AdventureGraham

all messages by user

10/24/2013
Topic:
Coyote Mts Sheep

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
tommy750 wrote:
Has anyone actually driven out to the marsh and seen any changes? I haven't been out there in over a year. Tom


Yeah, I posted an update of that area recently. All the Tamarisk has been removed from Carrizo Creek.
10/26/2013
Topic:
San Felipe Wash to Old Kane Springs Road

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
tommy750 wrote:
Can't recall if I posted this before but this is above Old Kane Spring Rd in Carrizo Wash right before it joins San Felipe Creek. We tried for about an hour to get the Bronco out before giving up. Glad you got the FJ out. Nice trip report. Liked the shell pic. Haven't seen any that large. Tom



Bronco by tomteske, on Flickr


Yeah, that mud is nothing to mess with! Most of the washes had barriers just north of Old Kane Springs Road where they flowed into the San Sebastian Marsh area. Carrizo Wash was really tore up!
12/7/2013
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Hike, November 2013

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


The Goat Canyon Trestle is an engineering marvel on the “impossible” San Diego and Arizona Railway that was constructed between 1907 and 1919 along the rugged Carrizo Gorge. The world's largest wooden trestle was built in 1932 after an earthquake destroyed one of the tunnels, forcing the railroad engineers to bridge Goat Canyon. This spectacular trestle remains to this day for adventure minded people to find deep within a rugged wilderness.

My full write up and photos can be found here: Goat Canyon Trestle Hike, November 2013
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/7/2013
12/7/2013
Topic:
Hunting in the In-Ko-Pah Mountains

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Cool photos! Your thread title "Hunting in the In-Ko-Pah Mountains" made me think of my past quail and deer hunting trips there. But pictograph hunting is fun too!
12/7/2013
Topic:
BorregoFest 2013

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Yep! Here's a trip report from a run I lead on Sunday.

http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/forum/topic664-san-felipe-wash-to-old-kane-springs-road.aspx
12/7/2013
Topic:
Orocopia Mountains

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Beautiful photos and great write up! I've been through the Bradshaw Trail myself once and would like to head back one day to explore all the side trails.
12/22/2013
Topic:
Carrizo Mountain & Indian Hill: Dec. 13-15th, 2013

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Carrizo Mountain is a hidden gem in our local Southern California desert. The narrow shelf roads up the mountain are only open six months out of the year, from July 1st to December 31st. This provides big horn sheep uninterrupted access into this mountainous habitat. Realistically though, there are only three months out of the year were we humans can recreate on Carrizo Mountain during cooler weather, from October to December.

With an elevation of 2,408 feet, Carrizo Mountain is the highest point along the Coyote Mountains; a small, rocky range situated at the transition between the higher Peninsular ranges of San Diego County, and the lower Imperial Valley and Salton Basin. The mountains are located in far-southern California not too far from the Mexican border. The range and summit lies within Imperial County, abutting the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.



Check out the link for more photos and the complete trip report: Carrizo Mountain & Indian Hill
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/22/2013
12/22/2013
Topic:
The Mud Palisades & Anicent Forest of Fish Creek

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great trip report! Sorry about the camper. I love finding petrified wood out there.
12/22/2013
Topic:
Goat Canyon Trestle Hike, November 2013

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Yeah, I was out at the old rail road workers camp a few years ago and built up that part of the wall again with a few of the cans laying nearby. I don't know if they're getting blown away or if someone messed with it.

No railroad police. Although, my buddy does know one of them and says if you're cool with them and chat for a bit they won't write you up for walking along the tracks. But don't take my word for it.
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/22/2013
12/25/2013
Topic:
Carrizo Mountain & Indian Hill: Dec. 13-15th, 2013

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Jim (ziphius) wrote:
Nice trip Wrangler. I once poked around the southern part of the Coyote Mountains in mid-summer after a flash flood, looking for fossils in the deep shade of the canyons. Not too bad if you stay in the shade! Have you seen any bighorn in that range in your trips out there? [ I see from your blog that you've encountered bighorn tracks. ]
edited by ziphius on 12/24/2013


Yeah, some friends of mine actually caught sight of some on their way up the mountain. I haven't seen any myself up there for years.


edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/25/2013
1/5/2014
Topic:
Jamul Kiln Ruins

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Not an Anza-Borrego Desert trip, but I figured folks here would enjoy it nonetheless.

