4 days ago
Topic:
2022
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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For time lapse, how about watching one of those small sandy wash belly bushes creating that swirly pattern in the sand as the wind blows the branches back and forth? Or maybe an ant hill being formed? got make them unique to ABDSP so it's not "just another one of those swirly bush/ant hill" time lapse videos...
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5 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
rockhopper wrote:
To Add: So nice to see the sky island of Jeffrey pine, Ponderosa pine amongst other Conifers on the Southern Bench photo. They looked healthy. Hope they can hang on. I need to go there someday!
I called the ranger the day before to confirm the gate was unlocked. Really great area. I commented to Brian while walking through the pine meadows-'you know what you don't see many of? Dead trees'. What was there looked pretty healthy. But as with everything-better go see it sooner than later.
I was shocked at all the cairns leading to the southern edge of the bench-there are quite a few old ones and trails that are choked, we struggled in a few spots. Seems to be 3 'routes' going south-dead center on the ridge and to the east and just west of center. These converge about 1/4 mile before the bench drops onto the crest.
If you haven't been up there I suggest a trip-Even for a day or so. Park near the end of the road and explore the bench.
I will definitely plan a trip to the Southern bench sometime. I have hiked down to around the 7500 ft. elevation just above the bench on the south side and hiked off Toro to the East down to Black Rabbit and to the West down to the "other" abandoned Sawmill several times. That southern bench looks sweet to base camp at. Thanks for posting the video. A little ground snow for water and light winds would be perfect.
The south meadow is perfect for base camp. Easy to hump water to from your car location, not far to drop off bench, reasonably easy to get to, shade, breeze, views. Another south meadow video-https://imgur.com/jY4RoUUhttps://imgur.com/jY4RoUU
edited by Rocko1 on 5/13/2022
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5 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Rocko1 wrote:
rockhopper wrote:
To Add: So nice to see the sky island of Jeffrey pine, Ponderosa pine amongst other Conifers on the Southern Bench photo. They looked healthy. Hope they can hang on. I need to go there someday!
I called the ranger the day before to confirm the gate was unlocked. Really great area. I commented to Brian while walking through the pine meadows-'you know what you don't see many of? Dead trees'. What was there looked pretty healthy. But as with everything-better go see it sooner than later.
I was shocked at all the cairns leading to the southern edge of the bench-there are quite a few old ones and trails that are choked, we struggled in a few spots. Seems to be 3 'routes' going south-dead center on the ridge and to the east and just west of center. These converge about 1/4 mile before the bench drops onto the crest.
If you haven't been up there I suggest a trip-Even for a day or so. Park near the end of the road and explore the bench.
I will definitely plan a trip to the Southern bench sometime. I have hiked down to around the 7500 ft. elevation just above the bench on the south side and hiked off Toro to the East down to Black Rabbit and to the West down to the "other" abandoned Sawmill several times. That southern bench looks sweet to base camp at. Thanks for posting the video. A little ground snow for water and light winds would be perfect.
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6 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
To Add: So nice to see the sky island of Jeffrey pine, Ponderosa pine amongst other Conifers on the Southern Bench photo. They looked healthy. Hope they can hang on. I need to go there someday!
I called the ranger the day before to confirm the gate was unlocked. Really great area. I commented to Brian while walking through the pine meadows-'you know what you don't see many of? Dead trees'. What was there looked pretty healthy. But as with everything-better go see it sooner than later.
I was shocked at all the cairns leading to the southern edge of the bench-there are quite a few old ones and trails that are choked, we struggled in a few spots. Seems to be 3 'routes' going south-dead center on the ridge and to the east and just west of center. These converge about 1/4 mile before the bench drops onto the crest.
If you haven't been up there I suggest a trip-Even for a day or so. Park near the end of the road and explore the bench.
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6 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
rockhopperPosts: 638
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To Add: So nice to see the sky island of Jeffrey pine, Ponderosa pine amongst other Conifers on the Southern Bench photo. They looked healthy. Hope they can hang on. I need to go there someday!
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6 days ago
Topic:
2022
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Buford, looks like you worked for Nat.Geo. :-)
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7 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BrianPosts: 144
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Buford wrote:
How accurate is the site?
I'm not sure. One time I was driving Black Mountain in Ramona and a ranger closed the gate as I left because of an approaching rain storm. When I got home I checked the page and it was listed as closed. So I know at least some pages are up to date. I'm sure it depends on the agency, as you said. In this case Rocko1 went the extra mile and called to double check it would be open.
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7 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BufordPosts: 416
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Brian wrote:
Buford wrote:
I am a little surprised the road was open, they sometimes close it due to weather.
I always check this page before I go.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=81714&fbclid=IwAR0GW9delpT-LLXErehAP2YEXkFyHbYr4U-NhM4I3wc21SgP4g3fwiL0rys
The forecast for the storm that rolled through didn't call for any accumulation (although there was some), so that's probably why they didn't bother to close it.
How accurate is the site? I have found too often the USFS does not update road closures and have hit unexpected locked gates a few too many times. I imagine some districts are better than others at keeping the website up to date.
I can say the road to Toro is treacherous to even walk when it gets covered in ice.
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7 days ago
Topic:
2022
BufordPosts: 416
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dsefcik wrote:
...
Last milky way shot looks like the culp valley / pinyon campsite at the end of the road near the trail to pinyon ridge.
--
Correct. I've scouted that site out before for milky way shots, never got around to shooting there until last weekend.
I usually try and get birds in flight instead of bird on a stick shots. I couldn't get the doves to cooperate.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BrianPosts: 144
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Buford wrote:
I am a little surprised the road was open, they sometimes close it due to weather.
I always check this page before I go.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sbnf/recarea/?recid=81714&fbclid=IwAR0GW9delpT-LLXErehAP2YEXkFyHbYr4U-NhM4I3wc21SgP4g3fwiL0rys
The forecast for the storm that rolled through didn't call for any accumulation (although there was some), so that's probably why they didn't bother to close it.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BrianPosts: 144
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tekewin wrote:
A very interesting trip and great photos!
Did you start on Toro or just below it?
Seems like a mostly unexplored area.
The plan was to start by the locked gate just below the summit of Toro. We encountered more ice than expected on the road near Stump Spring campground and decided to park there since there are limited places to turn around if the road got worse. Of course as it turned out we would have been totally fine driving to the end, but this worked out OK.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
tekewinPosts: 314
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A very interesting trip and great photos!
Did you start on Toro or just below it?
Seems like a mostly unexplored area.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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Looks like a great trip. There is a wrecked military helo up towards the peak, you should find that next time out that way.
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8 days ago
Topic:
2022
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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Look great Bufurd, thanks for sharing.
The time lapse was really awesome, really nice work..!! 
