12 hours ago
Topic:
Upper Palo Verde Wash
Rocko1Posts: 626
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Interesting find! Was there enough to collect if needed?
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2 days ago
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
BritainPosts: 626
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Nice. On my list to visit now.
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2 days ago
Topic:
DesertUSA - Shaman Cave story
BritainPosts: 626
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The pictures in the article are from the artwork from Indian hill. Compared them to the ones I took.
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3 days ago
Topic:
Upper Palo Verde Wash
TheFastRunnerPosts: 1
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This is a couple years old, but I recently found the forum and thought I would add to some of the other reports in here. My family loves spending time in Anza Borrego and I've done a number of hikes and backpacking trips in the area. It really is amazing what you can find out there just a couple hours from LA or San Diego.
On a prior hike to Rattlesnake Spring I hiked down into Palo Verde wash on the way out and noticed the huge dry fall that separates Lower Palo Verde wash and Upper Palo Verde wash. It's at least 100'; I would love to see what it looks like during a heavy rain. On a number of topo maps it shows there is a spring (Palo Verde Spring) on the headwall of Lower Palo Verde wash, but I had not seen any sign of water in that area.
I decided to put together a hike that would take me up into Upper Palo Verde wash, then up to the mountain that looms over the wash before hiking across to Pyramid Peak and back down into Smoke Tree Canyon. I hadn't been into Smoke Tree Canyon before and wanted to see the water tanks as well before I took the cut across back into Palo Verde wash to get back to the car.
On New Years Eve I set off and climbed the steep trail that brings you out of Palo Verde wash and up onto the ridge. From there I hiked a little further to get above the upper section of the wash before I dropped back down to Upper Palo Verde wash. The way down was not a lot of fun. Upper Palo Verde wash is great--I highly recommend exploring it. The section right before the drop off is really amazing--it's' completely scoured from water and is just granite. I was a little nervous around the edge--it's a long way down.
It was in this area (noted on the track below) where I think I found a small spring (pictured). There was no standing water or even wet gravel anywhere else on this hike and there hadn't been any recent rain. I wonder if this is "Palo Verde Spring" as called out on some of the topo maps, or if it's something else entirely. Worth checking out--always exciting to find sources of water out here.
From here I climbed out of the wash and made my way to the top of the nearby mountain to take a break. Tons of Cholla on the way up but manageable (pictured). Beautiful views from the top, especially with some morning fog in the valley. From here, it was a fairly easy cross country hike over to Pyramid. Pyramid was really windy, but again great views from the top.
Going down I wasn't sure if there was a path so I just went straight down the face towards Smoke Tree Canyon, which was easy enough. I think there's a trail that stays out of the upper section of the canyon but I hadn't been here before and I knew if I stayed in the canyon I couldn't get lost. Unfortunately there are a few small dry falls that need to be navigated. This is not my favorite thing to do, especially by myself but it wasn't too much of a problem and otherwise the canyon was a lot of fun to descend. There wasn't an easy way around that I could see, so it's probably best to find a path that avoids this altogether. I included pictures of a couple of them.
Once I got down into the flatter section I detoured to check out the water tanks (fairly full) then found the cut off that led back towards Palo Verde wash and the Moly Mine. All in the hike was 10.8 miles with 3,937 feet of elevation gain. It took me five hours with a stop for lunch.
Has anyone else spent any time in the upper section of the Palo Verde wash? It looks like you could almost follow it to the top of Mile High Mountain, which I might try later. I've done Rabbit and Villager, and feel like I need to cross mile high off the list. But it's just such a long hike any way you go. I've also been meaning to hike Indian Head some time, maybe this fall. So many great things to see in the area.
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3 days ago
Topic:
DesertUSA - Shaman Cave story
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Thanks for posting. Will have to check out. Welcome to the forum!
Trekking in the wilderness. I try to connect with the sense of awe and wonder the ancient native people must have felt.
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5 days ago
Topic:
DesertUSA - Shaman Cave story
Karan77Posts: 1
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The Shaman Cave story on DesertUSA offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual history of the American Southwest. It captures the mystery and reverence surrounding the sacred places used by Native American shamans for rituals and ceremonies. The article paints a vivid picture of the desert landscape and the hidden stories carved into stone, passed down through generations. I was especially intrigued by the blend of natural beauty and spiritual symbolism described in the narrative. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American heritage, desert exploration, or the mystical side of the Southwest. https://teerresulttoday.org/
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7 days ago
Topic:
Summer hiking
ScooterPosts: 117
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Interesting
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8 days ago
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Thanks for sharing and the excellent photos! I have been meaning to visit there and soak in the hot springs.
enjoy your olla. Looks very cool!
