Forum Submission Functionality has been restored.

Very sorry for the inconvenience,
Bob

Anza Borrego

ThreadsLatest post

Completed Trips

Talk about a trip you took out to Anza Borrego
638 Piedras Grandes...
6 days ago

Upcoming Trips

Post your upcoming trip out to Anza Borrego here. Great place to organize a group trip.
110 upcoming? Rosa (look...
3/24/2024

Anza Borrego General

Anything about Anza Borrego that does not fit into one of the other forums.
253 Agua Caliente Cultur...
6 days ago

Anza Borrego Flower Report

Latest flower reports from Anza Borrego.
29 Wildflowers starting...
3/21/2024

Product Reviews

Review a product you have used out on the trail
7 I need help finding ...
11/4/2020

Anza Borrego Backcountry

Hard to get places in Anza Borrego which require 4WD or hiking
30 Easiest way to Hellh...
1/20/2020

Anza Borrego Environmental

Environmental issues regarding Anza Borrego
68 Borrego Springs unde...
8/19/2024

Anza Borrego Events

Events happening in and around Anza Borrego
36 Ghosts of the Wilder...
2/29/2024

General

ThreadsLatest post

Introductions

New to the forum or just want to tell us about yourself ?
9 Hey there!...
6 days ago

Desert Photography

Discussions from cameras to what settings to use for that perfect shot
40 2023 ABDSP and surro...
2/5/2023

General Discussion

Topics not related specifically to Anza Borrego
119 Knee replacement...
3/21/2024

4WD Discussions

Talk about your vehicle and vehicle upgrades here. Anza Borrego Off Road
37 Volunteer off road v...
9/8/2022

AnzaBorrego.net

ThreadsLatest post

Forum Info and Feedback

Forum Questions, Suggestions, Wish List, Improvements, Post here
29 Forum issues...
11/22/2021

What's going on

Users online 5   Members 0   Guests 5

Threads 1405   Posts 12009   Members 246

recent posts recent posts - RSS

6 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Piedras Grandes
tekewin wrote:
71, awesome! I feel ya. I hit 60 this year and it feels like it.

I got buzzed by a BP heli on top of Tecate a few years back. On the second pass, it blew a bunch of dust and twigs inside my vehicle since my windows were open. Maybe I shouldn't have waved at them.


LOL the 8 underpass going to Table Mountain I got pulled over by BP. They told me to empty by rig. I politely told them to fk off. Prior weekend I was hiking in the Baja near La Mila. Lost a good pair of lightweight nylon hiking pants from butt scooting down PG. Though ripped in the rear area I still will use them until I can replace them.
6 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Piedras Grandes
71, awesome! I feel ya. I hit 60 this year and it feels like it.

I got buzzed by a BP heli on top of Tecate a few years back. On the second pass, it blew a bunch of dust and twigs inside my vehicle since my windows were open. Maybe I shouldn't have waved at them.
6 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Piedras Grandes
tekewin wrote:
Such a cool area. Why was that helicopter flying so low? Border patrol?

Yes BP. Ive been hitting Piedras Grandes about every 3 days. Im close to the top now. Im At about 2450. Not doing any hill climbing in the last 3 years hasn't done me any good. Most of the steep stuff is done. This hill reminds me of coming down to the Huff BM. Full of cactus and lose rock. Being 71 years young Ill get it the next go around.
6 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Hey there!
HI, Sperry.

Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
6 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Piedras Grandes
Such a cool area. Why was that helicopter flying so low? Border patrol?
6 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!

sperry
sperry
Posts: 2
sperry
sperry
Posts: 2
Topic: Hey there!
Hi Brian,

I'm still working on the exact route since I'm trying to connect some specific locations together and am seeing what looks best while also allowing me to cache water when needed.
6 days ago
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
I've always wondered what the ascent was like from that side. Looks like a more entertaining route than some of the others. Indianhead can be climbed from almost any side, just some are more technical than others. I've gone up via Henderson Canyon and from Palm Mesa on my couple visits to the summit.
6 days ago
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Very nice. Adding the museum to the list of places worth stopping on future trips.
6 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Great sunrise picture. Makes me miss the desert. Good to hear the guzzler is in working condition and full. That hasn't always been the case in the last few years with some of them.
6 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Topic: Hey there!
Welcome!

I'd be interested in hearing where you're thinking of going for your week long trip, if you're inclined to share. I usually don't go out for more than 1 or 2 nights myself due to the scarcity of water.
6 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!

sperry
sperry
Posts: 2
sperry
sperry
Posts: 2
Topic: Hey there!
Hi everyone.

I'm new to the forum (but have lurked for awhile) and am excited to start participating in this community. I'm a desert rat. I have spent most of my time in the Mojave and on the Colorado Plateau. Until a few years ago, I never really spent time in the Anza Borrego desert even though I live fairly close, but after descending a technical canyon, that changed. I've been spending more and more time in the area hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, searching for rock art and native sites, etc.

I'm currently reading All the Wild and Lonely Places, which has made me fall even more in love with the area, and I'm planning a week or so long hike this winter.

I look forward to spending time in this beautiful place.

Cheers!
14 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Brian and I did a quick overnight trip on Pinyon Ridge. Had a good camp with very nice views. We woke up and made our way to the guzzler that is to the west of Yaqui Peak. We had great weather, little to no wind. Found quite a few metates on the way down to the guzzler.

