers and daisy's and other items had mainly already gone to seed a couple weeks ago in some of the washes I was in. Flowers are nice, flowergeddon is not.
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1/27/2023
Topic:
6582
BrianPosts: 191
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Last year I was doing a hike of the plateaus above Clark Lake and I descended the ridge that Schad recommends as an approach for a hike to Dawn's. The whole way down that steep ridge, I kept thinking "this is the last thing I'd want to be doing after summiting Dawn's." After some good advice from Sicco Rood, I decided the Rockhouse Canyon approach would be viable for me. I knew I could make it to a base camp at the base of the ridge. I wasn't fully convinced of my ability to make it up that final ridge until I was actually up there. Rocko1 improved on my game plan by coming up with a base camp part way up the ridge, meaning we would "only" have to climb 2000' on the morning of day 2. That helped a lot.
Pre-dawn view of a snowy Toro as seen from base camp. We had originally planned this trip for the previous weekend, but delayed it due to weather. Good call!
Our accommodations.
Climbing (I can't get any pics of Rocko1 climbing since he's always ahead).
The views.
edited by Brian on 1/27/2023
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1/27/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BufordPosts: 445
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surfponto wrote:
Buford wrote:
Things have been blooming since November from the fall rains. Lots of verbena, primrose, poppies, and desert sunflowers. It looked like the winter bloom was actually winding down a couple weeks ago with stuff going to seed. Spring bloom may just be getting growing. Everything was green a couple weeks ago. Despite all the rain in the city, not sure how much made it to the desert floor. Don’t know how good spring will be.
Great thanks,
Just got back from the southern area and there were a lot of Sand Verbena, primrose in some of the washes.
Unfortunately i lost my phone with all my pictures near the Vallecito Creek turn off on my way out. 😫
it was a crazy trip, saw two overturned 18-wheelers off the 8 near the Tecate divide on my way out and then dropped into Ocotillo to find hundreds of semis parked along the S2 waiting out the wind.
Going to head out again tomorrow for another phone search but I think it is futile at this point.
Windy!
Yeah, the verbena and primrose were still strong. The sunflowers and daisy's and other items had mainly already gone to seed a couple weeks ago in some of the washes I was in. Flowers are nice, flowergeddon is not.
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1/27/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Buford wrote:
Things have been blooming since November from the fall rains. Lots of verbena, primrose, poppies, and desert sunflowers. It looked like the winter bloom was actually winding down a couple weeks ago with stuff going to seed. Spring bloom may just be getting growing. Everything was green a couple weeks ago. Despite all the rain in the city, not sure how much made it to the desert floor. Don’t know how good spring will be.
Great thanks,
Just got back from the southern area and there were a lot of Sand Verbena, primrose in some of the washes.
Unfortunately i lost my phone with all my pictures near the Vallecito Creek turn off on my way out. 😫
it was a crazy trip, saw two overturned 18-wheelers off the 8 near the Tecate divide on my way out and then dropped into Ocotillo to find hundreds of semis parked along the S2 waiting out the wind.
Going to head out again tomorrow for another phone search but I think it is futile at this point.
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1/25/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
BufordPosts: 445
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Things have been blooming since November from the fall rains. Lots of verbena, primrose, poppies, and desert sunflowers. It looked like the winter bloom was actually winding down a couple weeks ago with stuff going to seed. Spring bloom may just be getting growing. Everything was green a couple weeks ago. Despite all the rain in the city, not sure how much made it to the desert floor. Don’t know how good spring will be.
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1/25/2023
Topic:
Any flowers or blooms showing in Anza Borrego yet?
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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Have heard some scattered reports of flowers popping up in some of the washes.
Anyone seeing much color out there?
Going to take a quick overnight trip out Thursday somewhere off the S2 to check things out.
Thanks,
Bob
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1/25/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1297
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rockhopper wrote:
Need to hike up Carrizo canyon to those glyphs someday. Thanks for sharing. Retouching up the glyphs? The jury is out with me on that subject. It can go both ways. Preservation vs loss forever.
Hey Guys,
Interesting UT article
I remember the first time I hiked to the Carrizo Gorge pictos. Always liked that spot.
Need to take a day trip out there again.
http://www.anzaborrego.net/2010/03/19/the-hunt-for-the-elusive-carrizo-gorge-pictographs/
I also remember when Daren and I first found the Solstice Cave. That was another fun trip.
Writing this I realize I need to get out to ABDSP more. 🤔
Bob
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1/24/2023
Topic:
Hi there!
rockhopperPosts: 665
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Congrats, Look forward to the trail report. Cheers!
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1/24/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
rockhopperPosts: 665
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Excellent photography Buford. Nat Geo caliber. Keep em' coming.
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1/24/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
rockhopperPosts: 665
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Need to hike up Carrizo canyon to those glyphs someday. Thanks for sharing. Retouching up the glyphs? The jury is out with me on that subject. It can go both ways. Preservation vs loss forever.
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1/23/2023
Topic:
Hi there!