Last milky way shot looks like the culp valley / pinyon campsite at the end of the road near the trail to pinyon ridge.
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9 days ago
Topic:
2022
BufordPosts: 416
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Thanks.
A couple more. The roadrunner tried to attack a dove and the dove got away.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Buford wrote:
Nice. There is so much up there to explore. Very few people up there I assume? I am a little surprised the road was open, they sometimes close it due to weather.
Glad you found the ridge down to the cottonwoods. I have really enjoyed hikes like Rockhouse to Toro where you can go through multiple biomes in a day hike.
We saw one truck at a campground near the top and heard some others near the peak from camp, but saw no one. Road was questionable just in a few areas-at about 7,500ft or so due to snow/ice-that turned to mud quickly.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BufordPosts: 416
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Nice. There is so much up there to explore. Very few people up there I assume? I am a little surprised the road was open, they sometimes close it due to weather.
Glad you found the ridge down to the cottonwoods. I have really enjoyed hikes like Rockhouse to Toro where you can go through multiple biomes in a day hike.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
That was an excellent expedition. The views are just fantastic! Looks like you arrived after the last snow of the season on Toro. Is the video of the south meadow pines the same area as picture no. 8 with the Salton Sea back drop? The shade of that pine looks like a great camping spot. How much water did you pack in? Patchy snow would be the way to go. But it would be cold.
Yes, south meadow is in picture 8. Here are more pics-https://imgur.com/a/anbL107
I think I had 6.5L, ate and refilled bottle with snow that added .75 to 1L. I think it got to 32f or so that night. Camp was about 8,050ft.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
rockhopperPosts: 638
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That was an excellent expedition. The views are just fantastic! Looks like you arrived after the last snow of the season on Toro. Is the video of the south meadow pines the same area as picture no. 8 with the Salton Sea back drop? The shade of that pine looks like a great camping spot. How much water did you pack in? Patchy snow would be the way to go. But it would be cold.
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9 days ago
Topic:
2022
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Awesome photos. Please keep em' coming!
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9 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
Rocko1Posts: 508
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This was a great trip. Some really fantastic camping opportunities in both north and south meadows. Found the route down to the cottonwoods-marked-at the top at least-with plenty of cairns. Also heavy animal tracks leading to this route as well.
South Meadow-https://i.imgur.com/gNs0xl7.mp4
edited by Rocko1 on 5/9/2022
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9 days ago
Topic:
2022
BufordPosts: 416
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Brian wrote:
Great pics as always, Buford. I don't recognize the last one so I'm sure I've just driven past it too.
Scissors area.
Rockrunner
Tarantula hawk
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12 days ago
Topic:
2022
BrianPosts: 144
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Great pics as always, Buford. I don't recognize the last one so I'm sure I've just driven past it too.
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12 days ago
Topic:
Alta Seca Bench
BrianPosts: 144
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Rocko1 and I wanted to get in one more overnight trip before the desert gets too hot (this isn't quite Anza Borrego but it's adjacent). We were looking at high desert options and settled on Alta Seca Bench near Toro Peak. This was 2 weekends ago and a snow storm blew through a day before we went. We didn't set any firm destination goals because we didn't know what conditions we would find. We managed a thorough exploration of the bench despite both of us feeling the effects of the altitude (it's easy to forget that the starting point of this trip is 1000' higher than the highest peaks in Anza Borrego).
All pics courtesy of Rocko1
A good view of the bench from one of our previous trips to Rockhouse Valley.
There was still snow at the top when we arrived. It was gone by the next day.
Views of Borrego Springs, Rockhouse and Clark Valleys.
We found the top of the ridge that descends to the Cottonwoods. We're talking about a Toro to Rockhouse traverse next fall.
Conditions on the bench were much drier than at Toro.
Views to the S/E
Our campsite had great views but also wind exposure.
Sunrise from camp.
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14 days ago
Topic:
2022
BufordPosts: 416
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One more from an area most people just drive past.
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15 days ago
Topic:
2022
BufordPosts: 416
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Costas
meep meep
A couple different takes on the milky way
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22 days ago
Topic:
The Cahuilla and the Santa Rosa Mountain Region
rockhopperPosts: 638
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That is a great resource. I have it pinned. Thanks for posting.
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23 days ago
Topic:
The Cahuilla and the Santa Rosa Mountain Region
BrianPosts: 144
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Downloaded. I'm looking forward to reading this.
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26 days ago
Topic:
The Cahuilla and the Santa Rosa Mountain Region
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Sorry if this has been posted before but I found this pretty interesting report provided to the BLM in 1981. Thought some might find this informative. I find the Cahuilla and how they lived very intriguing.
https://archive.org/details/cahuillasantaros00bean/mode/1up
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28 days ago
Topic:
Piepkorn slot
BritainPosts: 539
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JBHogan wrote:
Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I thought I'd give an update on the current condition of the slot, as of April '22, so anyone searching on the area will have more info.
Last week we traveled northbound from the Dos Cabezas area along the road ending at Jojoba Wash. The damaged memorial is still there, with only a few tokens and coins left.
In our short wheelbase 4x4 Tacoma were able to navigate the slot (which had only one set of faint tire tracks), and thought we were home free, right until the end of the road...
From the plateau above the wash there are three routes down, all sandy descents similar to the one in Canyon Sin Nombre. Unfortunately, the wheelers have destroyed two of the three completely. I'm assuming they head southbound up the slopes with rock-crawler-type jeeps; there are 3 foot vertical drops in several places, some of which have been augmented with large rocks in an attempt to fill the holes. Total suicide.
The third way down is a steep, sandy slope featuring a 90-degree turn halfway down with some large ruts. If one were equipped with lots of technical 4x4 experience and a high clearance, wide-tired Jeep they could probably make it, but we were a little leery of taking the chance, since it was mid-week with no one around to help us right the truck if we rolled it during the turn. After some cussing, we reversed our course and went back the way we came. We made it through the slot "uphill" and continued south.
When we got home, I looked at Google Earth and found there was a "pin" on the slot, listing it as closed...
In a way, turning around was a good thing: we spent the night at Hayden Spring, and in the morning had the good fortune to witness a group of four Bighorn rams grazing in the wash, about 50 meters away. They didn't seem bothered by us and stuck around for about 30 minutes, before casually heading up the rocks and out of sight.
Yeah, those routes up to the top from the wash are a mess.
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29 days ago
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Hey Brain, I am only using Google Earth. Try using the historical views. It can make the old trails "pop" out. From what I know, there were 100's miles of Native American trails interlacing throughout the Santa Rosas. Only a small percentage of these trails remains visible on the surface today. The only remaining trail remnants I have found are on geologic stable areas, Mesas, Bajadas, heavily patinaed desert pavement, etc. It still is remarkable that today we can travel across trails thousands of years old.
edited by rockhopper on 4/19/2022
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29 days ago
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
BrianPosts: 144
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rockhopper wrote:
Here are the Google Earth pictures that got me motivated to go out and check it out.