Pictures should be clickable to larger versions. Album https://postimg.cc/gallery/1gDqcXZ



Camp




View from camp in the morning


Magnificent Pinyon about 1/8th of mile from camp. This was one of the few pinyons standing in a clearing on the entire Pinyon Ridge. 25' tall, 36" diameter. I would guess 100-125 years old. Same situation with pinyons near Whale-they are almost gone. So many dead trees. Zero saplings.





Headed toward the guzzler.





First site of the guzz.


Brian coming down from the saddle. We found an easier route going back.







Both tanks were near full. It was in really good condition.

Made it back to the cars around 2pm or so. Total for the trip was around 15 miles, 2250ft of gain/loss.
edited by Rocko1 on 11/18/2024
14 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Piedras Grandes
Well, My first hill climbing for years. It's good to get out. Didn't get it but didn't expect to the first time. I'll hit it every 3 days until I get get it. LOL so out of shape. Got to 2100ft 400 more to go. I was accending from the north side. Last hill I did was Gasp from the gorge..years ago.

10/31/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
Those look like some good reads!
10/27/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
dtoujours wrote:
Thanks for sharing your trip, Tom. I'll have to stop by the museum the next time I'm in the area.

I recently went to the Barona Cultural Center & Museum and while it wasn't as large as the Cahuilla museum seems to be, they were showing a nice film about the Kumeyaay creation story and had exhibits about the Kumeyaay view of constellations and the Cerutti Mastodon site.


Hi, Dtoujours. Haven't been to the Barona Museum. Thanks for the info. Did stop by the Pioneers Museum outside of El Centro a couple days ago and they have a nice Native Indian display with a dozen or so ollas and a wall of projectile points. Not a lot of provenience info, however.

IMG_9958 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9947 by tomteske, on Flickr

Dtoujours, I know you're familiar with the Malki Museum and I'm definitely going to visit at some point. Meanwhile, I visited their online bookstore and just got some new reading material.

IMG_0011 by tomteske, on Flickr
10/25/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114
Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
6582 and Rabbit both have different approaches.
10/24/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
Brian wrote:
I like that idea of exploring the same peak from different directions. Sombrero is the only one I can think of that I've done that with. Don't think I'll be doing Indianhead but I love seeing the reports.
edited by Brian on 10/24/2024


Sombrero would be a good one. Whale has trails from at least 3 sides I think. Coyote has a few different ways up. There's probably others I'm not thinking of at the moment.
10/24/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
I like that idea of exploring the same peak from different directions. Sombrero is the only one I can think of that I've done that with. Don't think I'll be doing Indianhead but I love seeing the reports.
edited by Brian on 10/24/2024
10/23/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
Knarly. Cool pictures and great hike.
10/21/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Indianhead East Ridge
My friend Henry and I took on the east ridge of Indianhead a few days ago. I had climbed Indianhead twice: the standard DPS route B up Palm Canyon, and also the north ridge (the easiest route), but this would be Henry's first time on the mountain. The first mile was steep, 1700' of up, but presented no serious obstacles. The ridge mellowed as it rose slowly to the unofficial Borrego Point (2,925'), marked with a small cairn. Then, we faced the first of three challenging bumps.







Borrego Point with the hard part ahead




As we got near the first bump, the slope was at a 50-60 degree angle. Even before we got there, I was planning for a bypass on the north side. When we hit the first class 4 slab, I spotted a gully a couple hundred feet north that looked class 3. I decided to downclimb about 100' to reach the gully. Henry climbed one of the red boulders to explore above. The gully was easier and less exposed than the ridge and I made good time. Henry didn't like the continuation, so he dropped down and came up behind me. We made steady progress and reached the second major bump. We got very near the top of the second bump when we hit the next class 4 section. There were two options to continue up. Both hung over a 300' drop. The downclimb to get around this one about 400' down (ugh) but staying on top of the ridge felt too risky. We kept going down until we reached the second gully. If we had gotten turned back again, we would have bailed due to lack of water. Fortunately, we made it to the ridge and proceeded to the last major bump. I didn't seriously probe the rocks on top, but looked for downclimb number three on the north side. I dropped through a little portal, down a slab going away from the summit, then skirted the side of the bump to attain the ridge about 200' below the top. Looking back, it might have been possible to go over the last bump without undo risk.









This was a nope. Downclimb on north side.




Summit in view


Looking back at the final obstacle on the east ridge

The tough terrain had cost us about two hours, but now I was on familiar ground. We signed in and took a well earned respite. We descended down the NW ridge, the standard DPS route B. It was a relief to hit the official trail past the oasis for an easy finish. The east ridge was fun, challenging, and humbling. It was the most difficult of the three routes I've done. A one and done for me. I still need to do the southeast gully, DPS route A, so my visits to this wonderful mountain are not over.












10/18/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
Thanks for sharing your trip, Tom. I'll have to stop by the museum the next time I'm in the area.

I recently went to the Barona Cultural Center & Museum and while it wasn't as large as the Cahuilla museum seems to be, they were showing a nice film about the Kumeyaay creation story and had exhibits about the Kumeyaay view of constellations and the Cerutti Mastodon site.
10/9/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Wow they have some beautiful pieces
Will need to check that out sometime.
10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
tommy750 wrote:
https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1438-martinez-peak-and-little-pinyon-flat.aspx

He mentions it here. I saw a video on YT showing a few seconds of the spring and it looked good. But all this was up to five years ago, so...