"A little more than twenty miles southeast of San Diego, within the boundaries of the Mexican land grant Rancho Jamul, a curious and substantial masonry structure stands isolated at the foot of a low hill. The structure houses two octagonal kilns, a brick smokestack rising more than thirty feet above them. Limestone and clay from a deposit on the hill behind were once burned in these kilns by the Jamul Portland Cement Manufacturing Company, an enterprise created during the boom of the 1880s." -San Diego Historical Society

Click here: Jamul Kiln Ruins


edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/5/2014
1/6/2014
Topic:
Jamul Kiln Ruins

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
hikerdmb wrote:
Never knew about this. Looks like an interesting place to visit. Is that 30 feet tall overall or is just the smokestack part 30feet?


Maybe around 60 feet? The whole structure looks to about 120 feet high.
edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/6/2014
2/3/2014
Topic:
Jamul Kiln Ruins

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
fyrlife wrote:
THIS IS NOT A PUBLIC ACCESS AREA! You are trespassing by accessing this area. There is a reason it is not vandalized and that is because the public is not legally allowed in this area. Please be responsible and check before you go posting this as a hike and going where you are not allowed. Who ever told you you could go into this area (if you were told) is wrong and giving out bad info.


Whoa there! How about you back up those kind of statements with facts before posting something like that. We spoke with a BLM Ranger about accessing that area just before heading out. I'll take his word over that of some random person on the internet.
2/19/2014
Topic:
Salton Sea Exploration

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Well, we drove through Anza-Borrego... does that count? One of these days I gotta get out an explore more remnants of the old Lake Cahuilla.

For some time now I've been wanting to take my family on a tour of the Salton Sea, here in the desert of Southern California, to check out the various historical sites and points of interest along or near its shores. It seems to me that most people don't give the Salton Sea much thought, and when they do they think of a nasty, polluted, uninviting place. Stories of a polluted Salton Sea are greatly exaggerated. Responsible sources have verified the fact that the sea is safe. The real problem is too much salt-carried in by irrigation water, and concentrated by the natural process of evaporation. Its a beautiful place to visit, camp, and explore, especially in the cooler months.



Click here for the full write up.
edited by BorregoWrangler on 2/19/2014
2/19/2014
Topic:
Cactus, Big Horn Sheep and the Goat Canyon Trestle

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Nice photos! I love hiking out there. There's always so much to see. Interesting to hear about the company that was trying to reopen the line.
3/25/2014
Topic:
2014 SoCal Desert Rendezvous

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


March 21-23, 2014 marked the 4th annual SoCal Desert Rendezvous, organized and hosted by the crew at American Adventurist. This was our second time attending this event. A few weeks before the event, the super secret location is reveled with a set of GPS coordinates- Google Maps cut and paste: 33.599581,-115.536937
.
This is a very laid back, free event which features desert cleanups, trail runs, a potluck, raffle, dutch oven competition, steel shoot, swap meet, and of course a big campfire for all to enjoy. Its great getting together with fellow adventurers with a variety of awesome vehicles, along with great food & drink at a remote desert location. If this sounds like your idea of a weekend well spent, then feel free to check out next year's SoCal Desert Rendezvous at http://americanadventurist.com/Forum/forum.php


Check out my photos and write up here: 4th Annual SoCal Desert Rendezvous
edited by BorregoWrangler on 3/25/2014
8/23/2014
Topic:
BorregoFest Event: October 10th - 12th, 2014

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
I'll be heading out to the desert in October for the BorregoFest event hosted by Outdoor Adventure USA. They will also be offering Amateur Radio License testing on Sunday for all levels from 10:00 AM to noon. Camp will be located at the Butterfield Ranch Resort, located just outside the Park boundary. The Ranch is equipped with full hookups for RVs, plenty of tent camping, showers, and a well stocked store. For more information on all of the events, including, 4x4 trail runs, camp directions, Ham Radio testing and to sign up, click here: http://forums.oausa.net/viewforum.php?f=193

On Saturday I'll be leading a run up Carrizo Mountain and then through the southern area of the Park.
8/23/2014
Topic:
BorregoFest Event: October 10th - 12th, 2014

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Nolan (anutami) wrote:
BorregoWrangler,

Looks like a good time.