The trail. Center of picture.
I found it on GE. That would be quite the needle in a haystack to find that without the clues. Do you trace out the parts you can see on some app before you go, or do you just note the starting point and do it all from what you can see on the ground?
edited by Brian on 4/18/2022
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4/18/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
tommy750Posts: 994
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rockhopper wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
rockhopper wrote:
Tommy750
Neat story about your rock circle search and finding it. It is always different on the ground. The same for my rock circle search. The "mystery ring" picture above sure looked man made. About 60 foot in diameter. On the ground is barely discernable. Seeing old charcoal poking thru the sand made me think it was a ceremonial gathering site for rituals perhaps. Too big for a roasting pit?
btw I remember your trip down Agua Alta. Thanks for the repost. Enjoyed it. Cheers.
Does the charcoal from roasting pits last for multiple centuries?
Rocko1,
I had to google it. Apparently burned wood, charcoal which contains no more organic matter in it is very stable so it can last for centuries underground. Longer in dryer climates. At the 60 foot "mystery ring" the surface was eroding away and small chunks of charcoal were making its way to the surface and then probably getting blown away with the strong winds over time. Giant roasting pit? Ceremonial ritual site? If I do Agua Alta again, I will have to check it out some more.
edited by rockhopper on 4/18/2022
Pretty sure charcoal will last thousands of year with regards to carbon-14 testing. Your first two photos of circles look like roasting pits but of course you would need to see if they are surrounded by fire affected rock and contain lots of ash/charcoal. Sometimes a overlying sediment layer complicates things. I know there is a 30 ft roasting pit on the Palo Verde trail Gary Jones showed me once. Not sure about 60 ft. Supposedly there is a 70 ft rock circle on the east side of Clark Lake but have been unable to locate it on GE. Here's an article regarding ages of local roasting pits and the curious observation they seemed to have been used more during dry periods of Ancient Lake Cahuilla. https://www.sandiegoarchaeology.org/Laylander/Issues/chron.agave.htm
NIce trail find leading out of Martinez.
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4/18/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Rocko1 wrote:
rockhopper wrote:
Tommy750
Neat story about your rock circle search and finding it. It is always different on the ground. The same for my rock circle search. The "mystery ring" picture above sure looked man made. About 60 foot in diameter. On the ground is barely discernable. Seeing old charcoal poking thru the sand made me think it was a ceremonial gathering site for rituals perhaps. Too big for a roasting pit?
btw I remember your trip down Agua Alta. Thanks for the repost. Enjoyed it. Cheers.
Does the charcoal from roasting pits last for multiple centuries?
Rocko1,
I had to google it. Apparently burned wood, charcoal which contains no more organic matter in it is very stable so it can last for centuries underground. Longer in dryer climates. At the 60 foot "mystery ring" the surface was eroding away and small chunks of charcoal were making its way to the surface and then probably getting blown away with the strong winds over time. Giant roasting pit? Ceremonial ritual site? If I do Agua Alta again, I will have to check it out some more.
edited by rockhopper on 4/18/2022
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4/18/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
Tommy750
Neat story about your rock circle search and finding it. It is always different on the ground. The same for my rock circle search. The "mystery ring" picture above sure looked man made. About 60 foot in diameter. On the ground is barely discernable. Seeing old charcoal poking thru the sand made me think it was a ceremonial gathering site for rituals perhaps. Too big for a roasting pit?
btw I remember your trip down Agua Alta. Thanks for the repost. Enjoyed it. Cheers.
Does the charcoal from roasting pits last for multiple centuries?
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4/16/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Tommy750
Neat story about your rock circle search and finding it. It is always different on the ground. The same for my rock circle search. The "mystery ring" picture above sure looked man made. About 60 foot in diameter. On the ground is barely discernable. Seeing old charcoal poking thru the sand made me think it was a ceremonial gathering site for rituals perhaps. Too big for a roasting pit?
btw I remember your trip down Agua Alta. Thanks for the repost. Enjoyed it. Cheers.
Here are the Google Earth pictures that got me motivated to go out and check it out.
Up the nose
The trail. Center of picture.
edited by rockhopper on 4/18/2022
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4/16/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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tekewin wrote:
Magnificent trip. With that many miles, I'm surprised your water lasted.
I could barely make out your satellite circle. I do like exploring via Google Earth and heading to interesting places. I don't do that enough.
Thanks for sharing!
Tekewin
I was able to take advantage of a mini weather window of cooler temps after the last rain. This made my water consumption a lot lower, but still used almost 1 Gal. per day. Water / food/ fuel was half the pack weight. For added weight I threw in a big can of steak and potatoes. But I needed some calories for the next day. I had about 1 cup full of water when I returned to the vehicle. Hopefully we get some big monsoon rains to recharge the springs.
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4/10/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
tekewinPosts: 314
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Magnificent trip. With that many miles, I'm surprised your water lasted.
I could barely make out your satellite circle. I do like exploring via Google Earth and heading to interesting places. I don't do that enough.
Thanks for sharing!
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4/9/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
BrianPosts: 144
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rockhopper, now that I see your route map I realize the mistake I was making. I had been thinking your base camp was at the confluence of where the Cactus Spring trail comes into Martinez. I guess that's Tahquitz Canyon. I forgot that Agua Alta Canyon comes in more toward the mouth of Martinez. So I don't think you passed the choke point I was mentioning, and my other questions were also based on the assumption you were on the other trail.
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4/9/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Here is my route map.
Hiked around 23 miles. Used all 20 lbs of water. Planning next trip at higher elevations now the lower elevations are warming up.
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4/9/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Brian, I looked at your coordinates. Vegetation and the dreaded cat's claw are over growing in the canyon bottoms in a desperate search for water. All I can say is more hikers need to push thru to keep the trails more open. The cattle are not around anymore roaming the canyons to "bulldoze" through.
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4/8/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
BrianPosts: 144
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rockhopper wrote:
Brian,
The vegetation is rapidly changing from year to year. Martinez up to Millers rock house is pretty straight forward. The vegetation past millers cabin really get thick heading towards the falls. What section are you mentioning?
That dry spring is not Agua Alta. Just a unnamed spring in the lower canyon. Agua Alta is up on the cactus spring trail at elev. 4300 ft.
The trail is a combination of following the creek bottom and side canyon scrambling. Dry waterfalls and cats claw forces you out of the canyon bottom. I will give the first person a bottle of my finest booze if someone takes a flame thrower to the invading cats claw taking over sections of the canyon bottom. I did find some faint trail sections along the canyon walls.