This is probably one of those cases of my memory being bad.
Anyway I hope you're able to do it this season. That route between Santa Rosa MTN and Nicholias Canyon looks especially interesting. I remember seeing that on the historic map.
10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1438-martinez-peak-and-little-pinyon-flat.aspx

He mentions it here. I saw a video on YT showing a few seconds of the spring and it looked good. But all this was up to five years ago, so...
10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
tommy750 wrote:
My understanding confirmed by Rockhopper a while back is the spring at Agua Alta was rehabbed and has a good flow. If that's no longer true, then you're right.


Oh wow, that would be amazing. I remember asking him about it here and he said it was a no go, but that would have been a few years ago.
10/6/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
My understanding confirmed by Rockhopper a while back is the spring at Agua Alta was rehabbed and has a good flow. If that's no longer true, then you're right.
10/6/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
tommy750 wrote:
I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE


I had considered that loop too. The only thing that gives me pause is that it seems like the stretch between Stifferino to Martinez Canyon to Horsethief Creek is a pretty long stretch with no reliable water source (AFAIK). But if you were planning to do it and wanted company, I would certainly be interested. I've hiked many individual sections of this but haven't connected them.

The more modest loop I have been thinking about would be to park at Toro, hike Alta Seca Bench then descend to Stifferino, then over to the Cottonwoods, then back up to Toro. Or the other way around.
10/2/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
tommy750 wrote:
I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE

Now that looks like a great trip!
10/2/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
dsefcik wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?


I thought I did but after looking thru all my tracks I did not find anything. There was a period of time when my back was bad I didn't carry a gps, it may have been then. Basically just go up the ridgeline from the cottonwoods, you should should faint trail markings and cairns here and there.

Here is the basic idea:





Hope this helps

--

---Map Edit--
edited by dsefcik on 9/26/2024

Thank you.
10/1/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.



How has your knee been, Britain? You out hiking again?

Thanks for asking. Yeah Ive got some lost hiking to catch up on. Knees working well, age lol not so much. Got my eye on Piedras Grandes. Started working on it before summer hit. I'll get it this year. You from Imperial Valley also?
10/1/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
Britain wrote:
Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.



How has your knee been, Britain? You out hiking again?
9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.
9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
surfponto wrote:
Wow great pictures Tom. Looks like a great trip. Love the shot looking down into the valley
Did you see anyone out there?



No, there was zero people and no fresh prints. You can see the fat bike tire track in the first pic. Saw it all over so that person had a nice ride.
9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
Wow great pictures Tom. Looks like a great trip. Love the shot looking down into the valley
Did you see anyone out there?
9/28/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE
9/28/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Topic: Storm Potrero Loop
Man, this forum has been crickets for a long time! I get it, though. Every weekend I faithfully check the weather but nothing feasible either down on the desert floor or up in the Lagunas. Did my last hike of the season June 1 bagging Whale and it was almost 90 on the way down. Finally found a window September 16 when a storm kept the temps quite nice for a single day. Decided to head out to Storm and Potrero with a breezy low 70s forecasted. The forecast was absolutely right on making it a very pleasant trip. Parked at the equestrian lot with the pay station out of order. Nice view of the Vallecito Storm Potrero landscape. I decided to head right and then cross the hills that divide Potrero from Storm. Daren and I previously checked out a round trough and rock cistern at the east flank of the hills and I once climbed up to the top looking for the water source but only found a single bent pipe. Figured I'd try another route and see what I could find.

IMG_9527 by tomteske, on Flickr

Folks, it's Potrero, not Portrero!

IMG_9528 by tomteske, on Flickr

Nice picto site.

IMG_9538 by tomteske, on Flickr

Stumbled on this steel rod protruding from the ground. It's kinda close to a section line but not sure exactly why it's here.

IMG_9540 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9558 by tomteske, on Flickr

Found this on the top of a sandy ridge and am thinking it was a metate preform that broke before they could smooth it out. It's convex underneath.

IMG_9561 by tomteske, on Flickr

Climbed up to the saddle and nice views to the NW and SE. Didn't seen anything that looked like a tinaja or catchment basin that would have fed the aforementioned trough.

IMG_9572 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9576 by tomteske, on Flickr

About six years ago while I was home drinking coffee and looking at GE, Daren was out exploring Potrero. I happened to notice a round trough and a black pipe leading to a green spot. I texted Daren who then located a nice spring in need of a little attention. Later, Daren, Gary, Randy and I went out and did a little rehab but we've never been back. Was a little tough to locate in the overgrown brush, but I found it and it's still flowing well. Actually, the water before was warm and a "bit organic" but this time around it was ice cold and although I didn't drink any, it smelled fine.

IMG_9584 by tomteske, on Flickr

Nice abandoned Cottonwood point. If you saw the other side, you'd know why it was abandoned.

IMG_9590 by tomteske, on Flickr

Nice to finally be back out there! About 14 miles and another great day in the desert. Enjoy!