Is the road up to Carrizo Mountain something I could get my rig up to?


Well, I have lead few full-sized rigs up there, such as Suburbans. The trail gets a bit narrow in places so your camper might be a concern.
11/19/2014
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Backpack

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
I've always wanted to hike Carrizo Gorge. Looks very doable right now.

I'll be looking down into the gorge this weekend, though, on a trip out to Goat Canyon trestle.
edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/20/2014
11/21/2014
Topic:
2014 OAUSA BorregoFest | Carrizo Mountain Run

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


Here's trip from October, where I lead a 4X4 run up Carrizo Mountain then over to Dos Cabezas Road in Anza-Borrego during Outdoor Adventure USA's BorregoFest event. As always, it was a blast showing folks places they've never been before. Link below:

http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2014/10/outdoor-adventure-usas-2014-borregofest.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/21/2014
11/24/2014
Topic:
Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle & Indian Hill

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


With November rolling around, it was time once again for a hike into the Anza-Borrego wilderness to check out the world's largest wooden railroad trestle along the "Impossible Railroad", tucked away in rugged Goat Canyon.

For the full write up and photos of the absolute best hike in San Diego county, click here: http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2014/11/mortero-palms-to-goat-canyon-trestle.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/24/2014
edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/24/2014
11/25/2014
Topic:
Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle & Indian Hill

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Jim (ziphius) wrote:
That's a tough little hike up Mortero Palms to the Goat Canyon area. Looks like someone laid a string of large rocks across the grating parallel to the tracks, perhaps to dissuade mountain bikes? Notice any water around the palms?



Yeah, it seems to get a little easier each time I hike out there.

The rocks are to warn folks of the large hole just up ahead from a large boulder that smashed through the grating. We didn't see any water at the palms.
11/26/2014
Topic:
Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle & Indian Hill

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Buford wrote:
Nice report.

Those must have been your groups footprints I followed today doing an out and back from Mortero Palms to the trestle.


Ha, probably!


One of the days I'll have to head up Jacumba Peak out there once I get past the palms.
12/1/2014
Topic:
Carrizo Palms via East Fork Carrizo Gorge

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Cool trip! Every time I head back from the trestle, I look down at that palm grove and think to myself that I need to get down there one of these days.
12/1/2014
Topic:
Rockhouse Canyon / Buck Ridge / Jackass Flat 4 Day

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Awesome trip Daren! You guys always cover so much ground. Great photos! I still need to get up to those ruins one of these days. Its hard to take an overnighter without the wife and kids, though, and they're not up for any serious hiking anytime soon.
12/1/2014
Topic:
Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle & Indian Hill

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
I have yet to go that route, always thru the gorge it seems is where I end up going, looks like a good trip again and I like the retro style photos.



Thanks! I just use a free photo app on my phone. I leave the serious photography to my wife.
12/1/2014
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Backpack

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Oh by the way, on our way back from the trestle on our recent hike, we could see the worker's camp down in the gorge and hear the chainsaws going. I wonder how long they'll be working in there?
12/9/2014
Topic:
Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham



When the weather begins cooling down here in southern California, my wanderlust really starts kicking in. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, wanderlust is a “strong longing for or impulse toward wandering.” And remember what J. J. R. Tolkien said: “Not all who wander are lost.” There are countless reasons why I hike, off road, and just enjoy the activities that get me into the back country. I believe that it's essential for everyone that we never stop exploring. Click the link below for my trip report:


Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley & Indian Gorge Hike: Dec. 7th, 2014
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/9/2014
12/10/2014
Topic:
Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
Looks like a great trip, glad you guys were able to get out there. That route down Pepperwood and over the saddle into Indian Gorge at one point was a proposed hiking/horse riding trail for the BLM, not sure what ever happened (or not happened) but happy it stayed as is to enjoy. Those cow bones were the ones Tom was showing me how my back was messed up on a trip a few weeks back (actually the spine was off in the wash north of the jeep road).

Did you guys happen to stop at the round water trough at the end of the jeep road near Pepperwood? Did it have ANY water in it or was the pipe dripping?