Thanks you for the answers. The spot where I had problems was a choke point in Martinez Canyon where the only way I could get through was to squeeze between the reeds and a rock wall on the right. I'm not entirely sure, but it may have been here: 33°29'51"N 116°17'06"W
edited by Brian on 4/8/2022
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4/8/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Brian wrote:
That's impressive GE research as well as impressive hiking. I've done the top part of the Cactus Spring trail as far as Cactus Spring and I've done Martinez to the Miller Cabin and back, but never that section that connects them. I have a few questions.
How was the section with the reeds in Martinez? That really slowed me down on the way up but was quicker on the return when I had figured out the best way to get through. But I could imagine it being a problem if the growth got any thicker.
The dry spring you mentioned with the cat's claw and seasonal camp - is that Agua Alta spring?
When you encountered the 20' dry fall, is that along the route that would be marked on a map as the trail, or were you off trail there?
edited by Brian on 4/7/2022
Brian,
The vegetation is rapidly changing from year to year. Martinez up to Millers rock house is pretty straight forward. The vegetation past millers cabin really get thick heading towards the falls. What section are you mentioning?
That dry spring is not Agua Alta. Just a unnamed spring in the lower canyon. Agua Alta is up on the cactus spring trail at elev. 4300 ft.
The trail is a combination of following the creek bottom and side canyon scrambling. Dry waterfalls and cats claw forces you out of the canyon bottom. I will give the first person a bottle of my finest booze if someone takes a flame thrower to the invading cats claw taking over sections of the canyon bottom. I did find some faint trail sections along the canyon walls.
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4/8/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Wow! Just fantastic stuff up here. I am going to have to explore this. You ever have issues leaving your car where you do?
Rocko1, No real people involved issues ever with my messing with my vehicles. I do put notes taped to car windows "hiking be back soon" and my phone #. The only major car issues have been with the rodents chewing up engine wiring harness. But that was at a trail head in the Sierras. Not as big a problem in the Desert.
Side note: On this trip I was able to get thru 3 farm gates to get closer to Martinez. Saves about a mile of hiking. On the way out the 3rd gate was locked! And I thought my adventure was over. I was exhausted, my feet were sore and looked pretty haggard and had to hike off to find the farmer. I do carry bolt cutters but didn't want to be "The bad Backpacker". I wandered up to the nearest farm house with rooster crowing and was able to have the farmer unlock the gate. I explained that Cal Topo and Google Earth show the Martinez trail head is at the end of this dirt road past the 3 gates. He just smiled like he has done this before.
Thanks. Good call on the bolt cutters-that or a hack saw would be a life saver.
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4/8/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Rocko1 wrote:
Wow! Just fantastic stuff up here. I am going to have to explore this. You ever have issues leaving your car where you do?
Rocko1, No real people involved issues ever with my messing with my vehicles. I do put notes taped to car windows "hiking be back soon" and my phone #. The only major car issues have been with the rodents chewing up engine wiring harness. But that was at a trail head in the Sierras. Not as big a problem in the Desert.
Side note: On this trip I was able to get thru 3 farm gates to get closer to Martinez. Saves about a mile of hiking. On the way out the 3rd gate was locked! And I thought my adventure was over. I was exhausted, my feet were sore and looked pretty haggard and had to hike off to find the farmer. I do carry bolt cutters but didn't want to be "The bad Backpacker". I wandered up to the nearest farm house with rooster crowing and was able to have the farmer unlock the gate. I explained that Cal Topo and Google Earth show the Martinez trail head is at the end of this dirt road past the 3 gates. He just smiled like he has done this before.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
tommy750Posts: 994
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Glad to see someone else likes to spot stuff on GE and go out and find it. Did 9 miles this past weekend in order to get to this "rock" circle in an area known to contain Archaic sites via "Indian"/game/immigrant trails I also spotted on GE. Ended up being a lovely circle of cholla cacti around a sediment catchment and the trails had discarded plastic and clothing but still had a good time.
 Cholla Circle by tomteske, on Flickr
Did a Martinez-Agua Alta loop a few years back with Daren, Gary and Joel that has a bunch of your pics and comments posted here: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/forum/topic1139-martinez-and-agua-alta-canyons-backpack.aspx
Also remember getting to that dry falls in Agua Alta on the decent and having to backtrack and climb out. Nice TR! Tom
edited by tommy750 on 4/7/2022
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
ziphiusPosts: 898
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Nice looking trip! Whale is always fun.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
ziphiusPosts: 898
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Excellent trip and photos rockhopper. I'm still a fan of my external frame pack, carries weight very well.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
BrianPosts: 144
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That's impressive GE research as well as impressive hiking. I've done the top part of the Cactus Spring trail as far as Cactus Spring and I've done Martinez to the Miller Cabin and back, but never that section that connects them. I have a few questions.
How was the section with the reeds in Martinez? That really slowed me down on the way up but was quicker on the return when I had figured out the best way to get through. But I could imagine it being a problem if the growth got any thicker.
The dry spring you mentioned with the cat's claw and seasonal camp - is that Agua Alta spring?
When you encountered the 20' dry fall, is that along the route that would be marked on a map as the trail, or were you off trail there?
edited by Brian on 4/7/2022
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Wow! Just fantastic stuff up here. I am going to have to explore this. You ever have issues leaving your car where you do?
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Martinez and Agua Alta 3 Day backpack
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Greetings explorers. At the end of March, I did a 3-day solo backpack into the East side of the Santa Rosas. The purpose of the expedition was to locate some areas of interest I noted on Goggle Earth in and around Martinez and Agua Alta canyons. First day; Hike in, set up base camp at the fork of Martinez and Agua Alta canyons then hike up a side canyon of Martinez up a faint Native American trail to a possible seasonal village site. Day two; Hike up Agua Alta and attempt to locate a 60-foot Dia. "mystery " rock circle and then continue up to the head waters of Agua Alta towards the Cactus spring trail. Day three pack out. Temps ranged from the 60's at night to mid 80's late afternoon.
Parked my car at elevation 200 in a farmer's field and hiked in. My pack was loaded with a lot of gear and 20 pints of water (20 lbs.) for an even 55 lb. pack weight. After feeling like a mule for 4+ miles I dumped my pack and made a base camp.
Heading up a Martinez side canyon along a faint Native American trail as far as I could follow it. Dawns peak right of center.
Along the faint trail was this. Rock looked as though it had been "worked on"
At the end of the trail, I located a seasonal village.
Lots of grinding slicks
I arranged the stone tools on the rock for a better photo.
Lots of sleeping circles.
Rock circle on a flat rock.
Heading back to camp along the "trail". Faded in and out for about a mile and half.
Flowers making an appearance
Found the camera heading back to base camp. Still working on rounding up a reader for that size SSD card.
Home sweet home.
Day two primary search. The rock circle is very faint near center. Natural or man-made?