IMG_9627 by tomteske, on Flickr
9/28/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
On one of our annual Palm Springs summer weekend with a Mt. San Jacinto summit hike, my wife and I noticed the nearby Cahuilla Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. We finally stopped by a few weeks ago and were quite impressed. The visit commences with a very informative AV presentation of the Cahuilla cosmology which by itself is worth the visit. There's a nice collection of baskets and ollas, some collected and others from early 20th century artisans who satified a strong demand for their creations.

IMG_9501 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9497 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9495 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9492 by tomteske, on Flickr

During museum construction, a cultural site was discovered and excavated down to sterile ground yielding numerous artifacts, some several thousand years old. Here's a few projectile points.

IMG_9507 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9508 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9511 by tomteske, on Flickr

Lots of other displays and regarding prehistory and recent Cahuilla history.

IMG_9504 by tomteske, on Flickr

IMG_9502 by tomteske, on Flickr

Stopped by the gift store on the way out and "found" my first olla. The potter's name is Tony Soares and is worth checking out on youtube etc.
Enjoy!

IMG_9720 by tomteske, on Flickr
9/26/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1 wrote:
It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?


I thought I did but after looking thru all my tracks I did not find anything. There was a period of time when my back was bad I didn't carry a gps, it may have been then. Basically just go up the ridgeline from the cottonwoods, you should should faint trail markings and cairns here and there.

Here is the basic idea:





Hope this helps

--

---Map Edit--
edited by dsefcik on 9/26/2024
9/26/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
dsefcik wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.

That is a fun trail up and tough on the knees down. The climb from the cottonwoods to Toro is a bit tougher, longer and can be hard to find if the brush is bad but makes a good day of hiking to relax later at the peaceful cottonwoods campsite.

It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?
9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1 wrote:
We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.

That is a fun trail up and tough on the knees down. The climb from the cottonwoods to Toro is a bit tougher, longer and can be hard to find if the brush is bad but makes a good day of hiking to relax later at the peaceful cottonwoods campsite.
9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Scooter wrote:
Wow. That would be a tough one.

I should have a GPS track if you want..yeah, good "day hike" for sure.
9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Sooo....everybody knows this post is 8 years old right..??? AWESOME post Tommy750..!!
9/18/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Scooter wrote:
Wow. That would be a tough one. Was in Rock house earlier this year, the road is completely impassable about a mile before Hidden Spring. When we were exploring the Alta Seca Bench, we hiked down to the area where the old topographical maps show the Native American trail crossing the ridge line. We had plenty of time and could find no evidence of the old trail coming up from the upper rock hoses in Rock House Valley.
I think my days of doing a day hike from the cottonwoods to Toro and back are over !!

We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.
9/18/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114
Wow. That would be a tough one. Was in Rock house earlier this year, the road is completely impassable about a mile before Hidden Spring. When we were exploring the Alta Seca Bench, we hiked down to the area where the old topographical maps show the Native American trail crossing the ridge line. We had plenty of time and could find no evidence of the old trail coming up from the upper rock hoses in Rock House Valley.
I think my days of doing a day hike from the cottonwoods to Toro and back are over !!
9/17/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1 wrote:
I really like the Alta Seca area. has some really great pines and views. Brian and I went up there a few years ago and saw cairns leading down to Cottonwoods. Hope to plan a trip from RHC up to Alta Seca some day.

That is a good trip, base camp at the cottonwoods and day hike up to the peak, good long day hike.
9/17/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Scooter wrote:
Did a car camping trip to Toro Peak last September. Nice place to explore without the desert heat.
About a half mile before the gate at the peak is a very nice campsite on the left. About 8200’ level. Flat with a large rock fire pit.
A nice day hike is exploring the Alta Seca bench. This is a high valley just east of Toro Peak.
Also the forest service website has information on if the lower gate is locked due to snow.
San Bernardino Forest website.



I really like the Alta Seca area. has some really great pines and views. Brian and I went up there a few years ago and saw cairns leading down to Cottonwoods. Hope to plan a trip from RHC up to Alta Seca some day.
8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750 wrote:
The CH-53 wreckage location is now labeled on GE north of the Toro summit and is clearly in the reservation. Not sure if it's accessible before the locked gate with signage, though.

Can't say I recollect seeing any fences or signs when we looked for it. IIRC it was just off the road at some point.

On a side note, for any HAM's, I was able to do a check in from Toro peak to the repeater in Otay with 5w and full quieting on a handi talkie.

--
edited by dsefcik on 8/25/2024
8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Was up there July 5 with friends to escape the heat dome or whatever they were calling it. Was 122 in Palm Springs before we ascended Hwy 74 and in the 90s climbing the Santa Rosas truck trail. Was planning on doing some hiking toward Alta Seca but not at those temps. Glad we brought the camp shower and lots of ice and booze smile Last weekend, it was 63 at the San Jacinto tram station at nearly the same elevation. Than would have been great camping/hiking weather. The CH-53 wreckage location is now labeled on GE north of the Toro summit and is clearly in the reservation. Not sure if it's accessible before the locked gate with signage, though.
8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
There is an old helicopter crash site up at the top also. Near Alta Seca if I remember correctly.
8/24/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)

Scooter
Scooter
Posts: 114
Did a car camping trip to Toro Peak last September. Nice place to explore without the desert heat.
About a half mile before the gate at the peak is a very nice campsite on the left. About 8200’ level. Flat with a large rock fire pit.
A nice day hike is exploring the Alta Seca bench. This is a high valley just east of Toro Peak.
Also the forest service website has information on if the lower gate is locked due to snow.
San Bernardino Forest website.
8/19/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Having "participated" in something like this in the past, it felt like the overall outcome was predetermined. Our only realistic hope was to get small concessions rather than any substantive changes.
8/19/2024
Topic:
Golf Courses and Bighorn Sheep

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: Golf Courses and Bighorn Sheep
Oleander poisoning is 2% of the known causes of death, automobile collisions being the highest at 39%.