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8 days ago
Topic:
Summer hiking
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Great place to escape the heat. I have enjoyed many camps on the sides of Toro peak over the decades. Sweet water was always flowing at "the spring" to tank up. Last car camp (truck) was off an old logging road heading east / south east from the main road near the spring.
My understanding of the lack of Native occupation at up in the higher mountain areas is that is home to the spirits.
edited by rockhopper on 7/8/2025
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11 days ago
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
ScooterPosts: 117
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Thank You Tommy for the suggestion.
Great museum !
I am trying to make it to Barona’s.
Just about to go when Covid hit.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Summer hiking
ScooterPosts: 117
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We all know the desert is too hot. Last year we went and car camped up on Toro Peak. Then did day hikes on the bench east of Toro.
It amazes me that there are no signs of Native American occupation. Not one shard of pottery !
The helicopter crash site is just North of the landing pad east of Toro Peak.
We camped about a half mile before the locked gate to Toro Peak on the North side of the road.
Nice campsite.
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6/11/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BritainPosts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Tommy posted a picture about 5 years ago of him on the old Indian trail above the Salton sea. Up east of Rattlesnake and south east of Mile High. Picture stuck in my mind of something I wanted to do. Dont think Ill get up there anytime soon. Epic Picture At least I think it was Tommy.
Was it this trip? https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1665-lucia-and-alamo-canyon-rock-house-ruins--day-bp.aspx
Was on a 2/2022 BP trip from Rattlesnake to Wonderstone to Travertine Palms but don't think I posted on that one.
Agree, lots of interesting trails out there.
Could be that hike. Wasnt you it is was Gary who was in the picture. He was off in the distance with the Salton in the background.
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6/11/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Britain wrote:
Tommy posted a picture about 5 years ago of him on the old Indian trail above the Salton sea. Up east of Rattlesnake and south east of Mile High. Picture stuck in my mind of something I wanted to do. Dont think Ill get up there anytime soon. Epic Picture At least I think it was Tommy.
Was it this trip? https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1665-lucia-and-alamo-canyon-rock-house-ruins--day-bp.aspx
Was on a 2/2022 BP trip from Rattlesnake to Wonderstone to Travertine Palms but don't think I posted on that one.
Agree, lots of interesting trails out there.
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6/11/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2635
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Britain wrote:
Tommy posted a picture about 5 years ago of him on the old Indian trail above the Salton sea. Up east of Rattlesnake and south east of Mile High. Picture stuck in my mind of something I wanted to do. Dont think Ill get up there anytime soon. Epic Picture At least I think it was Tommy.
From Rattlesnake, you can head up the hills S/SE and find a trail that will take you over to Mile High and that general area. Lots of old trails and roasting pits on those ridges. Just gotta go explore..!
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6/11/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Britain wrote:
Tommy posted a picture about 5 years ago of him on the old Indian trail above the Salton sea. Up east of Rattlesnake and south east of Mile High. Picture stuck in my mind of something I wanted to do. Dont think Ill get up there anytime soon. Epic Picture At least I think it was Tommy.
Tommy will chime in. I am amazed at all the old native trails interlacing the Santa Rosas. The ones on the east as you refer are seldom hiked but worth the effort!
edited by rockhopper on 6/11/2025
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6/11/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BritainPosts: 626
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Tommy posted a picture about 5 years ago of him on the old Indian trail above the Salton sea. Up east of Rattlesnake and south east of Mile High. Picture stuck in my mind of something I wanted to do. Dont think Ill get up there anytime soon. Epic Picture At least I think it was Tommy.
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6/10/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BufordPosts: 470
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Williamson is fun, did it a couple years ago via Shepherd pass and the bowl. May as well hit Tyndall while you are in the area.
Cactus to clouds is another fun one.
I use metal hiking poles. With all the bushwhacking, I don't think carbon ones would survive the way I use them.
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6/7/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BritainPosts: 626
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rockhopper wrote:
Britain wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
I saw Mile High leering at me a couple times on the way up and down but just wasn't ready for that add on 
Buddy and me did Cactus to clouds the following week. Working at getting shape to tackle Mt Williamson again. Group of us did it in the late 70's. But lol by friend busted his ankle a week before we were to go.
Mt Williamson! The mighty Sierras! Now you're talking. I spent 20 years of summers peak bagging and fishing above timberline. Good luck. Solo'd it back in the 90's. Day hike bottom to top and back. 1 Qt. of water, jerky and a camera. No hiking poles!