Thanks, Daren! Are you talking about the trough by the old windmill? There was a tiny bit of water that might have been from the rains a few days prior. No water coming from the pipe. I want to get out there again and explore more of Canebrake and Inner Pasture.
12/10/2014
Topic:
Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Florian wrote:
Where did you get the map that's at the bottom of your trip report? Is there an online source?

The spot where you parked your Tahoe along Indian Gorge road is one of my regular camping spots!

-Florian
edited by Florian on 12/10/2014


That is a screen shot I got off the web of a page from the book Afoot & Afield in San Diego County.

Lots of places to camp out there.
12/10/2014
Topic:
Borrego Palm Canyon Backpack

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Man, that's a lot of water. Great trip report!
12/11/2014
Topic:
Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Well I guess that'll give me something to look for on my next trip out there.

The folks I hiked out there with are thinking about another hike over one of the next holiday weekends coming up to look for the solstice cave in Indian Valley. That should be an interesting search.

dsefcik wrote:
Actually no, there is another one out at the end of the jeep road near where Pepperwood trail ends, you can see it on GE. There was dripping water there last time I looked but the cement trough had a hole in it. I wanted to know if it was still dripping as it could have been enough to collect water from. That is a great area, one of my favorites.


BorregoWrangler wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
Looks like a great trip, glad you guys were able to get out there. That route down Pepperwood and over the saddle into Indian Gorge at one point was a proposed hiking/horse riding trail for the BLM, not sure what ever happened (or not happened) but happy it stayed as is to enjoy. Those cow bones were the ones Tom was showing me how my back was messed up on a trip a few weeks back (actually the spine was off in the wash north of the jeep road).

Did you guys happen to stop at the round water trough at the end of the jeep road near Pepperwood? Did it have ANY water in it or was the pipe dripping?


Thanks, Daren! Are you talking about the trough by the old windmill? There was a tiny bit of water that might have been from the rains a few days prior. No water coming from the pipe. I want to get out there again and explore more of Canebrake and Inner Pasture.
12/11/2014
Topic:
Pepperwood Canyon to Canebrake Valley

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
I did not. One of my companions was commenting about a possible trail from Thing Valley into Canebrake. but we didn't see any obvious routes.

tommy750 wrote:
Great trip. Have done parts of that trip but would like to try Pepperwood sometime. Did you get see anything that looked like a trail heading up Canebrake toward Thing Valley? It's listed on old topo maps but can't really see anything on GE. Tom
12/16/2014
Topic:
Carrizo Badlands

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great shots of that area! I've been jeepin' all around that place. I'm always tempted to follow the trail through the forbidden Carrizo Impact area.
12/16/2014
Topic:
Vallecito Valley overnight

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Looks like a fun trip. From where abouts did you guys access that valley? From Blair?
12/25/2014
Topic:
Another Adventure: Arroyo Seco Diablo

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great photos! Looks like you guys had a blast out there. I'm looking forward to taking my kids to the mud caves when they get a bit older.

There are some great camp spots on that plateau between Arroyo Tapiado and Arroyo Seco Del Diablo.
12/28/2014
Topic:
5 Day Backpacking Trip Indian Gorge/Canebrake-

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Very cool trip report! Great photos!

I spent Friday in upper Coyote Canyon, hiking through Middle Willows.
12/30/2014
Topic:
Upper Coyote Canyon, Middle Willows Hike

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


With four days off work at the end of December, I figured I'd get an early start on my 52 Hike Challenge for 2015 and head off into the wilds of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It had been about four years since I had last visited the upper reaches of Coyote Canyon, so I decided to hike through the riparian (wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams) areas of Upper and Middle Willows within the canyon. These areas can truly be described as "desert jungles." Three clusters of dense vegetation, known as Lower, Middle, and Upper Willows, are where the waters of Coyote Creek rise to the surface. These woodlands along the creek include not only thick stands of willow, but also California fan palms, cottonwood trees, mesquite, acacia, mule fat, and arrow weed.

Full trip report here: http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2014/12/upper-coyote-canyon-middle-willows-hike.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/30/2014
edited by BorregoWrangler on 12/30/2014
1/4/2015
Topic:
Upper Coyote Canyon, Middle Willows Hike

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Thanks guys!