Great info on BHS here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=192914&inline

Janene Colby, one of the authors was an incredible resource and advocate for the BHS.
8/18/2024
Topic:
Golf Courses and Bighorn Sheep

blazermax
blazermax
Posts: 2
ziphius wrote:
I knew that sheep eating oleander was a problem up there, but I didn't know about the drownings. Golf... one of the dumbest and most environmentally-unfriendly pastimes. But golf courses are better than pavement I suppose.
edited by ziphius on 3/26/2016



It's surprising how something as serene as golf can have hidden dangers, like sheep eating oleander and even drownings. While not the most eco-friendly, golf courses do offer more green than pavement.best outlets in new York
8/16/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
So do SD citizens actually have a chance in this or is it a done deal and just hopeful theater?
8/16/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb

blazermax
blazermax
Posts: 2
The situation in Borrego Springs echoes the Sunrise Powerlink debate, with the area being eyed for large-scale solar farms. This development brings extensive transmission lines to connect with populated regions. A petition is now circulating to delay the San Diego County Board of Supervisors' vote on the Regional Decarbonization Plan. The request is for independent consultants to update the Technical Report to ensure accurate and thorough planning.
7/22/2024
Topic:
2025 Photo Contest

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Topic: 2025 Photo Contest
I'll see if I come up with any entries this year. Didn't get it together last year.
7/22/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Buford
Buford
Posts: 459
Topic: Middle Ysidro
One of my favorite areas too. One of the less visited areas in the park.
7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
Topic: Solstice Cave
Thank you for sharing!
7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: Solstice Cave
@dtoujours: Yes, I have been there and yes, it happens fast and depending on the exact date light will pass over different pictos. This has all been detailed in archeo docs. All it takes is a slight layer of smog or dust at sunrise and you will not see anything, you have a 50/50 chance from my experience.

Winter solstice, no, the sun is too far south and doesn't even hit the cave in the AM, just hits the draw outside.

--
7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
Topic: Solstice Cave
That article about the winter solstice was interesting. The summer solstice sunrise is somewhat to the northeast and the winter solstice sunrise is somewhat to the southeast. That would make the winter solstice sunrise more directly and fully illuminate the cave from an area with fewer obstructions, but probably wouldn't lead to the type of pinpoint moving light effect I was expecting.

Also, an interesting point about the smog/dust in the valley. It was surprisingly clear that day, so maybe I arrived too late or maybe the effect doesn't take place in this location. @dsefcik, have you witnessed the summer solstice from this location and timed it to be 12 minutes? Or did you get this information from a particular source?

Indeed, we need to respect and protect these precious sites.
7/18/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: Solstice Cave
Winter solstice site? No

Summer Solstice site? Yeah, it could be back before all the of the smog and dust from the valley.

Light rays passage across the pictos is about 12 minutes long if the morning smog and dust doesn't obscure the sun's rays. You don't have to be there exactly on the 21'st to see things. Good luck and please respect this very special place.
7/18/2024
Topic:
2025 Photo Contest

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: 2025 Photo Contest
Just FYI for those of you camera desert people.

https://theabf.org/2025photocontest/
7/18/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Topic: Solstice Cave
What lends you to believe it is a summer solstice location? Winter solstice is the more important time and likely would find the light hitting some of the markings during the period surrounding winter solstice. Here is a good read-https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1988/dec/22/cover-daggers-of-light-patterns-of-power/
7/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Panamint City
dsefcik wrote:
Nice trip! I always wanted to go visit but never got to it. I did do some hikes up to Telescope Peak and along the ridge lines looking down to Panamint. That would be a good backpack trip with two cars.

A Buddy of mine did Telescope a few years back. One day hike but most everything he hikes is one day. His write-up is here.
https://www.icorva.com/index.php/contributing-authors/2013-10-27-17-36-31/articles-from-cabin-96/57-telescope-peak
7/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2622
Topic: Panamint City
Nice trip! I always wanted to go visit but never got to it. I did do some hikes up to Telescope Peak and along the ridge lines looking down to Panamint. That would be a good backpack trip with two cars.
6/23/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Topic: Solstice Cave
Good hike even when cooler.
6/20/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave

dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
dtoujours
dtoujours
Posts: 12
Topic: Solstice Cave
Since today is the Summer Solstice, I took the day off work and headed out in the middle of the night to hike and scramble to the so-called "Solstice Cave" in the Anza Borrego Desert, a boulder cave with Native American pictograph paintings of the sun and other objects. One of these pictographs is supposedly illuminated at sunrise on the Summer Solstice, so I wanted to check it out. I had a high-lumen flashlight in addition to my headlamp, but unfortunately I still had difficulty finding the way at one point and arrived at 5:49am, 12 minutes after official sunrise. Looking at the angle of the sun to the various pictographs, I didn't think it would have illuminated any of them. But I waited around for a little over an hour to see if anything else would happen, until the sun had risen high enough in the sky that I didn't think the angle would allow it to shine into the cave anymore. None of the pictographs had been illuminated during my time on site. The number of sun pictographs (with none of them standing out as the main one) and their angles to the sun makes it seem unlikely to me that one of them could have been illuminated exactly at sunrise, but I'm disappointed that I wasn't there to know for sure. I wonder if anyone had any sources or information on this or if you've had personal experience or know someone who has. To me, it seems this cave may have been misnamed and doesn't have anything to do with the solstice. Perhaps this eastern facing boulder cave was just a good place for the Native American Shamens to watch the sun rise year round.