In the late 70's we hit Williamson 2 times. First time after the boulder field and before the ladder we camped but a storm moved through during the night and dumped a couple of feet of snow in front of us. Wet frozen stuff. WE turned around. Second time we got the top. The third time same guy we went up broke his ankle but we were both in our late 50's at that time. Fun stuff couldnt do it now.
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6/6/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Britain wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
I saw Mile High leering at me a couple times on the way up and down but just wasn't ready for that add on
Buddy and me did Cactus to clouds the following week. Working at getting shape to tackle Mt Williamson again. Group of us did it in the late 70's. But lol by friend busted his ankle a week before we were to go.
Mt Williamson! The mighty Sierras! Now you're talking. I spent 20 years of summers peak bagging and fishing above timberline. Good luck. Solo'd it back in the 90's. Day hike bottom to top and back. 1 Qt. of water, jerky and a camera. No hiking poles!
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6/5/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
Rocko1Posts: 626
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Britain wrote:
Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
I highly recommend the Cascade Mountain Tech carbon poles. Costco has them from time to time $30. Parts are inexpensive also. I have beat the snot out of mine and they hold up well.
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6/4/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BritainPosts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Great choice and great pics! Used to drag my dslr around in my backpack but gave up cuz carrying an extra 5+ lbs was often the break even point between fun/not fun.
Yeah. I mount the dslr on my shoulder strap and sometimes pack a long lens at least when I was younger. Now just the dslr.
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6/4/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BritainPosts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
I saw Mile High leering at me a couple times on the way up and down but just wasn't ready for that add on
Buddy and me did Cactus to clouds the following week. Working at getting shape to tackle Mt Williamson again. Group of us did it in the late 70's. But lol by friend busted his ankle a week before we were to go.
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6/4/2025
Topic:
New Camera
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Great choice and great pics! Used to drag my dslr around in my backpack but gave up cuz carrying an extra 5+ lbs was often the break even point between fun/not fun.
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6/4/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Britain wrote:
Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
I saw Mile High leering at me a couple times on the way up and down but just wasn't ready for that add on
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6/4/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Brian wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Same. Every time I am up there I say 'someday'...
I think the "easy" way to do a backpacking trip to those flats would be to drive to Hapaha flat and start from the guzzler. I haven't been able to make it to Hapaha by car for a few years now due to a rock obstacle blocking the road, but I recently saw a Facebook post from someone who made it there in a Forrester. Made me wonder if the obstacle has recently been cleared.
Yeah, there's always that one place. I last drove through there in 2/2024 and noticed someone had removed a couple large boulders on the north side of the track that were an issue (to a pickup at least) the previous month but not sure how things are now. Used to be easy after a dozer went through there sometime around 2013 as I recall. Is Pinyon Mt Rd up to Pinyon Mt and then hike to Whale an option these days? Havent been up that road for years.
 The Spot by tomteske, on Flickr
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6/3/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
BrianPosts: 256
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Rocko1 wrote:
Same. Every time I am up there I say 'someday'...
I think the "easy" way to do a backpacking trip to those flats would be to drive to Hapaha flat and start from the guzzler. I haven't been able to make it to Hapaha by car for a few years now due to a rock obstacle blocking the road, but I recently saw a Facebook post from someone who made it there in a Forrester. Made me wonder if the obstacle has recently been cleared.
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6/3/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BritainPosts: 626
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Nice pics and report. Did Villager a long time ago and tagged Mile high at the same time. Walmart sells cheap trek poles. Still have my black diamonds I bought about 20 years ago.
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6/3/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
Rocko1Posts: 626
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ziphius wrote:
Great trip Tom, the 'old way' was the best route. I've looked longingly at those flats east of Whale Peak during a camp summit, gotta get out there. Best, Jim
Same. Every time I am up there I say 'someday'...
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6/3/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
Rocko1Posts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Very nice! And not many people which is an added bonus. Too bad about the hiking pole. I have snapped sections in the same manner.
Yeah, I'll try to be a bit more careful next time. BTW, recently enjoyed watching a YT WolfeAdventures trip up to Villager/Rabbit!
Oh glad you liked it!
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5/26/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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ziphius wrote:
Great trip Tom, the 'old way' was the best route. I've looked longingly at those flats east of Whale Peak during a camp summit, gotta get out there. Best, Jim
Hi Ziphius, glad to hear you're still getting out. Take care! Tom
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5/23/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
ziphiusPosts: 912
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Great trip Tom, the 'old way' was the best route. I've looked longingly at those flats east of Whale Peak during a camp summit, gotta get out there. Best, Jim
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5/20/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BritainPosts: 626
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tekewin wrote:
Wow, great photos!