Up Agua Alta canyon.
Canyon opens up here. The first spring was surface dry and surrounded by cat's claw. There are some sizable flattish areas on both sides of the dry creek here. To the right of the creek is an old Native seasonal camp site. To the left is where I am searching for the "mystery" rock circle.
Deep grinding slick.
I was able to obtain water from that water fall on a prior trip. I also solo climbed the easiest way to the top of the falls back then. Photo looks across the seasonal camp.
Inside the "mystery" rock circle. Noted some pottery pieces and small charcoal pieces poking through the sand.
Continuing up Agua Alta
Up a 10-foot dry shoot.
I met my match at this 20 foot + slick dry fall. I had to double back about 1/4 mile and climb up along the canyon walls. The canyon walls is where I stayed mostly on the rest of the climb.
Still climbing. I found myself on sections of the old trail following pottery pieces.
The upper reaches of Agua Alta canyon. Finally, it gets easier up here. The trial follows the ridge up towards the lone pinyon pine at the saddle. The cactus spring trail is just beyond heading towards Martinez. Reverse course and back to base camp. Adventurous day.
Heading out of Martinez canyon. Saw boot tracks up Martinez but none up Agua Alta. Saw no one. Too many mylar balloons. So glad they are now banned. Used up all of my water.
Cheers
Rockhopper
edited by rockhopper on 4/7/2022
edited by rockhopper on 4/7/2022
edited by rockhopper on 4/7/2022
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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rockhopper wrote:
Rocko1
Looks like you are finding more of the Vallecitos mountains and Whale peak areas secrets. Those rock shelters and Morteros are a neat find. The water source must have been nearby. According to Lester Reeds book, the indigenous peoples knew the locations of springs that now one else knew about. They filled them in when "strangers" were nearing their water source. Only been up Whale peak one time. In the snow. Great trip report.
I believe there is/was some water source within 1/2 mile radius of Whale. I saw an tremendous-for the desert-amount of birds heading in and out of a drainage area that was decently lush yet too choked with rocks and brush to even get close to it.
I figure I better get up here as much as possible before the last Pinyon falls.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Rocko1
Looks like you are finding more of the Vallecitos mountains and Whale peak areas secrets. Those rock shelters and Morteros are a neat find. The water source must have been nearby. According to Lester Reeds book, the indigenous peoples knew the locations of springs that now one else knew about. They filled them in when "strangers" were nearing their water source. Only been up Whale peak one time. In the snow. Great trip report.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Brian wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Oh nice. The furthest I have gone up there is 33.111949, -116.315743.
Do you think it's any worse than that sandy section of Rockhouse Canyon Rd?
It's been a while since I've driven that road, but I did it quite a few times before my car had skid plates or A/T tires and I never remember scraping in the sand. So I'm going to say slightly better than Rockhouse for sand and much less rocks. If you've driven to the end of Nolina it's similar. One thing about these alluvial fans is you're going uphill the whole time on the way in, so if you can make it in, you can make it out.
Thanks. I have only done the Bighorn to Nolina loop and would like to spend more time up here.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
BrianPosts: 144
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Rocko1 wrote:
Oh nice. The furthest I have gone up there is 33.111949, -116.315743.
Do you think it's any worse than that sandy section of Rockhouse Canyon Rd?
It's been a while since I've driven that road, but I did it quite a few times before my car had skid plates or A/T tires and I never remember scraping in the sand. So I'm going to say slightly better than Rockhouse for sand and much less rocks. If you've driven to the end of Nolina it's similar. One thing about these alluvial fans is you're going uphill the whole time on the way in, so if you can make it in, you can make it out.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Also examine the exif data on the camera. It may have some clues as to whose camera it is. If you really want to dig there are apps that can read deleted images off the card as well. May have more clues. Recuva is the free app.
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Brian wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Yes, that is the plan. Access is an issue as it's tougher/maybe impossible to get my vehicle to get to that side. I'd like to check out the Fish Creek drainage and east of that.
Here's the starting point I would suggest: 33°04'41"N 116°17'16"W
Your Rav4 could easily make it there. The road is sandy but not rocky. From there I've done a dayhike to Split Rock in Hapaha flat, so I know it easily gets you into the area you're looking at.
Oh nice. The furthest I have gone up there is 33.111949, -116.315743.
Do you think it's any worse than that sandy section of Rockhouse Canyon Rd?
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4/7/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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tekewin wrote:
Cool trip! Hey, I really like the terrain in Smuggler Canyon. Looks like a lot of fun.
That native shelter boulder looks unusual. I wonder if the boulder erosion is completely natural or if it was shaped.
I can't imagine hauling a tent around and camping on a whim. I can appreciate the true nomad spirit I seem to lack 
With the amount and depth of morteros near it, it seemed to be a heavily used shelter and it really was one of the better shapes-natural or improved that I have seen. The floor completely flat. The east side of it had fantastic shade and it's position is great for blocking wind. Easy to imagine a small group processing food here. I need to go back and spend more time looking around.
The tarp, ground cloth, quilt, pad and pillow is 3lbs total so that makes it very tolerable to carry. Pack weight with a days food is 12lbs +14lbs of water. For me provides tremendous freedom compared to a day pack.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
tommy750Posts: 994
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The Canon PowerShot SX150 came out in 8/2011 so it could have been up there a while. Hopefully you can view the pics.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
tekewinPosts: 314
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Not my camera, either, or anyone I know.
You should definitely investigate the photos to possibly find a clue to the owner.
Maybe post a few photos if there are people someone might recognize.
I did lose a Garmin GPS somewhere below San Ysidro East if anyone finds one there.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
tekewinPosts: 314
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Cool trip! Hey, I really like the terrain in Smuggler Canyon. Looks like a lot of fun.
That native shelter boulder looks unusual. I wonder if the boulder erosion is completely natural or if it was shaped.
I can't imagine hauling a tent around and camping on a whim. I can appreciate the true nomad spirit I seem to lack
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
BrianPosts: 144
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Rocko1 wrote:
Yes, that is the plan. Access is an issue as it's tougher/maybe impossible to get my vehicle to get to that side. I'd like to check out the Fish Creek drainage and east of that.
Here's the starting point I would suggest: 33°04'41"N 116°17'16"W
Your Rav4 could easily make it there. The road is sandy but not rocky. From there I've done a dayhike to Split Rock in Hapaha flat, so I know it easily gets you into the area you're looking at.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
BufordPosts: 416
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Not my camera. I would check the photos out and see if they could help ID the owner in case they wanted the memory card or gear back. Looks like the camera is destroyed though.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
BufordPosts: 416
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tekewin wrote:
Buford wrote:
Bypassing the dryfall in Goat Canyon was no big deal from my memory.