BrianPosts: 191
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Brian wrote:
I'm sadly not in good enough shape to tackle peak 6582 myself
It turns out I was wrong about that, because Rocko1 and I just did it. We used the Rockhouse Canyon route.
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1/16/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BufordPosts: 445
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Cell phone shot. Didn't expect to see a rosy boa out in January.
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1/12/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BufordPosts: 445
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Thanks. Easy morning when the clouds look like that. The key is not to sleep in too long when it is cold out. Only hard part is finding the interesting parts of the lake bed in the dark.
I messed around with some in black and white too.
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1/12/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BritainPosts: 555
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Really nice captures!
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1/12/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BritainPosts: 555
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I wouldnt have thought that the Blue Sun or the other on Indian hill were touched up though Ive heard it from others. The Cart wheel by Montero wash has also been rebuilt from what I've been told. Back when the memorial at the slot had the lighthouse, on the mesa above it was an Indian circle with 2 minor rock formations A spiral and a sunburst like the art at Solstice. This was over 20 years ago. I took the wife there to show her. The area was trashed from off roaders. We looked around for about an hr for them. Then again I wouldnt have known if this was a recently manufactured art. I took some film pictures of the work and I thought I scanned them. If I find them Ill post.
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1/12/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2569
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tommy750 wrote:
The site high up in Potrero is another example reportedly touched up by a local rancher.
If I remember correctly some of those were even "touched up" with a different color.
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1/11/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
tommy750Posts: 1027
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Rocko1 wrote:
Very cool. Have those pictographs been touched up at some point?
Pretty sure those have been touched up. Up close the black "pigment" looks more like liquid asphalt. Rumors abound about the identity of the touch-up artist. There are a few other altered sites in the Anza Borrego area including Little Blair Valley, the Blue Sun Cave and most likely another site in Indian Hill, again, with lots of black pigment over very faded red and yellow pictos. The site high up in Potrero is another example reportedly touched up by a local rancher.
Not sure why it's done, but apparently it's not just a local phenomenon. On a prior trip a speck east of here, I was surprised to see artists overpainting a faded Greek fresco at Ephesus presumably to make it more tourist friendly. As they say, the more popular an archaeological site, the less authentic.
 Ephesus Restoration by tomteske, on Flickr
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1/11/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
tommy750Posts: 1027
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Very nice! Thanks.
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1/11/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
Rocko1Posts: 571
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Awesome!
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1/11/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BufordPosts: 445
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Brian wrote:
Buford wrote:
The UT just had an article that featured the Carrizo Gorge Pictos.
I saw that article. They were talking about how the train would disturb the serenity of the "Solstice Cave" (pretty sure they meant the Blue Sun Cave since the Solstice Cave is nowhere near the tracks) and then had a picture of the Carrizo pictos which is neither of those things.
I noticed the same thing about the article and locations. I was actually there the day the photo in the article took place at Carrizo Gorge Pictographs. I happened to be hiking by as Ernie Cowan and the Native American group was wrapping up their visit. I briefly talked with Ernie.
I even saw a Subaru make it to the end of the road and back without damage, though a couple times it only had 3 wheels on the ground slowly crawling along as I followed.
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1/11/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
tekewinPosts: 344
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New year, awesome start!
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1/10/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BrianPosts: 191
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"6582 just after dawn"
I see what you did there.
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1/10/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BrianPosts: 191
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Buford wrote:
The UT just had an article that featured the Carrizo Gorge Pictos.
I saw that article. They were talking about how the train would disturb the serenity of the "Solstice Cave" (pretty sure they meant the Blue Sun Cave since the Solstice Cave is nowhere near the tracks) and then had a picture of the Carrizo pictos which is neither of those things.
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1/10/2023
Topic:
2023 ABDSP and surrounding areas
BufordPosts: 445
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New year, new thread.
New shots from Sunday, no prizes for guessing the location:
6582 just after dawn
An old picture from a couple years ago. I just had it printed 12x18" on acrylic and hung it on the wall last night. It looks amazing with the bird printing larger than life size and crystal clear.
edited by Buford on 1/10/2023
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1/10/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BufordPosts: 445
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Very nice. Funny how the stuff on the slot memorial keeps changing over the years. The dropoff is supposed to be one way, downhill to prevent it from getting all torn up. Just like the Diablo Dropoff. Doesn't mean there are any signs or that people would follow the posted signs anyway if they existed.
The UT just had an article that featured the Carrizo Gorge Pictos.
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1/10/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BritainPosts: 555
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Rocko1 wrote:
Very cool. Have those pictographs been touched up at some point?
Ive been told some have been touched up.. They look like it also.
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1/10/2023
Topic:
first desert weekend of 2023
BritainPosts: 555
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Brian wrote:
Britain wrote:
LOL we were at the slot for a visit about a month ago. Wife chuckled at the 20 peso note.
Do you drive through when you go? The dropoff that comes after that looked pretty sketchy.
Went down it a year ago. Couldnt get up it. Its really dug up now. Theres 3 ways though to get down now.
Theres the regular straight ahead, theres another to the west and one from long ago thats on the eastern side.
edited by Britain on 1/10/2023
edited by Britain on 1/10/2023
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