You can check out my Reddit post on this topic for photos:
https://www.reddit.com/r/sandiego/comments/1dko5h4/solstice_caveanza_borrego_desert/
5/28/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Middle Ysidro
Rocko1 wrote:
Congrats! That whole area is so ripe for exploring.


Thanks!

The triangle from the Thimble to Ysidro East to Webo is one of my favorite areas in the park. But I have many favorite areas.
5/28/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Topic: Middle Ysidro
Congrats! That whole area is so ripe for exploring.
5/28/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 597
Topic: Panamint City
Great pictures.
4/17/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Middle Ysidro
deborah wrote:
That injury sounds like it was rough - good to hear you are back at it! And nice job reaching the peak. It's a good feeling when you get a "project" completed.



Deborah, thanks for the kind words. The break could have been much worse. At least I didn't need surgery. The only thing I can't do on it now is sustained jogging, but it doesn't hamper my hiking plans. I missed the meaty part of desert season, but the mountains aren't going anywhere.
4/16/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

deborah
deborah
Posts: 115
deborah
deborah
Posts: 115
Topic: Middle Ysidro
That injury sounds like it was rough - good to hear you are back at it! And nice job reaching the peak. It's a good feeling when you get a "project" completed.
4/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

deborah
deborah
Posts: 115
deborah
deborah
Posts: 115
Topic: Panamint City
Great trip report! Love the pictures. I've only done a little exploring in Death Valley, and that was a long time ago. On one trip I did a really pleasant hike up to Telescope Peak. It was blazing hot on the desert floor, but the temps on the hike were great because of the elevation. This is a good reminder for me to get back out there. So much I haven't seen yet. smile Thanks for sharing!
4/14/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Britain wrote:
Wasn't there some kid that took his dad's Tahoe stuck in the squeeze and disappeared years ago also?


Yep. I think he actually went in from the other end. From Fish Creek. But the truck was found near the bottom of heart attack hill and one of the tires was completely destroyed, so he wouldn't have been able to make it out that way even if that was a 2 way road (which it isn't). I first found out about that when I was looking at Google Earth to familiarize myself with the area and someone had posted a bunch of pics from the search for the kid.
4/14/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Wasn't there some kid that took his dad's Tahoe stuck in the squeeze and disappeared years ago also?
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
tommy750 wrote:

Was able to find the Tacoma location on GE and the news reports gave info on where the individuals were located.


Wow, the Tacoma was located much further west than I imagined. I had assumed he had driven to a point much closer to Harper Canyon since that is the way he tried to get out. Would have been much easier for him if he had walked down to Pinyon Wash.

The truck hadn't been airlifted out last September when I was there, but I didn't see it. I must have been fairly close. I was taking a friend up that canyon from Pinyon Wash and then over to see the ruins of the cabin. If I had been by myself, I might have explored a bit more and followed the wheel tracks which were still fresh at the time.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Brian wrote:
tekewin wrote:
Those blooms are amazing. Sounds like a successful trip and kudos for being kind to the biker.

Is the road OK all the way to Harper Flat or even Hapaha Flat? I've only been down that road a little ways to hike to Sunset Mountain.


That road ends at a canyon which is a short hike up to Harper Flat. The road that passes Harper Flat on the other side can be accessed 2 ways. One end goes in from Pinyon Mountain Road (which necessitates negotiating the squeeze and heart attack hill). The other end goes in from Fish Creek and passes through Hapaha Flat. The biggest obstacle I know of on that route comes just before you get to Hapaha and looks like this:



It's no longer legal to drive through Harper Flat (despite the fact someone did it last summer and was later found dead).
edited by Brian on 4/12/2024

Definitely right, Brian. That's always been the fun spot to squeeze through although I thinks someone moved a few rocks from the right side that made it a speck easier in the past couple months at least for my pickup.
Speaking of the ex-Navy Seal found dead in Harper Canyon, was wondering when someone would mention it on the forum. Here's a couple news reports if anyone is not familiar with the story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlW6PfpO1og

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZDzp74oj1w

I bumped into a knowledgeable source who mentioned the Tacoma was airlifted out of Harper Flat since it was pretty beat up. Assuming we'll never hear what really happened but a very tragic story.

Was able to find the Tacoma location on GE and the news reports gave info on where the individuals were located.

Seal Woman and Tacoma (1) by tomteske, on Flickr

Gary and I walked out there a while back and found ?helo landing gear imprints in the sand but no other vehicle tracks. Didn't have the Tacoma location at the time but apparently walked within twenty feet of its prior location and didn't see anything.