The museum is accurate to some degree. Some of the other trestles and tunnels are there. Puff BM is there. Even if not 100% accurate, the models give a pretty good idea of the area.
edited by Buford on 4/1/2022
I'm surprised they included Puff BM, kind of an odd detail. Did they show the collapsed tunnel on the right side (from the photo viewpoint)? I can't tell from the angle.
It isn't marked as "Puff BM" but the model has a tunnel on that side and a ridge over it. I don't remember the service road going around. I don't remember seeing the collapsed tunnel in the model. There are two model versions of the trestle.
The models are accurate enough that one of them has the tankers above the trestle and idle cars sitting next to it. As a kid I could spend a lot of time at the museum waiting for the model trains to go by. I think the museum is worth a visit if you are in the area. I don't think it is worth a whole long trip just to see.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Brian wrote:
Yeah, you really packed a lot of exploration into one day. You really need to start checking out the other side (Harper and Hapaha flats).
Yes, that is the plan. Access is an issue as it's tougher/maybe impossible to get my vehicle to get to that side. I'd like to check out the Fish Creek drainage and east of that.
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
BrianPosts: 144
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Yeah, you really packed a lot of exploration into one day. You really need to start checking out the other side (Harper and Hapaha flats).
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Back to Whale
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Continuing my exploration of Whale and the surrounding area, last Saturday around noon(75F) I started at pictograph trailhead and went up via Smuggler Canyon and then climbed out at about 4,000ft elevation and worked my east to 'Little Whale' and then Whale. Had always wanted to see the 'meadows' that are visible form the regular trail. I have really been bitten by the solo wandering type hikes with no real agenda. I hadn't planned on camping on Whale, but it just worked out timing and temperature wise. Carrying 6.5L made climbing out on loose steep lose dg interesting.
Mouth of Smuggler looking west has a fantastic Pinyon-3,600ft
Smuggler, while more challenging than the canyon to the north is actually more interesting. Larger boulders, more choked but also has more fauna.
Just starting up and out of Smuggler-
Continuing up the wall there are a few nice shelves one could camp
Topped out at 4,824ft and looking at the meadows
Video
https://imgur.com/2GTVCco
Natural water container
Nuts
Had again hoped for more live Pinyon trees as I worked my way toward Whale but sadly almost all of them are dead. Did find this great native shelter with many morteros and pottery.
There are 4 morteros here-hard to see as they are filled with dg
Another boulder cave
Not sure if it’s pack rats or what animal that builds shelters under hear out of chola cactus but it’s a pretty smart idea.
On top of Whale.
Meadows to the south
Camp
Wasn’t as cool as I was hoping-65f but zero wind which is a rarity up here.
Sunset
Was one of the calmest nights. One plus or drawback of the Pocket Tarps DCF material is it’s opaqueness or lack there off. I could see the brighter stars and planes flashing lights as they flew over. El Centro lights were also visible under the vestibule.
Got to 49F at night.
Woke up and went back down Smuggler from the top.
Sunrise
Another fatality.
Was back at the car at 9:30am, home by 11:30. Really decent 24h outing.
Album https://imgur.com/a/WPfdlHw
edited by Rocko1 on 4/6/2022
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4/6/2022
Topic:
Piepkorn slot
JBHoganPosts: 6
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Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I thought I'd give an update on the current condition of the slot, as of April '22, so anyone searching on the area will have more info.
Last week we traveled northbound from the Dos Cabezas area along the road ending at Jojoba Wash. The damaged memorial is still there, with only a few tokens and coins left.
In our short wheelbase 4x4 Tacoma were able to navigate the slot (which had only one set of faint tire tracks), and thought we were home free, right until the end of the road...
From the plateau above the wash there are three routes down, all sandy descents similar to the one in Canyon Sin Nombre. Unfortunately, the wheelers have destroyed two of the three completely. I'm assuming they head southbound up the slopes with rock-crawler-type jeeps; there are 3 foot vertical drops in several places, some of which have been augmented with large rocks in an attempt to fill the holes. Total suicide.
The third way down is a steep, sandy slope featuring a 90-degree turn halfway down with some large ruts. If one were equipped with lots of technical 4x4 experience and a high clearance, wide-tired Jeep they could probably make it, but we were a little leery of taking the chance, since it was mid-week with no one around to help us right the truck if we rolled it during the turn. After some cussing, we reversed our course and went back the way we came. We made it through the slot "uphill" and continued south.
When we got home, I looked at Google Earth and found there was a "pin" on the slot, listing it as closed...
In a way, turning around was a good thing: we spent the night at Hayden Spring, and in the morning had the good fortune to witness a group of four Bighorn rams grazing in the wash, about 50 meters away. They didn't seem bothered by us and stuck around for about 30 minutes, before casually heading up the rocks and out of sight.
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Open the pics and see what's in there. Also more interested in your 3 day trip report .
FWIW I just found a fixed blade knife and sheath in Smugglers canyon this weekend. Prior to that I found a down jacket in the stuff sack in Cuyamaca-still have that.
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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3 come to mind. No cool photos on any, in fact all of them only had a few except the one with owner info, it was a fireman and had lots of firetruck photos...he did not want it back, time had past and he had moved on from it. His name is in the stifereno spring register many times....actually that was a blackberry phone now that I am thinking about it. I found a go pro in the sierras one year that survived a winter and had only a few snow pics before it was bounced out of someone's pack...it needed a new battery and I still have it. I have found probably a couple dozen knives over the years, the last one being a Gerber folding knife I found on the great sand dunes national park in Colorado, it has been clipped in my pocket very day since...great little knife.
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
rockhopperPosts: 638
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dsefcik wrote:
I have found a few cameras over the years, one had owner info inside the battery area and the others I looked at the photos and never gave any info to the owner. I would say if someone can contact you and identify the photos that would be enough proof of ownership.
Hi Daren,
No identification anywhere on the camera. It becomes more of a mystery to me. I am curious to see where they went more than finding the owner. btw How many cameras have you found in the wilderness? Any cool photos from them?
P.S. I told my Wife: No way I am putting the Santa Rosas on YouTube. This is our secret place. Hehe
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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I have found a few cameras over the years, one had owner info inside the battery area and the others I looked at the photos and never gave any info to the owner. I would say if someone can contact you and identify the photos that would be enough proof of ownership.
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Camera found in Santa Rosas.
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Greetings fellow explorers. I found this camera last week while on a solo 3-day backpack into the Santa Rosas. It was in a random remote gulley on the east side of the Rosas near Martinez canyon. Looks like maybe been there a few years. It has been flooded with the seasonal rains and was destroyed but the memory card may be good. I need to round up a card reader for this size when I have some time. It has an 8-gig microchip. Wife says to put on you tube. Would be neat to find the owner. So, if you know somebody who knows somebody who lost this camera message me, please. Should I open the photos? What say the brain trust? I will post the backpack trail report when I get a chance.