Daren, I'm planning on an overnighter through Carrizo Gorge in February. Trying to convince the wife to meet up at Agua Caliente afterward.
1/4/2015
Topic:
The Potrero / Vallecito Valley 3 nights

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great photos and nice write up on your trip. There's just so much to see and explore out there.
1/4/2015
Topic:
Mud Hills Wash to Elephant Knees

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


"This is the desert at its lowest, hottest, and- to the unappreciative eye- most unfriendly. To those who know it well, however, it is a fascinating labyrinth of rugged canyons, twisted arroyos, and mud hills, containing not only some of nature's best examples of earth sculpture, but also a complete sequence of animal fossils. In truth, it's not unfriendly at all. Even the weather is beautiful- at least from late fall into early spring." - Jerry Schad, Afoot & Afield In San Diego County


Click here for my full trip report: http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/01/mud-hills-wash-to-elephant-knees-abdsp.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/4/2015
1/4/2015
Topic:
Mud Hills Wash to Elephant Knees

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Yeah lets see those pics!

Thanks guys. I don't have all 52 hikes planned out, but there are a few I have in mind.
1/4/2015
Topic:
6 Days in the Turtle and Orocopia Mountains

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Fantastic photos! I've traveled along the Bradshaw Trail before, but that about the extent of my experience in that area.
1/5/2015
Topic:
Fish Creek Wash Fossil Beds

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great shots of the reef! Looks like you guys had a great time out there.

I need to camp out there again sometime and explore more of the area with my family.
1/12/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


The fourth hike of my 52 Hike Challenge was to the Solstice Cave in Indian Valley and Torote Canyon . You can't find any specific directions to the cave online or in any guidebook. The lack of info helps protect this special archaeological site. Torote Canyon, a tributary of Indian Gorge, shelters dozens of rare elephant trees. For many years it was thought not to exist at all in the United States, until it's official discovery in 1937.

The only reference to the Solstice Cave I knew of was from a brief mention of it in the Sombrero Peak hike description in Jerry Schad's book, Afoot & Afield in San Diego County- "On a slope above this drainage, archaeologists have identified an Indian ceremonial site keyed to the rising position of the sun at summer solstice." I had also seen photos of the cave on a few online sites and forums, but with no specific directions to it. However, a friend who had recently found the cave after several exhausting searches was gracious enough to give me a few hints to its location, while stressing the importance of not sharing its whereabouts anywhere online. Its a special place that's been kept unspoiled. So on a rainy Sunday morning, while still fighting a cold, I set off with a few others to find the cave.

Full write up here: http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/01/indian-valleys-summer-solstice-cave.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/12/2015
1/12/2015
Topic:
Fish Creek Mountains

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Looks like a fun outing into those hills. Way to go on getting those balloons! Oh, and I love your truck!
1/13/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
The other fire blackened cave is known as the "wallace" cave, nick named after W.J. Wallace. He also did archeo digs at Indian Hill and many other sites.



Thanks. I didn't know that.


FYI: I tried to picked appropriate photos to post of this trip. I've seen other photos from this cave that show much better views of the surrounding landscapes in clear weather... something that I wanted to avoid. I was very careful in selecting the photos I posted and even double checked with others who wouldn't want too much info on the cave accessible to the public. The weather was very stormy and views out from the cave were limited.

Believe me, I would not want to disclose any information that would make it easy for others (who would not respect it) to find such a special place. So feel free to let me know if there are still any measures I could take in this regard. Thanks.
edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/13/2015
1/16/2015
Topic:
Wind Turbine Catches Fire

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Yep, when those thing catch fire they just let then burn up... because how do you fight a fire that high?
1/17/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
So does this count as 2 hikes and you get a weekend off??


Haha... No, I counted this outing as one hike, since we did them back-to-back and they were so close together. I do wanna head out to Torote again and get back into those valleys.

My next hike will either be Eagle Peak, between Descanso and Julian, or Sweetwater River Trail to Mother Miguel Mountain.
1/21/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
ImpatientHiker wrote:
BorregoWrangler wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
So does this count as 2 hikes and you get a weekend off??


Haha... No, I counted this outing as one hike, since we did them back-to-back and they were so close together. I do wanna head out to Torote again and get back into those valleys.

My next hike will either be Eagle Peak, between Descanso and Julian, or Sweetwater River Trail to Mother Miguel Mountain.

