16 hours ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
Rocko1Posts: 607
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That's a big hike. Congrats.
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1 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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Congratulations, I hope you get healed up quickly from your fall!
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1 days ago
Topic:
upcoming? Rosa (looking for advice)
BrianPosts: 240
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11 months later I returned to the trail to Rosa with a better forecast, a co-pilot and a lot more determination. I started up the same ridge as last time (the one that climbs out of Palo Verde canyon). There was some exposure but nothing worse than the trail to Villager. I was still undecided about the yellow or red route for the final ridge. When I got to a point where I could see both, the red looked like the better option despite adding a bit of mileage.
I often don't bother signing registers, but I was planning to for Rosa. Unfortunately the books were waterlogged despite being in an ammo can. Too bad because it looked like there are entries going back to at least the 80s. Not sure if they are ruined or if they can be salvaged once they dry out.
We went to Pyramid on the return, then I opted to follow Smoke Tree wash all the way to S-22 and road walk back to my car at Palo Verde wash. I've done the Miner's trail before, so I know we could have done that. My decision to go the longer but easier way was influenced by the fact I got pretty banged up during a fall on my way down from Pyramid.
My co-pilot Rodny and I on Rosa peak
Rodny with Mile High and Rabbit in the background
views from the top weren't great because of all the haze
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2 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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Previous ABDSP ranger(s) have told me of "hippie" settlements back in the day that made all kinds of rock formations. What you found seems oddly close to the mining efforts.
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2 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
tommy750Posts: 1066
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dtoujours wrote:
The Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay mentions stone terraces on their website:
https://viejasbandofkumeyaay.org/viejas-community/kumeyaay-history/kumeyaay-sense-of-the-land/
Of course, that piece of cloth in one of your photos seems more modern.
edited by dtoujours on 1/29/2025
Thanks for the info, Dtoujours. Although it seems well-documented the Kumeyaay used rock walls for water control and agriculture, I can't say I've ever seen obvious examples most likely because I never paid attention or considered the possibility. Will definitely keep that in mind while out exploring. Current known water sources are all about 4 miles away from the terraces site, but probably there were many more closer sources in pre-history.
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5 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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dsefcik wrote:
forum members wrote:
Darn. Was hoping it had something. Any chance up the drainage might have a trickle?
Daren would be able to help you with that. Here's a pic taken by Yokes 11/2024 at Barrel Spring. Gary says the pipe from the spring is probably plugged and needs cleaning but again, ask Daren.
It is always possible, it has happened at other springs. The village site is another close possibility but never reliable. You need to go prepared for no water and explore, you just never know.
Will do. Thanks Daren,
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6 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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forum members wrote:
Darn. Was hoping it had something. Any chance up the drainage might have a trickle?
Daren would be able to help you with that. Here's a pic taken by Yokes 11/2024 at Barrel Spring. Gary says the pipe from the spring is probably plugged and needs cleaning but again, ask Daren.
It is always possible, it has happened at other springs. The village site is another close possibility but never reliable. You need to go prepared for no water and explore, you just never know.
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6 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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The Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay mentions stone terraces on their website:
https://viejasbandofkumeyaay.org/viejas-community/kumeyaay-history/kumeyaay-sense-of-the-land/
Of course, that piece of cloth in one of your photos seems more modern.
edited by dtoujours on 1/29/2025
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6 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I'm leaning more toward your desert agriculture theory now. Do you know if there are/were any springs in the area? I'd say this was probably in Kumeyaay territory more than Cahuilla territory, and both were of course mainly hunter gatherers, but it seems they may have used some terraced agriculture, as well, especially the Kumeyaay. Do you think the terraces could have been that old? Here's what ChatGPT has to say:
Cahuilla Agriculture
The Cahuilla lived in the inland deserts and mountains of Southern California, where water was scarce. While they primarily relied on hunting, gathering, and seasonal movement, they also cultivated crops in certain areas. They are known to have grown corn, beans, squash, and melons using irrigation techniques in places where water was available, such as near springs and streams. Some researchers suggest that they may have used rock terraces to help control erosion and retain moisture in hilly areas.
Kumeyaay AgricultureThe Kumeyaay, who lived in the coastal, desert, and mountain regions of present-day Southern California and northern Baja California, are better documented as practicing terrace farming. They built rock terraces along hillsides to prevent soil erosion and capture rainfall for acorn orchards, agave, and other native plants. Additionally, they cultivated tepary beans, maize, and squash in more suitable areas. They also pruned and managed wild plants to encourage better growth, a practice sometimes called "proto-agriculture."
So while neither group was strictly an agricultural society like the Pueblo peoples to the east, they both engaged in forms of intentional cultivation and land management, including terrace farming in certain locations.
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7 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Tommy was the second dry spring barrel?
Yes, it was Barrel.
Darn. Was hoping it had something. Any chance up the drainage might have a trickle?
Daren would be able to help you with that. Here's a pic taken by Yokes 11/2024 at Barrel Spring. Gary says the pipe from the spring is probably plugged and needs cleaning but again, ask Daren.
 20241128_134556 by tomteske, on Flickr
Thanks Tommy, that is bone dry!
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7 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Rocko1 wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Tommy was the second dry spring barrel?
Yes, it was Barrel.
Darn. Was hoping it had something. Any chance up the drainage might have a trickle?
Daren would be able to help you with that. Here's a pic taken by Yokes 11/2024 at Barrel Spring. Gary says the pipe from the spring is probably plugged and needs cleaning but again, ask Daren.
20241128_134556 by tomteske, on Flickr
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7 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
tommy750Posts: 1066
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dtoujours wrote:
These are good theories.