Cheers
Rockhopper
edited by rockhopper on 4/5/2022
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4/5/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
tekewinPosts: 314
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Buford wrote:
Bypassing the dryfall in Goat Canyon was no big deal from my memory.
The museum is accurate to some degree. Some of the other trestles and tunnels are there. Puff BM is there. Even if not 100% accurate, the models give a pretty good idea of the area.
edited by Buford on 4/1/2022
I'm surprised they included Puff BM, kind of an odd detail. Did they show the collapsed tunnel on the right side (from the photo viewpoint)? I can't tell from the angle.
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4/4/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Scooter wrote:
Outstanding trip report. That is the toughest hike in Borrego. We have done the trip both as a day hike and an overnight.
The day hike we camped the night before at the trailhead on Rockhouse road. We left before sunrise and like you came back in the dark. The overnight we spent the night in the flats before the final ascent to Dawns. We also spent the night on Dawns when we traversed the Santa Rosas from Toro to Villager.
I like the overnight version to Dawns. Pack super light, no stove etc because it is all water weight.
Thanks for posting
I think this method works best for me on difficult hikes. Slamming Dawns in a day hike would mean leaving my house at 3am(waking at 2am) and driving 2 hours. If I did an overnight I could forgo that and be in much better shape to hike that final ascent.
When I did my overnight on Rabbit I slept an hour maybe the night before, up at 2am, drove 3-5a and was hiking at 5:30am. Some of my worst hiking happened that day. In my youth I could have plowed through without too much impact, not so much anymore.
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4/3/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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rockhopper wrote:
Good show man! That's one tough hike. Sounds like you were awake more than 24 hrs. But where are your hiking poles! No poles? I use them going down and have saved me a spill more than a few times. Your right about forgetting the misery. Doing a day hike of Rabbit peak, I swore I would never do that again. If I did Dawns, I would make a base camp. Great trip report.
I usually use a single pole, but thought it would be counterproductive with so much scrambling. Might have saved some stress on the knees but it was also a little less weight. With drive time, I was up almost exactly 24 hours. My poor friend Henry had to drive another hour back to LA. He was drinking coffee on the way back.
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
rockhopperPosts: 638
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Good show man! That's one tough hike. Sounds like you were awake more than 24 hrs. But where are your hiking poles! No poles? I use them going down and have saved me a spill more than a few times. Your right about forgetting the misery. Doing a day hike of Rabbit peak, I swore I would never do that again. If I did Dawns, I would make a base camp. Great trip report.
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Upcoming Pinto Canyon Hike
surf1div1Posts: 9
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Well finally got out last Thursday and had great weather. Pinto Canyon was incredibly beautiful. I went from Meyers Creek and didn't go all the way to the border but about 2-1/2 miles from Davies Valley. With all the photo stops , border patrol conversation and hunting for petroglyphs it took us just under 7 hours. Those canyon boulders could be taxing on negotiating down limbs to get up and down this canyon.
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Scooter wrote:
Outstanding trip report. That is the toughest hike in Borrego. We have done the trip both as a day hike and an overnight.
The day hike we camped the night before at the trailhead on Rockhouse road. We left before sunrise and like you came back in the dark. The overnight we spent the night in the flats before the final ascent to Dawns. We also spent the night on Dawns when we traversed the Santa Rosas from Toro to Villager.
I like the overnight version to Dawns. Pack super light, no stove etc because it is all water weight.
Thanks for posting
Sitting between Toro and Rabbit, looking at the terrain and distance between them, increased my respect for anyone who did the Santa Rosa traverse. That is rough terrain with unclear connections in places and few bail points. A magical place.
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
ScooterPosts: 107
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Outstanding trip report. That is the toughest hike in Borrego. We have done the trip both as a day hike and an overnight.
The day hike we camped the night before at the trailhead on Rockhouse road. We left before sunrise and like you came back in the dark. The overnight we spent the night in the flats before the final ascent to Dawns. We also spent the night on Dawns when we traversed the Santa Rosas from Toro to Villager.
I like the overnight version to Dawns. Pack super light, no stove etc because it is all water weight.
Thanks for posting
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Rocko1 wrote:
I have said that about Villager after I hiked it. Then 2 years later I did Rabbit and swore never again. I am now contemplating doing Villager with a friend-his first time. Funny how we forget the misery.
edited by Rocko1 on 4/1/2022
Yes, it's exactly like that. Have fun on Villager again!
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4/2/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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I have done several trips up to 6582 and the top of the 'rosa's is one of my favorite places to be at sunrise and sunset. I have also done day trips up/down and far prefer two day or longer trips, each person just needs to know what works best for them.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
BufordPosts: 416
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tekewin wrote:
Buford wrote:
Nice. I prefer long day hikes to carrying overnight gear on hikes like that. When I did the route a couple years ago we also found that other giant cairn.
It’s a shame if the register is really gone. There were some good ones in there. It was in the base of the big cairn.
It's entirely possible that we missed the register(s). Henry's friend had gone up 2 weeks prior and said the register was gone. We honestly didn't look hard for it. I hope the original is still there.
I still think you did the right thing by day hiking it. Hauling extra water and sleeping gear up the first ridge to sleep in the wash would hurt.
A picture of the register from a couple years ago. Looks like it was not the original. It did contain some good signatures and went back to 1980.
It sucks if someone took it.
@Rocko1
For hiking time, it is all dependent on the individual, weather and exact route choices. Some are much faster, some much slower.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
Rocko1Posts: 508
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tekewin wrote:
At the end of the hike, I swore I would never do this kind of thing again. The next day, looking through the photos, I was thinking I would totally do something like this again. 10 years ago, it would not have been such a stretch for me, but that was 10 years ago, ha.
edited by tekewin on 4/1/2022
I have said that about Villager after I hiked it. Then 2 years later I did Rabbit and swore never again. I am now contemplating doing Villager with a friend-his first time. Funny how we forget the misery.
edited by Rocko1 on 4/1/2022
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Brian wrote:
Well done and great pics. On a loop trip I did earlier this season, I descended that ridge spur that you took up from Clark Valley. Even that part is no joke! And I was imagining what it must be like to deal with that at the end of the day when you've already tackled Dawn's and just want to be done.
At the end of the hike, I swore I would never do this kind of thing again. The next day, looking through the photos, I was thinking I would totally do something like this again. 10 years ago, it would not have been such a stretch for me, but that was 10 years ago, ha.
edited by tekewin on 4/1/2022
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Rocko1 wrote:
Any chance you can give approximate times to the final plateau and then up to the summit?
Looking at my track, best guess was 3.5 hours to the plateau with peak 3489 on it.
