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2-3 Day Trip Recommendation? Messages in this topic - RSS

Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 588


6/4/2018
Rocko1
Rocko1
Posts: 588
Looking to do a 2 day backpacking trip this summer. I was hoping I could make a reliable water source the halfway point so I wouldn't have to carry so much water. I know of a few of the sources-Palm Spring, Dos Cabezas but those don't fit will with a decent route. Can anyone point me towards a reliable source 8-12 miles from place I can park? It would be appreciated.
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ziphius
ziphius
Posts: 911


6/12/2018
ziphius
ziphius
Posts: 911
Rocko1 wrote:
Ok, I understand that. How does one get 'vetted' so to speak?


It kind of happens 'organically', at least on this forum. Folks post threads from their trips, show an interest and respect for the desert and it's cultural and biological treasures, get invited on a trip with forum members, maybe they are known from other sources, like the annual bighorn sheep count, then they are trusted. Internet has resulted in 'oversharing' with the result being that many sites are now overrun. Tassajara Hot Springs is a good example. We are friendly here, but we generally don't post specific locations of obscure water sources, pictographs, etc. Just thought someone should reply to this thread.

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Buford
Buford
Posts: 453


6/12/2018
Buford
Buford
Posts: 453
Another problem is reliability of water sources, especially in the summer. Sources that used to be reliable, may not be anymore due to drought, seasons, earthquakes, human intervention, or other causes. Not many people hike in Borrego in the summer either so info is more limited.

No one wants to send someone with unknown outdoors ability who they’ve never met in person to a potentially dry source the person might be relying on for survival.

Edit:
I actually don’t know the exact location of any year round water sources that are “secret.” I know some people here do. Another thing would be to search them out in winter with old Topo maps and google earth followed by some exploring on the ground.
edited by Buford on 6/12/2018

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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609


6/12/2018
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609
Thanks ziphius for catching this post, I missed it somehow.

Rocko1, I do not know your experience or capabilities, especially in the desert...in the summer...however for most folks, venturing out 8+ miles for a backpack trip into the desert in the summer with 105+ temps and relying on a water source to provide is a risk for anyone of any skill or knowledge level. When we head out for trips where water sources may be suspect we always, always bring enough to get us in to the first source and back in case it is dry. That may demand carrying 8 liters the first day.

That said...the upper reaches of Nicholias Cyn near the cottonwoods as described in Schad's book should have water, it was flowing just fine a few weeks ago. I have never been out there in June/July/August so use that information at your own risk.

RHC is especially lonely in the summer and cell phones do not work but HAM works great off Toro.

PM me for more info you like, let us know if you venture out!

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dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609


6/13/2018
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609
The other possibility is to park up at Toro peak and make your way down to the cottonwoods. Assuming there is water (which I would be surprised if there was not) you could base camp there and do some day hikes into the surrounding RHC area. This is a fairly common route even during non summer months. The only drawback is you will have to climb 3,000' to get back to your car. Toro is at 8,000+ and the cottonwoods are at 5,000 so the temps should better than down on the desert floor.

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dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609


6/13/2018
dsefcik
dsefcik
Administrator
Posts: 2609
Rocko1 wrote:
Thank you for all of the information. This is an interesting option. I will do some mapping and see how that would look.

Thanks again.

There is an informal "trail" with a scattering of cairns from the top down to the cottonwoods, there is some brush bushwhack but no bad overall.

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Britain
Britain
Posts: 590


6/25/2018
Britain
Britain
Posts: 590
Be careful out there
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Search-On-for-Man-Missing-in-Desert-During-Heat-Warning-486333201.html??f
edited by Britain on 6/25/2018

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Cant drive 55
Britain
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