I admire the quality. I'm too cheap to spring for a pro rig like that. Well done.
lol. Im retired and sitting on my retirement savings. Best spend it before I pass on. Dont want to leave the wife too much.
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5/20/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BritainPosts: 626
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Buford wrote:
Nice upgrade! That is a great camera body. I bet it makes the old dslr feel like using a rotary phone on a landline in 2025.
I’ve taken my Sony full frame and 600mm on some tougher hikes. Always makes me a little nervous.
My old camera is a crop sensor. I have a quick-release system on my shoulder strap, camera mounts there. I'll have the 18-135 on the camera mounted but pack the 100-400. Yes, it's hard going back to the old dslr, especially now that you can see the histogram live.
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5/20/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BritainPosts: 626
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dtoujours wrote:
Nice purchase! Where did you take the photo of the burrowing owl?
Near NAF El Centro
edited by Britain on 5/20/2025
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5/13/2025
Topic:
New Camera
tekewinPosts: 388
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Wow, great photos!
I admire the quality. I'm too cheap to spring for a pro rig like that. Well done.
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5/13/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tekewinPosts: 388
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Nice trip! That dry fall was unexpected. What a cool formation. Thanks for sharing.
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5/10/2025
Topic:
New Camera
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Nice purchase! Where did you take the photo of the burrowing owl?
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5/10/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BufordPosts: 470
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Nice upgrade! That is a great camera body. I bet it makes the old dslr feel like using a rotary phone on a landline in 2025.
I’ve taken my Sony full frame and 600mm on some tougher hikes. Always makes me a little nervous.
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5/9/2025
Topic:
New Camera
BritainPosts: 626
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Finally broke down and got a new camera. Canon R5 Mark2 full frame and a few RF Lenses. I wont be taking it out packing and will still use the older DSLR for it has the rock rash don't want to damage the new one ..not yet. Went out on time in the rig but nothing to capture worth mentioning.
Burrowing Owl. @800mm
Grand Funk Railroad
Moon at 800mm with the new 200-800 lens. LOL 20ft below sea level.
Moon at 2030mm (8 inch Telescope). Both with really bad seeing conditions.
edited by Britain on 5/9/2025
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5/5/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BritainPosts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Desert hiking weather is fading fast. Nice to see you and your wife got a chance to get out there, Britain. This coming Monday is looking like one of the last days for a while to enjoy a hike in the 70's-80's.
Well I did get in a few holes this season. Missed a few it just seemed more windy this year. Currently out of the desert but I think by the time I return in May the dragon will be back.
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BritainPosts: 626
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Brian wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Brian wrote:
Glad someone's getting out there. A fractured ankle meant an early end to the season for me. With any luck I'll be ready to go when next season comes around.
Brian, were you near civilization or way out there when you fractured your ankle? That's gotta suck. Good luck on your recovery!
It was on the trip to Agua Alta spring that I recently did with Rocko1. I fell right after we left camp, so we were still 10 miles from the car. I used ibuprofen and some oxycontin that I keep in my pack for just such an occasion. It didn't make the experience pain-free, but probably made it better than it would have been otherwise.
Having said that, although it did slow me down the pain was never severe. I went about my daily life for a week afterward not realizing that anything was broken. I only decided to have it checked out when some time had passed and the swelling wasn't going down.
When I broke mine I duct taped the ankle to hold it together. Made a crutch from some dead stalks from a cactus. Wasnt fun getting out.
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BrianPosts: 256
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tommy750 wrote:
Brian wrote:
Glad someone's getting out there. A fractured ankle meant an early end to the season for me. With any luck I'll be ready to go when next season comes around.
Brian, were you near civilization or way out there when you fractured your ankle? That's gotta suck. Good luck on your recovery!
It was on the trip to Agua Alta spring that I recently did with Rocko1. I fell right after we left camp, so we were still 10 miles from the car. I used ibuprofen and some oxycontin that I keep in my pack for just such an occasion. It didn't make the experience pain-free, but probably made it better than it would have been otherwise.
Having said that, although it did slow me down the pain was never severe. I went about my daily life for a week afterward not realizing that anything was broken. I only decided to have it checked out when some time had passed and the swelling wasn't going down.
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Buford wrote:
Great trip. The views from the ramp are some of the best in the area.
The ramp is the "easy" way up to Villager.
The easy way sounds about right.
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Brian wrote:
Glad someone's getting out there. A fractured ankle meant an early end to the season for me. With any luck I'll be ready to go when next season comes around.