From there to summit, another 4.5 hours (3 hours from base of the ridge).
Took me 8 hours up, 7.5 hours down.
By comparison, Bob Burds report from 2013 took his group 9.5 hours round trip.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Any chance you can give approximate times to the final plateau and then up to the summit?
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
BrianPosts: 144
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Well done and great pics. On a loop trip I did earlier this season, I descended that ridge spur that you took up from Clark Valley. Even that part is no joke! And I was imagining what it must be like to deal with that at the end of the day when you've already tackled Dawn's and just want to be done.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Rocko1 wrote:
Great job. Fantastic report. I hope to do this hike as a two day trip sometime. Make it to the plateau and attempt the peak in the early AM of the next day.
I think I would have enjoyed a 2-day more to be honest.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Buford wrote:
Nice. I prefer long day hikes to carrying overnight gear on hikes like that. When I did the route a couple years ago we also found that other giant cairn.
It’s a shame if the register is really gone. There were some good ones in there. It was in the base of the big cairn.
It's entirely possible that we missed the register(s). Henry's friend had gone up 2 weeks prior and said the register was gone. We honestly didn't look hard for it. I hope the original is still there.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2551
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I remember seeing Jerry schads name in the register...it was buried in the rocks of the giant cairn.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
BufordPosts: 416
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Bypassing the dryfall in Goat Canyon was no big deal from my memory.
The museum is accurate to some degree. Some of the other trestles and tunnels are there. Puff BM is there. Even if not 100% accurate, the models give a pretty good idea of the area.
edited by Buford on 4/1/2022
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
BufordPosts: 416
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Nice. I prefer long day hikes to carrying overnight gear on hikes like that. When I did the route a couple years ago we also found that other giant cairn.
It’s a shame if the register is really gone. There were some good ones in there. It was in the base of the big cairn.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Great job. Fantastic report. I hope to do this hike as a two day trip sometime. Make it to the plateau and attempt the peak in the early AM of the next day.
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Dawns Peak Day Hike
tekewinPosts: 314
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Dawns Peak (aka Lorenzens Peak, aka Peak 6582) is challenging peak in the Santa Rosa Mountains between Toro and Rabbit Peak. I prefer Dawns Peak (Jerry Schad's name), but I guess it is still officially 6582. I picked up my friend Henry at 2 AM in Mission Viejo and we drove to our starting point on Rockhouse Canyon Trail. The road was in decent shape, but the last few miles to the trailhead had large rocks and deep sand. 4x4 recommended. We started at 5 AM. After 1.8 miles, we started up the first steep ridge that leveled out into a plateau. We were following the standard route and it drops into a wash near the end of the plateau. The wash was easy going and mostly flat. A few dry falls required class 3 or a bypass which was always available. At the end of the wash, we dropped a water cache under a boulder for the return trip. Then, we climbed another steep slope toward peak 3439. At the top of the slope was another plateau, but we were surprised to also find a masterfully constructed 4' cairn. It looked like a mini-version of the giant cairn on Dawns Peak.
dropping into the wash
dry fall with a cool chockstone, we bypassed going up, but down climbed it coming back
Henry climbing the slope toward peak 3489
mini cairn on the P3489 plateau with Dawns in full view
We dropped off the 2nd plateau and started a mile plus traverse across open desert and small gullies toward the ascent ridge. We took a long break at the base of the ridge before starting the brutal 3000' of class 2/3 to Dawns. The ridge was broken into three steep sections with short connectors. The rock was solid, but may not be anchored well to the slope. Some manzanita, junipers, and pinyons dotted the landscape. We were now in full sun, and I was moving slowly but deliberately. At the top of the ridge, there was a final bump to Dawns summit. The brush and trees there were thicker. There was a mostly clear path through but we didn't find it on the way up, so ended up with some unnecessary class 3 and scrapes. The summit was glorious with the famous cairn as a backdrop to the 6000' drop to Clark Dry Lake. Both Toro and Rabbit looked very far away. Salton Sea was shining. Since there was no register, we left one.
start of ascent ridge
Two on the summit
Toro
Rabbit and Salton Sea
When we started down, we dropped a couple of hundred feet on a rib past our ascent path. It looked like it connected below so we forged ahead. This cost us more time and energy as we carefully dropped down a chute, then crossed an unstable scree field to get to the right part of the ridge. Correcting course overheated me a little and I never fully recovered. We continued down the steep ridges, easier with gravity, but nearly as slow as going up. By the time we got off the ridge, I was fairly miserable. It was a suffer fest the rest of the way. I alternated taking sips of water and pouring it over my head to cool off. I guessed it was 10 degrees warmer on the mountain than the NWS had forecast. One intentional change we made to our descent was that we dropped immediately into the wash below the Peak 3489. Going up, we climbed the slope more directly. I thought the wash route was better. Shortly after, we picked up our water cache. At sunset, I got some relief and enjoyed the shadows and twilight as we continued down. We almost made it off the mountain before dark, almost. The open desert return to the truck seemed to go on forever. I was in zombie mode at this point, shuffling across the desert, but did notice the bright star field. We made it back without seeing another soul on the mountain or the road. 16 miles, 6266' gain, 15.5 hours.
Down we go
Almost off the ridge
Almost off the mountain
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4/1/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
tekewinPosts: 314
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Brian wrote:
I want to go back and finish the route from Mortero Palms some time. I've been to the point where there's a dry fall overlooking the trestle but I was afraid to downclimb it. But I know that groups of all skill levels have done it, so it must not be that hard. I would have felt better if I was with someone who had done it before and knew the best approach.
We didn't down climb it directly, but traversed across the slope on the climbers right to an easier way down.
edited by tekewin on 4/1/2022
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3/30/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
Rocko1Posts: 508
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Brian wrote:
I want to go back and finish the route from Mortero Palms some time. I've been to the point where there's a dry fall overlooking the trestle but I was afraid to downclimb it. But I know that groups of all skill levels have done it, so it must not be that hard. I would have felt better if I was with someone who had done it before and knew the best approach.
I have done that route and you could easily do it.
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3/29/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
BrianPosts: 144
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I want to go back and finish the route from Mortero Palms some time. I've been to the point where there's a dry fall overlooking the trestle but I was afraid to downclimb it. But I know that groups of all skill levels have done it, so it must not be that hard. I would have felt better if I was with someone who had done it before and knew the best approach.
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3/29/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
BritainPosts: 539
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Thats kind of cool. Wonder how much of the terrain mimics the actual?
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3/29/2022
Topic:
Impossible railroad trip
BufordPosts: 416
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A trip to the trestle, kind of...
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park has a couple scale models of the trestle over Goat Canyon. Not the easiest to photograph behind the glass but interesting anyway. I've been fascinated with the museum since I was a kid.
edited by Buford on 3/29/2022
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