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.