Brian, were you near civilization or way out there when you fractured your ankle? That's gotta suck. Good luck on your recovery!
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Desert hiking weather is fading fast. Nice to see you and your wife got a chance to get out there, Britain. This coming Monday is looking like one of the last days for a while to enjoy a hike in the 70's-80's.
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5/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Looks like you all had a nice day hike. Thanks for the post.
Brian: Gook luck with that ankle. It should heal and you will hiking again. No pain meds. Go old school.
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5/2/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BritainPosts: 626
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Brian wrote:
Glad someone's getting out there. A fractured ankle meant an early end to the season for me. With any luck I'll be ready to go when next season comes around.
It took nearly 6 months when I busted up my ankle to get in any miles. Best of luck.
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5/1/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BrianPosts: 256
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Glad someone's getting out there. A fractured ankle meant an early end to the season for me. With any luck I'll be ready to go when next season comes around.
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5/1/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badland
BritainPosts: 626
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Did a loop through the badlands starting where Canyon Sin Nombre and Carrizo creek meet. Headed south and up and over the first hill into the washes that butt up against the Coyote's. 7 miler temps started at 75 but quickly went into the mid 90's. Nothing worth the mention except getting out.
Looking back towards Whale and Granite. Nice day out.
Into the washes.
The washes lol all look the same. Really dry out.
After roaming about up through this, nearing noon we took a break. Wife shadowing. Had lunch near the Leckie BM.
Exited the washes near the Leckie BM. Usually the wash near here is pretty swampy but it was bone dry today.
We took a small wash up near the exit into the creek instead of following the cliffs. Found a steep drop off into the creek area.
Wash was green but dry. Doesnt look like the removal of the Tamarisk worked.
2 mylars removed.
edited by Britain on 5/1/2025
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4/23/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BufordPosts: 470
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Great trip. The views from the ramp are some of the best in the area.
The ramp is the "easy" way up to Villager.
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4/23/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Rocko1 wrote:
Very nice! And not many people which is an added bonus. Too bad about the hiking pole. I have snapped sections in the same manner.
Yeah, I'll try to be a bit more careful next time. BTW, recently enjoyed watching a YT WolfeAdventures trip up to Villager/Rabbit!
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4/23/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Rocko1 wrote:
Now that's a trip! I always wanted to hit Whale form this side. This has inspired me to do it next season.
Agree. There seems like ten routes up Whale and they all look pretty interesting.
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4/22/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
Rocko1Posts: 626
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Now that's a trip! I always wanted to hit Whale form this side. This has inspired me to do it next season.
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4/22/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
Rocko1Posts: 626
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Very nice! And not many people which is an added bonus. Too bad about the hiking pole. I have snapped sections in the same manner.
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4/21/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Yes, that's what I remember reading. Around 500 million years ago!
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4/21/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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rockhopper wrote:
Great trip report. Good eye on the roasting pit. Way up there! I remember those hiking pole snapping rock cracks. The geology. The geology creates some of the most fantastic views from the edges of the shear face. I always called the ramp the cougar paw ramp. Two times to Villager a decade apart. I used to take old girlfriends up the ramp to the first drop off but no further. Back in the day. Oh well. I wouldn't recommend it to the youngsters. Live and learn. btw I read somewhere the oldest rocks in the region are the marble remnants on top of Villager. I will look that up.
Agree, definitely complex geology. I'm seeing fossils were found in the white marble you mentioned from the Ordovician Period, only about 450M years ago!
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4/21/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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rockhopper wrote:
That place looks awesome. Thanks for sharing and the photos. I need to check that out. Those dry waterfalls look inviting. The pot drop looks undisturbed. Great find.
Definitely worth a trip out there IMHO.
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4/20/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
rockhopperPosts: 684
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That place looks awesome. Thanks for sharing and the photos. I need to check that out. Those dry waterfalls look inviting. The pot drop looks undisturbed. Great find.
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4/20/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Great trip report. Good eye on the roasting pit. Way up there! I remember those hiking pole snapping rock cracks. The geology. The geology creates some of the most fantastic views from the edges of the shear face. I always called the ramp the cougar paw ramp. Two times to Villager a decade apart. I used to take old girlfriends up the ramp to the first drop off but no further. Back in the day. Oh well. I wouldn't recommend it to the youngsters. Live and learn. btw I read somewhere the oldest rocks in the region are the marble remnants on top of Villager. I will look that up.
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Rocko1 wrote:
Oh, that's Gatorade Zero tablet added. Makes a pretty tasty drink.