So a buddy and I were running around the Cedar Creek/Three Sisters area last Saturday and when I opened the register on Eagle Pk and recognized your 52 hike project in action! Eagle Pk register pic.jpg" /> It took me until now to figure out how to post a picture, hence the delay on posting this (thanks for the advice Daren, my first forum pic's!!!!!!). I included a great view of Eagle from a peak to the east. Eagle Pk from peak to east.jpg" /> Happy hiking, awesome TR's on here lately!

-Robert
edited by ImpatientHiker on 1/21/2015 I give up! Just imagine a picture of what you wrote in the Eagle Pk register...
edited by ImpatientHiker on 1/21/2015


That is too cool!

I host my photos on Photobucket then post the link here. You might try that too. (You'll have to edit and the update the post again for it to show up.)
1/21/2015
Topic:
Sheep / deer at the water trough?

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
I've seen some rams making their way down to the spring before. Last time I was there I saw crawfish in there too.
1/21/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
BorregoWrangler wrote:

I host my photos on Photobucket then post the link here. You might try that too. (You'll have to edit and the update the post again for it to show up.)
BW, what I do is after I write mt Blogger post I just select all the text and photos with the mouse, copy and then paste into the forum post and it all shows up!


Do you use the "direct" link from photobucket?
1/28/2015
Topic:
Indian Valley Summer Solstice Cave & Torote Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
So here's my trip report from my Eagle Peak Hike:http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/01/eagle-peak-cleveland-national-forest.html?utm_source=BP_recent


edited by BorregoWrangler on 1/28/2015
1/28/2015
Topic:
The Domelands: Wind Caves and Slot Canyon

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great shots!
1/28/2015
Topic:
Loop and Olla Wash yet again

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Great photos! Looks like a good times were had out there. I can't wait to get back out into that area again.
1/28/2015
Topic:
Sawtooth & Tierra Blanca Mtns Solo Backpack

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Another great trip! Nice pics! You think those big tracks were mountain lion?
2/18/2015
Topic:
The Impossible Railroad

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Nice trip there, Daren! I'm gonna try to get out there this weekend and camp somewhere in the gorge.
2/18/2015
Topic:
The Impossible Railroad

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
BorregoWrangler wrote:
Nice trip there, Daren! I'm gonna try to get out there this weekend and camp somewhere in the gorge.
I may be out again, feel free to email me if you want any company. FYI the gorge is pretty cleared out until just south of Goat Cyn, after that it is all tamarisk and ticks, I pulled 5 off me Sat night at camp.


Thanks. I'll probably come in from the north, drive down as far as I can and then hike in. Maybe use one of the campsites that the workers had in there recently. I doubt that I'll go much further south than Goat Canyon.
2/28/2015
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Overnight Trip

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham


I've been wanting to explore the depths of Carrizo Gorge for some time now. My treks out to Goat Canyon trestle would always afford me expansive views of the gorge from high above and the boulder-strewn, vegetation-chocked, twisting course has beckoned to my sense of adventure and exploration. So when I found myself with some time available on a weekend to try out some of my new overnight backpacking gear, I made plans to head out and camp somewhere within the gorge. The State Park and California Conservation Corps have been involved in a tamarisk removal project there, clearing out the invasive trees and making it much easier to traverse the canyon.





There's not a whole lot of information out there about a hiking route down the length of Carrizo Gorge. An earlier edition of Afoot & Afield In San Diego County describes this hike as a long, rugged, difficult, and memorable one, with bushwhacking, boulderhopping, and mud-stomping in abundance. However, most people who head into this area come to hike or bike along the old San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway, built in the early 1900's.





Click here to see more of my adventure into this remarkable part of the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: http://johnandautumnsadventures.blogspot.com/2015/02/carrizo-gorge-overnight-backpack-abdsp.html
edited by BorregoWrangler on 2/28/2015
3/1/2015
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Overnight Trip

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
dsefcik wrote:
Glad you finally made it out there John..that boulder has had many a camper I am sure, we always pass by it and I remember one trip it was full of campfire wood and undocumented remnants. In the past with the Tamarisk getting that far from the north end was nearly impossible unless the creek bed was totally dry. You can find some of my previous posts showing lots of flowing water.