IMG_6515 by tomteske, on Flickr

Track by Tacoma by tomteske, on Flickr
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
Most definitely. Makes it that much more enjoyable. 👍🥾

Britain wrote:
Nice to have your wife into hiking. Mine loves it specially in the rocks.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Nice to have your wife into hiking. Mine loves it specially in the rocks.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
It is a really nice hike. A little bouldering at the beginning of Pinyon Wash but nothing too technical
Here is a shot of my wife coming up one of the sections.


tekewin wrote:
Thanks! That's great information. I might try a hike to Harper Flat from Pinyon Wash. ...I want no part of the squeeze or heart attack hill....

edited by surfponto on 4/12/2024
edited by surfponto on 4/12/2024
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
Agree. I want to spend a day or two just exploring Harper Flat 👍

Britain wrote:
I was on Granite a while back. Lots of jet traffic that day. Nice captures. I also live about 5 miles from NAF El Centro. Lol I get all the traffic to and from Yuma right over my house. It's really loud when the Blue Angles are in town. Harper flat area is a cool place to hike around and explore.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
Brian wrote:
Britain wrote:


I always thought Harpers was a closed area for vehicles. Park maps show no vehicle trails in it. Weekend warriors.



Older topo maps do show a jeep trail going through Harpers, but it's been closed to vehicles for probably about 30 years. I hiked through there last September and saw the wheel tracks of the guy who drove in over the summer. He went around a fence that's supposed to keep it closed off from the main road.


It was fenced on the heartsttack hill side or was 10 years ago. Haven't been there for a decade or so. Indian hill area is getting trashed from wheelers and the carrizo creek area is trashed by the painted gorge wheelers.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
Britain wrote:


I always thought Harpers was a closed area for vehicles. Park maps show no vehicle trails in it. Weekend warriors.



Older topo maps do show a jeep trail going through Harpers, but it's been closed to vehicles for probably about 30 years. I hiked through there last September and saw the wheel tracks of the guy who drove in over the summer. He went around a fence that's supposed to keep it closed off from the main road.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
tekewin wrote:
Brian wrote:




I always thought Harpers was a closed area for vehicles. Park maps show no vehicle trails in it. Weekend warriors.



It's no longer legal to drive through Harper Flat (despite the fact someone did it last summer and was later found dead).
edited by Brian on 4/12/2024




Thanks! That's great information. I might try a hike to Harper Flat from Pinyon Wash. I want no part of the squeeze or heart attack hill. Coming from Fish Creek is a lot of driving. The Vallecito Mountains and surroundings seem like a really remote part of the park.

edited by Britain on 4/12/2024
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Brian wrote:


That road ends at a canyon which is a short hike up to Harper Flat. The road that passes Harper Flat on the other side can be accessed 2 ways. One end goes in from Pinyon Mountain Road (which necessitates negotiating the squeeze and heart attack hill). The other end goes in from Fish Creek and passes through Hapaha Flat. The biggest obstacle I know of on that route comes just before you get to Hapaha and looks like this:



It's no longer legal to drive through Harper Flat (despite the fact someone did it last summer and was later found dead).
edited by Brian on 4/12/2024




Thanks! That's great information. I might try a hike to Harper Flat from Pinyon Wash. I want no part of the squeeze or heart attack hill. Coming from Fish Creek is a lot of driving. The Vallecito Mountains and surroundings seem like a really remote part of the park.
4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Brian
Brian
Posts: 226
tekewin wrote:
Those blooms are amazing. Sounds like a successful trip and kudos for being kind to the biker.

Is the road OK all the way to Harper Flat or even Hapaha Flat? I've only been down that road a little ways to hike to Sunset Mountain.


That road ends at a canyon which is a short hike up to Harper Flat. The road that passes Harper Flat on the other side can be accessed 2 ways. One end goes in from Pinyon Mountain Road (which necessitates negotiating the squeeze and heart attack hill). The other end goes in from Fish Creek and passes through Hapaha Flat. The biggest obstacle I know of on that route comes just before you get to Hapaha and looks like this:



It's no longer legal to drive through Harper Flat (despite the fact someone did it last summer and was later found dead).
edited by Brian on 4/12/2024
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

Britain
Britain
Posts: 604
I was on Granite a while back. Lots of jet traffic that day. Nice captures. I also live about 5 miles from NAF El Centro. Lol I get all the traffic to and from Yuma right over my house. It's really loud when the Blue Angles are in town. Harper flat area is a cool place to hike around and explore.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
I am guessing that is the flight path. El Centro NAF over Jojoba Wash then to the coast. It has gotten so noisy there.
Still love the area but most likely will overnight camp elsewhere in the future.
I will have to check out some of those areas you mentioned near Pinyon Wash. Haven't been over by Split Rock in a long time
Harper Flat is huge and I am sure you could spend a few days just exploring that area.

tommy750 wrote:
Nice TR, Surfponto! I feel your pain regarding the Marines flying stuff overhead. I live five miles away from El Centro NAF and see/hear/feel their big birds at all hours of the day including midnight. The Blue Angels practice here every winter and 5-6 F-18s flying overhead makes your ears ring. Have never visited Harper Cabin. Glad to hear it's surviving. Agree, Pinyon wash is a great camping spot and great starting off point for lots of hikes to Sunset, the four nearby guzzlers, Pinyon Mt, Whale, Harper Flat. Was out at Split Rock a couple months ago and met hikers coming in from Pinyon to check out the pictographs.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Middle Ysidro
tommy750 wrote:
I've never even heard of Middle Ysidro but looks like a great day hike. Glad you were able to recover from your ankle injury and keep going.