Will have to check those out! Thanks.
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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dtoujours wrote:
Great photos, congrats on checking this classic hike off your list!
Thanks Dtoujours!
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Brian wrote:
I hiked Villager for the first time last year. Those false summits definitely challenge one's patience.
Totally agree. Counted about 3-4 maybe the last false summit till the real one.
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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dtoujours wrote:
That giant dry waterfall looks intense, I'm glad you found a better route! Is that a kit fox you saw? Great photos!
I walked back down the wash from the bypass a ways to see what I missed and there was another 15 ft or so dry fall on top of the big one so I was happy for the bypass. Doubt you would have had any problems with either. Yes, I was thinking that was a desert kit fox.
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Brian wrote:
I once hiked up as far as the dry fall that you mentioned that's beneath the guzzler. It sounds like the cool stuff is further up and I should have kept going, but I remember that even going that far was a good leg workout. I remember I parked near S2 for that trip, so it must have been before I had the Subaru, which would make it 9+ years ago.
You added a few miles starting at S2. Definitely a good workout!
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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That giant dry waterfall looks intense, I'm glad you found a better route! Is that a kit fox you saw? Great photos!
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Great photos, congrats on checking this classic hike off your list!
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4/19/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Big congratulations for you guys completing that hike in the heat!
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4/18/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
BrianPosts: 256
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I hiked Villager for the first time last year. Those false summits definitely challenge one's patience.
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4/18/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
BrianPosts: 256
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I once hiked up as far as the dry fall that you mentioned that's beneath the guzzler. It sounds like the cool stuff is further up and I should have kept going, but I remember that even going that far was a good leg workout. I remember I parked near S2 for that trip, so it must have been before I had the Subaru, which would make it 9+ years ago.
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4/17/2025
Topic:
Upper June Wash
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Most probably wouldn't consider June Wash an attractive choice for a day hike, but climb to its "headwaters" and you might return with a different perspective. June Wash actually ends just east of the summit of Whale Pk and from what Google Maps labels as the Diablo Pk trailhead, it's a good 15 mile 4K g/l trip checking a lot of the standard desert hike boxes.
 IMG_0100 by tomteske, on Flickr
For the past couple of years I've been wanting to explore the flats east of Whale and was able to hike up Bisnaga Alta to one of them ( https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1681-bisnaga-alta-to-near-whale-peak.aspx ). Last November and last month I took a couple more hikes to the area. The blue dot is the flat I visited in 2023 and the red dots are from last month. You can see June actually starts just east of one of them.
 June Wash by tomteske, on Flickr
You do have to climb up a rather braided wash to get close to Whale and are finally met with this, a sandstone wall pushed up against the granite of the Vallecito Mts.
 IMG_0115 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0127 by tomteske, on Flickr
Here's a geological map showing the contact and faulting with the orange dot marking June wash.
 June Geology by tomteske, on Flickr
There's maybe a dozen 10 ft dry falls ahead but all are easy to climb.
 IMG_0128 by tomteske, on Flickr
Things get a little more interesting with this 70-80 footer.
 IMG_0134 by tomteske, on Flickr
The lower half is not bad but the remaining part is fairly slick and as a solo old guy hiker, I decided to not risk it and try a potential bypass to the left of the photo.
 IMG_0136 by tomteske, on Flickr
Fortunately, the steep bypass was doable and actually scattered with pottery sherds so I knew I was on the "preferred route." At the top was a large rock shelter with rock walls, pottery and milling.
 IMG_0159 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0157 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0147 by tomteske, on Flickr
Further up the wash were rock circles with pottery sherds and more milling. I still had a mile or so and 1K elevation gain to get to the first flat and it was getting late so I turned around stopping at the Whale Peak guzzler on the way down.
 IMG_0205 by tomteske, on Flickr
These bees need a lifeguard.
 IMG_0211 by tomteske, on Flickr
Finally returned last month and made it up using another ridge.
 IMG_1742 by tomteske, on Flickr
Nice pot drop about 2/3 of the way up.
 IMG_1750 by tomteske, on Flickr
Finally made it to the first flat and found a total of one pottery sherd. The second flat had nothing cultural but nice views all the way to San Jacinto.
 IMG_1758 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_1760 by tomteske, on Flickr
The ridge route back had one annoying bouldery descent I wasn't expecting but the rest was the typical.
Found this guy scattered down the drainage below the guzzler which descends 400 ft before rudely cliffing out literally twenty feet from the wash. Fortunately found a workaround to the left.