@Ziphius: There are usually pockets of water the further south you go into the gorge past goat cyn but I would not put anything on a map for a trip unless it was noted in a recent visit or a very wet year. There are currently pockets of water in the gorge from de anza all the way to goat cyn but they are far apart, not too deep or in deep thickets of tamarisk and ticks. Definitly usable for water sources though if needed.

Daren

--


Thanks, Daren. I was sure to check out all your trips into the gorge before I headed out. It would certainly make things interesting with more water flowing along the creek there. I'm definitely gonna head out there again to explore more.

@Ziphius: Yeah, what Daren said. The pool I came across was a little ways north of the Goat Canyon junction.
11/17/2015
Topic:
Combs Peak Hike

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
One of my goals is to hike all of the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California.... and of course I enjoy spending time in ABDSP, so this hike combined two of my interest! I did this back in October and it was my 40th hike of the year. I wouldn't mind doing this again and camping at the base of the peak. The views down towards upper Coyote Canyon (my 1st hike of the year) and of the Santa Rosa mountains were spectacular. I believe this trek was around 5 miles with about 1300' of elevation gain.


































edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/17/2015
edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/17/2015
11/22/2015
Topic:
Combs Peak Hike

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Thanks for all the replies, guys! I've been so busy with life that I really haven't had much time to spend on the boards. My 52 Hike Challenge is coming along great! I only have 4 hikes left to do before I complete it! Last weekend I camped and hiked 12 miles into Carrizo Gorge. I also hiked Granite Mountain, just south of Scissors Crossing.

As for that lost hiker... yeah, I do recall that being the area where he went missing. Did they ever find anything more than just his pack?
11/22/2015
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Hike Nov. 2015

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Well my original plan was to hike the enitre length of the canyon with some friends, setting up a shuttle arrangement with our vehicles. However, they ended up getting sick and had to cancel. So I headed out solo Saturday afternoon, found a flat place to camp with my Jeep, then headed out hiking in the morning.

There is a narrow section in the gorge just south of the Goat Canyon junction where it seems that the CCC just skipped in their tamarisk removal efforts. Just after that spot, its all clear again. Anyways, I still need to explore the southern area of the gorge more. From what I've seen from Daren's trips, its still fairly chocked with vegetation.

I always see or discover something different on these hikes and this one was no exception. Beside some low flying aircraft buzzing my campsite, I came across two sheep carcasses, pottery shards, and a pictograph cave. It was a wonderful weekend spent in the desert!












































edited by BorregoWrangler on 11/22/2015
12/7/2015
Topic:
Carrizo Gorge Hike Nov. 2015

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
sddarkman619 wrote:
How long did it take you to do that hike? We did a similar hike in 2004 and it took us easily 8 hours. The gorge basin was so overgrown as were thinking we needed machete's to get through in some spots. And we thought it would be the *easy* way...
Gallery:
http://www.gothicsandiego.com/shoots/geotrestle/


I recall this hike taking around 5 to 6 hours. I'll be heading back in January for a backpacking trip.
12/7/2015
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta Canyons Backpack

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Awesome trip! I'd love to find my to to that cabin one of these days. Maybe pack in a broom to help clean it out?
4/25/2016
Topic:
Peak 6582

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Backpacking Trip to Peak 6582 (Dawns Peak)
March 26-27, 2016

I can say without a doubt that this was the most difficult hike I've ever done. Words fail to describe the feelings of accomplishment and awe I experienced at the summit. My companions were Scott Turner (co-author of the 5th edition to Afoot & Afield in San Diego County), and Don Endicott, a former hiking companion of Jerry Schad.

Here is Scotts trip report:

https://scottturnerhikes.com/2016/03/28/trip-report-dawns-peak-peak-6582/

Here is Don's write up:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Santa Rosa Wilderness
Saturday, Sunday 26-27 March 2016

"One of the more strenuous hikes in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park area, Dawn’s Peak is situated half way between Toro Peak and Rabbit Peak along the backbone of the Santa Rosa Mountains northeast of Borrego Springs, California and southwest of Palms Springs, Indio, and the Coachella Valley.