Haha, yeah, it's an unofficial peak with a topo mark in the middle of the range. There were no official marks on the summit. I wanted to hike there because I like the peaks on both ends of the range and it felt incomplete.

I am glad to be able to do longer hikes again and not have it be the limiting factor.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Topic: Panamint City
Nice trip, Brian! A quote from the NPS site: "Panamint City was called the toughest, rawest, most hard-boiled little hellhole that ever passed for a civilized town. Its founders were outlaws..." smile smile
4/11/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Topic: Middle Ysidro
I've never even heard of Middle Ysidro but looks like a great day hike. Glad you were able to recover from your ankle injury and keep going.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

tommy750
tommy750
Posts: 1049
Nice TR, Surfponto! I feel your pain regarding the Marines flying stuff overhead. I live five miles away from El Centro NAF and see/hear/feel their big birds at all hours of the day including midnight. The Blue Angels practice here every winter and 5-6 F-18s flying overhead makes your ears ring. Have never visited Harper Cabin. Glad to hear it's surviving. Agree, Pinyon wash is a great camping spot and great starting off point for lots of hikes to Sunset, the four nearby guzzlers, Pinyon Mt, Whale, Harper Flat. Was out at Split Rock a couple months ago and met hikers coming in from Pinyon to check out the pictographs.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
surfponto wrote:
We went via Pinyon Wash but yes the road in from the other side looked fine.
I have never gone that way and it looks interesting.

Yep the cactus flowers were great. Such a good time to take a trip out there. 👍



Thanks!
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
We went via Pinyon Wash but yes the road in from the other side looked fine.
I have never gone that way and it looks interesting.

Yep the cactus flowers were great. Such a good time to take a trip out there. 👍

tekewin wrote:
Those blooms are amazing. Sounds like a successful trip and kudos for being kind to the biker.

Is the road OK all the way to Harper Flat or even Hapaha Flat? I've only been down that road a little ways to hike to Sunset Mountain.
4/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Those blooms are amazing. Sounds like a successful trip and kudos for being kind to the biker.

Is the road OK all the way to Harper Flat or even Hapaha Flat? I've only been down that road a little ways to hike to Sunset Mountain.
4/7/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
Not an extreme hike compare to what some of you guys do but thought I would post it anyway 😉

First night we camped down in Jojoba Wash but man oh man the military air traffic was ridiculous.
The final straw was a military Osprey thundering through the sky at 1AM shaking the truck camper.
On the positive side there was an amazing cactus bloom display.
We spent the next day hiking around taking cactus pictures but decided we would camp further north the next night.

Beavertail in bloom (Jojoba Wash)



Barrel Cactus in bloom (Jojoba Wash)


Hedgehog in bloom (Jojoba Wash)

Next day we drove over to Pinyon Wash which I have now decided is my favorite area to camp. We have camped here before but it has been at least 10 years as all of our camping is usually south of Scissors Crossing.

After a better night's sleep i.e. no air traffic, we decided we would hike up to see how much was left of the old Harper Cabin site.
Last time we hiked here was on an Anza Borrego Foundation sponsored hike led by Mark Jorgensen, so we were curious as to how it has fared in the last 10 plus years.
We got an early start and reached Harper Flat by 9AM. There was a great display of Desert Dandelions covering the valley floor so of course we had to take a bunch of pictures.

A field of Desert Dandelions (Harper Flat)


Not soon after we met up with a lone mountain biker that was doing a big overnight loop from Borrego Springs, unfortunately for him, he had run out of water so we offered to fill one of his water bottles. He mentioned that he had not slept that well the previous night since he was worried about his lack of water, so we were glad to help him out.


After saying goodbye to our new friend and hiking up a couple incorrect tributaries we did find the old cabin. It was in much better shape than either of us predicted.


Old water trough which is your clue you are close to the cabin



Maybe to call it a "cabin" is a stretch but it is cool nonetheless.😀


The old dam is not going anywhere.
This thing is solid and is truly an engineering marvel considering the time period it was built.




Fishhook cactus blooming in Pinyon Wash



Beavertail blooms in Pinyon Wash
edited by surfponto on 4/7/2024
4/7/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Middle Ysidro
Looks like a beautiful area .
Thanks for sharing
4/7/2024
Topic:
Panamint City

surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
surfponto
surfponto
Administrator
Posts: 1364
Topic: Panamint City
Really nice pictures, looks like a great trip 👍
Love the picture of the old diesel motor but I am a bit biased since we drive two diesels 😉
4/6/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Middle Ysidro
Brian wrote:
Nice trip report. I made a half hearted attempt at the western summit last spring but ended up not wanting to deal with the amount of brush on the final approach to the ridge.



I get it. There can be a lot of brush depending on the route you take. Ysidro and the Thimble used to be short-ish hikes from Cherry Canyon. However, with that parking area gone, it's a more serious hike from S2.
4/6/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro

tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
tekewin
tekewin
Posts: 371
Topic: Middle Ysidro
Britain wrote:
Nice! Looks like your back on the trails!



Yes, great to be moving again.




Powered by Jitbit Forum 8.3.8.0 © 2006-2013 Jitbit Software