 IMG_1766 by tomteske, on Flickr
This little curious guy followed me for a bit down the wash. Hard to see looking straight at it but at a distance the eyeshine was amazing. Enjoy!
 IMG_1768 by tomteske, on Flickr
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4/17/2025
Topic:
Finally did The Ramp
tommy750Posts: 1094
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May be one of the few people on this forum who's actually never been to Villager so last month I figured I'd finally give it a go. Amazing views all the way up/down and an obvious trail made it a rather enjoyable hike.
 IMG_1781 by tomteske, on Flickr
The entire hike was through lots of crazy metamorphic rock.
 IMG_1792 by tomteske, on Flickr
One of a few coat hangers along the trail.
 IMG_1791 by tomteske, on Flickr
The trail passed through a rather large roasting pit.
 IMG_1812 by tomteske, on Flickr
Was kinda hoping this was going to be "the" false summit but not even close.
 IMG_1796 by tomteske, on Flickr
Looking from the actual false summit toward Villager.
 IMG_1798 by tomteske, on Flickr
Still a few patches of snow from a recent storm.
 IMG_1797 by tomteske, on Flickr
Finally on top. Definitely not a FKT but happy to have made it. Only saw two hikers the entire day both heading down from an overnight. Kudos to whoever made the sign.
 IMG_1802 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
One of my poles got stuck in a crack on the way down and snapped but was able to make a shorty out of the pieces. The REI replacement wasn't a bargain 
 IMG_1811 by tomteske, on Flickr
Almost back. I got 15 miles and 5.1K gain/loss which is a bit more that what I saw online but suspect it may be from using dual band/GNSS/increased sensitivity settings. Enjoy!
 IMG_1817 by tomteske, on Flickr
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4/17/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Rocko 1, assuming you added iodine to the nice spring water??
I used my Sawyer Squeeze filter. Although the water appeared exceptionally clear, I always filter.
My bad. Saw your container had a yellow tint and was thinking you may have added some extra protection, that's all.
Oh, that's Gatorade Zero tablet added. Makes a pretty tasty drink.
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4/17/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Rocko1 wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Rocko 1, assuming you added iodine to the nice spring water??
I used my Sawyer Squeeze filter. Although the water appeared exceptionally clear, I always filter.
My bad. Saw your container had a yellow tint and was thinking you may have added some extra protection, that's all.
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 626
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko 1, assuming you added iodine to the nice spring water??
I used my Sawyer Squeeze filter. Although the water appeared exceptionally clear, I always filter.
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 626
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rockhopper wrote:
Nice! I can see Brian and Rock1 are pretty happy about the water flow. I would be too! Makes that trip much more enjoyable. Judging by the numerous grind holes, that village site has been used for many centuries. Any new discoveries?
Other than a full green Coleman propane canister and huge propane stove- which one of you was that?  - stashed near the area, a mortero and grinding surface further east towards Martinez canyon, a huge rattlesnake, big mule deer, a couple of deer pelvis bones, didn't do too much exploring. The heat wiped me out.
Click for bigger pic
Brian and I did ponder quite a bit about the route from Aqua Alta Spring to the ridge above Stiffereno and the route to get there. Hoping to put something like that together in cooler weather.
The ridge saddle above Stiff.
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Desert Pupfish at San Sebastian Marsh
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Good to know about the 5/1985 reintroduction. Thanks, I hadn't seen that one! I'm glad the fish are doing well this year.
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4/16/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Wow, that is really tragic. Family turned off life support 3/4 after a 1/31 car accident caused a severe brain injury. RIP
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Desert Pupfish at San Sebastian Marsh
tommy750Posts: 1094
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NIce find! I found an article indicating pupfish were reintroduced to San Sebastian marsh in 5/1985 after surveys found no fish. Apparently the population fluctuates considerably with some surveys finding no fish only to have them bounce back by the next. Looks like they're doing well in your video!
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Rocko 1, assuming you added iodine to the nice spring water??
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4/16/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Nice! I can see Brian and Rock1 are pretty happy about the water flow. I would be too! Makes that trip much more enjoyable. Judging by the numerous grind holes, that village site has been used for many centuries. Any new discoveries?
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4/14/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 626
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Yes, water was flowing great. 2L/min or so. The 6L I planned on using from Horsethief to Aqua Alta spring and back to the car the next day would not have cut it.
A happy, soon to be not thirsty me.
edited by Rocko1 on 4/14/2025
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4/14/2025
Topic:
Tyler Grant-Goat Canyon Trestle bluegrass song
tekewinPosts: 388
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That was fun! Thanks for sharing.
