Goat Canyon Trestle Hike - Nov. 2012

The Carrizo Gorge at the southern edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a spectacular chasm and home to the Goat Canyon railroad trestle. Two hundred feet tall and 750 feet long, it's the tallest curved wooden trestle ever built in the world.

The construction of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railroad began during World War I in the steep-walled Carrizo Gorge near the town of Jacumba. Many people were convinced at the time that it couldn't be done, but John D. Spreckels didn't rest until the "impossible track" was completed in November, 1919, at a cost of $18 million. The Goat Canyon trestle was built in 1932 after an earthquake collapsed one of the tunnels.

Saturday, November 17th 2012 was to be my third time hiking out to Goat Canyon. It is probably one of my favorite hikes. I was also accompanied by my friend Steve and his brother-in-law, Troy.

Heading out East along Interstate 8.

Nearing the small desert town of Ocotillo.

The area was busy with construction for the Ocotillo Express Wind Farm.

A portion of desert not ruined by the nearby project.

Looking back towards Ocotillo from near the Montero Palms trail head.

The terrain starts getting tougher.

(Photo by Steve)

Montero Palms Oasis.

Steve wonders if this fallen palm will hold us both.

(Photo by Steve)

A bit of boulder scrambling above the palms.

Still climbing...

I had to crawl through a small cave to get down from here.

(Photo by Steve)

We found Native American morteros above and below the palm grove.

(Photo by Steve)

Looking back towards where we started.

Taking a break at the top of the first ridge with Steve and Troy.

Almost there...

First glimpse of Goat Canyon trestle.

Working our way down one of the many dry waterfalls.

We made it!

Don't fall in, Steve!

Feeling adventurous!

King of the wreck!

Looking back towards the trestle.

One of many smaller trestles.

Carrizo Gorge snakes its way below us.

Something was hungry.

From here we made our way into a valley that contains various remnants of the railroad construction work.

Contemplating the past.

(Photo by Steve)

Its a fixer-upper!

Remains of the old railroad workers camp.

Here's a picture of the railroad worker's camp from the Horace Parker's Anza/Borrego Desert Guide Book, 1964 Edition. 

Not much left.

We passed Indian Hill on the way back but didn't look for the Indian village site since we were feeling tired and it was getting late. We piled in my Jeep and made our way back to where we had left Steve's 4runner at the trail head. It was a great hike and I hope I don't let another two years go by before I head out there again.

BorregoFest 2012

We always head out into the desert each October to attend OutdoorAdventureUSA's BorregoFest event, held in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Since 2007, my wife and I have enjoyed participating in the festivities which include camping, 4wheeling the various trails, great food at the potluck, and trying our luck at the raffle.

This year's event was held at the Butterfield RV Ranch Resort, from October 19th to 21st. There are tree-shaded grassy areas to camp at, pools and spa to enjoy, as well as a lounge and general store. Although I may prefer more primitive campsites, this is a great venue for families and organized events. Since my wife had to work Friday, we didn't get into camp until after 11PM. After setting up the tent, getting our bedding organized, and chatting for a bit with those who were still up, we called it a night. I planned to be up early on Saturday to make sure everything was ready for a run I was leading through the Borrego Badlands. After a quick breakfast, I made my way to everyone who had singed up for my run to make sure they were ready to head out.

Our route for the day began at Fonts Point Wash and over to the overlook of the weathered badlands landscape. We then took Short Wash to Palo Verde Wash over to the Cut-Across Trail to Tule Wash into Ocotillo Wells OHV Area to the Pumpkin Patch were we had lunch. It was then on to Seventeen Palms oasis along Arroyo Salado Wash and then the historic Truckhaven Trail, where we eventually reached paved Highway S-22. From there we aired up and made our way back to camp to enjoy the pool and great food served at the potluck.

I think we passed out rather early Saturday night from a food coma. Sunday morning brought very strong winds to camp. The walls of the tent blowing down onto us kinda freaked out our daughter. We eventually got all our gear packed back into the Jeep and gathered for the raffle. I didn't win anything this time around but did manage to snag an issue of the Overland Journal. After saying our goodbyes and grabbing a few drinks at the store we hit the road and headed home, but not before taking Oriflamme Canyon on up to Banner, along with Don and his son in his Chevy pickup. The trail up the grade was very washed out and I managed to rip off the passenger side running board from my Jeep. The wife was not amused.

It was a fun filled weekend spent in the desert with like-minded people. We're already looking forward to next year's event.

Parked at the campsite.

Old firetruck at camp.

Sleeping beauties.

She always has to say hi to the dogs.

Airing down at Fonts Point Wash trail head.

With my lovely wife and daughter at the overlook.

Awesome views!

Lined up for lunch at the Pumpkin Patch.

There were 10 rigs along for this run.

Precious daughter at Seventeen Palms.

View from the plateau above the oasis.

Looking down at Seventeen Palms.

Truckhaven Trail.

Random tire in the desert wash.

Campsite at the bottom of Oriflamme Canyon.

Found some scat here...

Plenty of Native American mortars in the area.

A great end to an awesome weekend!

For more photos and reports of 2012 BorregoFest, click this link: 2012 BorregoFest Reports

All my photos can be viewed here: Photobucket Photos