I previously hiked and mapped this entirely cross country route back in April 2007 during a two day backpack with good friend Don Raether. This year, I teamed with Scott Turner and his friend John Graham for a reprise of that hike and to help Scott complete the last hike of his year-long effort to co-author a new 5th Edition of Afoot & Afield in San Diego County, THE San Diego hiker’s bible, originally written by my good friend and hiking and running companion, Jerry Schad.

As was the case nine years ago, we packed in about four miles from upper Clark Valley to spend the night, passing the Corp benchmark and petroglyph site along the way. Based on experience, I carried 11 liters of water, adding a hefty 24 pounds to the rest of my pack, contributing to a relatively modest pace to scramble and rock hop through broken terrain to reach camp in a side canyon at 2400 feet, a 4 mile, 1600 foot ascent. After dinner and quiet conversation, Scott and John turned in and I stayed up a bit longer to take in the exceptional night sky, including the constellations Canis Major, Orion, and Taurus parading over the ridge to the southwest.

Next morning we arose early, packed our gear, donned daypacks, and started hiking in predawn twilight a little after 6 am. The first section is steep and rocky, ascending 1000 vertical feet to reach rolling bench that leads to the base of Dawn’s Peak. The wildflowers were exceptional with lush yellow Brittlebush seemingly everywhere. Brilliant magenta blossoms of Hedgehog Cactus and Beavertail Cactus accented our route as did a variety of smaller, ground level flowers.

The last mile to the summit follows the west ridge of Dawn’s Peak and involves a climb of 3000 vertical feet of slip-and-slide hiking along the backbone of decomposed granite and large boulder outcrops with agave and cholla obstacles on the lower half and Pinyon and agave on the upper half. As we topped out on the crest of the Santa Rosas, we met up with Robert Hunt, another accomplished desert hiker and ultra-distance runner. Robert had trekked in and up from Rockhouse Canyon by moonlight last night and celebrated Easter Sunrise in the summit area. Although knowing of each other, this was the first time we actually met Robert in person.

At the summit cairn, everyone took a turn signing into a peak register that went back to the early 1980s that included Jerry Schad’s log entry from February 1983. I left a copy of my celebration of life eulogy originally given at Jerry’s memorial service in November 2011. I noted that our hiking time up from camp was a decent 4 hours and 40 minutes, only 10 minutes longer than in 2007 – not bad for someone now old enough to qualify for Medicare.

Following lunch, Robert joined us for the hike out. Aside from a hefty rock that came tumbling down to just miss Scott and 40 feet below graze my pack as I hugged against an outcrop, our descent was uneventful. On the way back to camp, I pointed out a village site I had discovered back in 2007. We also passed a large agave roasting pit, along with pottery sherds and fragments of flake stone, further evidence of the many centuries of occupation by the native Mountain Cahuilla.

After picking up our packs, we followed our original trail in reverse, impressed with how far we had come and how much we had climbed. Along the way a partial olla was discovered, admired, photographed, and returned to its cubby hole. Back down at the Corp petroglyphs, we parted with Robert who still had five miles to reach his car at the Hidden Spring trailhead.

We arrived back at my 4Runner shortly before 7 pm with handshakes and congratulations to Scott for completing this capstone trip and finalizing the Afoot & Afield project."

Trip Summary
Total Distance: 14 miles round trip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 6000 feet
Hiking Time (Saturday, trailhead to overnight camp) – 3 hours
Hiking Time (Sunday, overnight camp to summit to trailhead) – 11 hours 20 min
edited by BorregoWrangler on 4/25/2016
edited by BorregoWrangler on 4/25/2016
4/25/2016
Topic:
Jacumba and Table Mountain Exploration

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Nice trip report and photos. I love exploring that area. I still need to get out there again and explore Grey Mountain.
4/25/2016
Topic:
Peak 6582

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Here are some of my photos:




















edited by BorregoWrangler on 4/25/2016
1/24/2021
Topic:
Fish Benchmark and Eagle Benchmark

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
Good job out there. I did the same loop a few years ago, minus Eagle BM. I'll have to get out there again.
1/24/2021
Topic:
Villager Peak

AdventureGraham
AdventureGraham
It was good visiting my all time favorite summit! I hauled 9L of water and cached 4 at the peak for my return in the spring when I bag Rabbit as well. My hiking partner was way out of her comfort zone and felt like quitting on my a few times, but I was right there to help her along and give encouragement


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