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4/13/2025
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 256
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update: Rocko1 and I hiked the Cactus Spring trail from the top to Agua Alta spring. It has good flow now! Lucky for us since it was a hot dry weekend. Maybe Rocko1 will post some pics of the spring later.
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4/12/2025
Topic:
Desert Pupfish at San Sebastian Marsh
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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I was fortunate to see some desert pupfish at San Sebastian Marsh aka San Felipe Creek Ecological Reserve. Desert pupfish have been introduced to different parts of the region, but I don't believe they've ever been introduced at San Sebastian Marsh, so the fish I saw were native. They're really fascinating fish, and I tell a little about them in this video with footage of my visit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRGcuqPK8pc
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4/12/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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This is really sad news, thank you for letting us know.
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4/11/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Happened on Jan.31st. I waited till now to post. Check out some of his amazing videos when you have a chance.
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4/11/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
BritainPosts: 626
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Wow. Just started watching his videos. RIP. A car accident bummer. I would think he would have slipped off of one of those cliffs with a ruin on it.
edited by Britain on 4/11/2025
edited by Britain on 4/11/2025
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4/11/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
Rocko1Posts: 626
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That's tragic.
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4/10/2025
Topic:
R.I.P Desert Drifter
rockhopperPosts: 684
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Sadly, Andrew Cross has crossed to the other side in an accident. Some on our board may have seen his superb youtube videos of exploration. A true loss. I feel I have lost a hiker friend, although I have never met him personally. When you are hiking out in the wilderness, look up, he is smiling looking down upon us.
Rockhopper
edited by rockhopper on 4/10/2025
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4/1/2025
Topic:
Tyler Grant-Goat Canyon Trestle bluegrass song
BrianPosts: 256
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I'm impressed he did that hike with a guitar. It's hard enough without one!
(good tune too, despite my usual dislike of bluegrass)
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4/1/2025
Topic:
Tyler Grant-Goat Canyon Trestle bluegrass song
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Bluegrass has moved west! A great video this artist filmed on site after hiking to the Goat Canyon Trestle:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl07uFTVM58
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3/31/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Dtoujours, looks like natural erosion to me but would have to see up close to be sure. Nice AI poem! Daren, the bollards are still there in the last GE image from 3/2023. Pretty sure I've seen them in the past couple months driving up Sweeney Pass.
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3/30/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2635
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I remember about 11-12 years ago the BP removed the bollards and the park rangers were pissed and put in all new ones. Maybe the BP removed them again.Nobody is supposed to be driving in those washes.
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3/27/2025
Topic:
Chuckwalla?
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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A lot of chuckwalla lizards have loose skin around their abdomen and so they can squeeze into a rock crack and inflate that loose skin and it makes it almost impossible for a predator to remove them. So, I wonder if the lizard you saw had inflated its skin.
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3/26/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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After carefully scanning Google Street View, I think I probably just saw some boulders or perhaps the bollards that still remain on either side of the wash. It seems the bollards in the wash itself were removed and there are tire tracks beyond them in some of the satellite views. I tried to make sense of my perceptual errors through AI-assisted poetry:
At Sweeney Pass, I thought I saw
A stone wall rising, sturdy, raw—
A barrier, perhaps, to time's deep flow,
But in the desert, the winds do blow.
Magic lies in each cracked stone,
In rock art whispers, history’s tone.
Artifacts, secrets, each grain of sand,
A thousand stories held in the land.
Yet beware, for the desert's light
Plays tricks on eyes, both day and night.
What seems real may just deceive,
A fleeting mirage, a trick to believe.
edited by dtoujours on 3/26/2025
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3/25/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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Maybe I'm just seeing things! I started to trace it out in red, but maybe it's just a shadow on Google Street View. At any rate, I thought I saw something driving through there, so maybe I'll pull over and jump out to see for myself the next time I'm going through there. I was in a hurry to get somewhere the other day.
https://i.postimg.cc/XYw46g09/wall.png
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3/22/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2635
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I didn't see it either ..but I was wondering what happened to all the bollards that used to be in the wash
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3/21/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
tommy750Posts: 1094
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Okay, I give. What structure?
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3/17/2025
Topic:
Chuckwalla?
tekewinPosts: 388
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Thanks for the confirmation. First chuckwalla I've ever seen in A-B.
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3/16/2025
Topic:
Sweeney Pass Stone Wall?
dtoujoursPosts: 40
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I was driving through Sweeney Pass and noticed this structure, which looks like a curved stone wall.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JVRwRRpgLRP5ykDq6
I wondered if anyone had any information on it.
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