I wondered if it was related to slope stabilization or gravel collection. It reminds me of the Topock Maze a little bit, but there are certainly differences and this doesn't seem like a cultural site.
There's a lot of internet info on desert farming/permaculture using various techniques including swales, gabions and terraces. All the locations I see utilizing these seem to have a lot more water than the Colorado Desert but who knows.
 microclimates by tomteske, on Flickr
Pic is from: https://permaculturepractice.com/arid-climate-permaculture/
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8 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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These are good theories.
I wondered if it was related to slope stabilization or gravel collection. It reminds me of the Topock Maze a little bit, but there are certainly differences and this doesn't seem like a cultural site.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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That's some really great footage! I think the fox you caught is also a kit fox. It looks like you have a good quality camera. I went the cheap route in case they were stolen. I was at the Blue Spring guzzler recently and the state locked trail cam is still there.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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tommy750 wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
Tommy was the second dry spring barrel?
Yes, it was Barrel.
Darn. Was hoping it had something. Any chance up the drainage might have a trickle?
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8 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Rocko1 wrote:
Tommy was the second dry spring barrel?
Yes, it was Barrel.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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tommy750 wrote:
Looks like a great trip, Brian. Disappointed to hear Agua Alta was not flowing well. Have been thinking about a loop using that spring and was assuming the flow would be good based on this video showing the spring completely rehabbed compared to the one time I visited years ago. Check it out at 1:29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZlVN5xiFHI&t=89s Rockhopper also said it was flowing well in the recent past. Guess the Santa Rosas are pretty dry right now. Was in Rockhouse Canyon with Gary and Yoks a month ago and two of the three springs out there were dry (Cowboy was a wet spot but we located good flow about 40 feet uphill so actually 1 spring dry). Gary said for the past thirty years he's been hiking RHC, all three water sources were a sure thing. Not this year.
Am thinking the vehicles may have been stolen and got stripped out out there.
Tommy was the second dry spring barrel?
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8 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
AndyPosts: 13
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Wow, that is very strange. First thought is it looks like an ancient shoreline and/or fish traps of some kind. But I agree it looks more recent. Interesting and would love to hear others theories.
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8 days ago
Topic:
Dolomite Desert Terraces
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Found this on GE a while back and just couldn't convince myself it was natural so I went out and took a peek. You guys ever seen this before? Was present at least on 2014 GE imaging and I suspect it's at least decades old. My guess is hippies doing some sort desert farming experiment. Don't think it's a cultural site. Just seems like a weird endeavor at this location yards from S2.
 Terraces 2 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0022 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0024 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0015 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0013 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_0020 by tomteske, on Flickr
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9 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tekewinPosts: 375
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Thanks, everyone, for the tips on getting unstuck. I'll think it over.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1369
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We carry traction boards but have never used them. Some guy on YouTube was saying if traction boards helped you get unstuck then you weren't really stuck. Not sure about that one
We usually air down to 20 - 22.
Better traction and makes the washboard sections a little easier to deal with.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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I have never had to use it but always figured I could use the full 8' long thick rubber truck bed liner.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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I've heard of floormats working, but I've also heard of (and experienced) having the tire simply bury the thing you're using for traction if the sand is soft and deep. Traction boards are substantial enough to avoid that. But I'd say one of the more helpful things you can do in sand is to air down the tires. I usually go to 20 PSI but I've heard of people going as low as 10. At some point you have to worry about the tire bead separating from the rim. I've never had a problem at 20. To do this you should carry an air pump to bring them back up before driving on asphalt.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
tekewinPosts: 375
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Nice! Lots of animals come out at night.
I used to put out trail cams, but had all but one stolen. The desert is probably a safer place than more populated areas.
I got a ringtail and a cougar at the Blue Spring guzzler. The state also had a locked trail cam set up there, but that was 5 years ago.
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9 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
tekewinPosts: 375
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I am shocked this happened. I hope the hikers recover quickly.
I've also hiked Blue Angels and visited the monument just over the border. I liked the area and there were a couple of border patrol trucks that passed me on the road, but did not engage me. I thought about going back to the area, but not now.
Do the cartels really want a hot war with US forces? How does that help their situation?
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9 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tekewinPosts: 375
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dtoujours wrote:
I got stuck when my front passenger tire made it over a rock step but the back tire didn't. When the back tire stopped, the front tire dug into the sand, preventing me from backing up. I jacked the car up and put a traction board under both passenger side tires, which allowed me to back off. Besides the traction boards, the only extra piece of gear I used was a small square of aluminum plate that I carry to put under the jack in soft sand.
Looks like a fun trip. Thanks for the photos.
Speaking of getting stuck. I haven't faced that situation yet. I was thinking if it was just sand, I could use my Weathertech all season floor mats for traction. They are pretty thick rubber, Do you think that would work, or should I carry a traction board in the desert?
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10 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I hope your friend recovers quickly, Brian. This is a real shame, I've also hiked a lot in that area without any problems. However, a few months ago a friend and I hiked Davies Valley into Pinto Canyon and as we were heading back, near the mouth of Pinto Canyon or at the south end of Davies Valley, we saw a guy slipping between the gap where the border wall ends and the mountainside begins. He saw us as he was in the gap and just froze there, so we continued our hike out. Two border patrol vans flew past us as we were hiking up Davies Valley, so he must have tripped a sensor or camera.
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10 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
tommy750Posts: 1066
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That's too bad this happened in such a beautiful location. Always found the Jacumba Wilderness to be serene and a pleasure to hike. Hope your friends make a full recovery, Brian.
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10 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
BrianPosts: 240
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surfponto wrote:
Sorry to hear that and hope they recover OK.
Have not hiked over there. Looks beautiful, but sounds a little bit like the Wild West.
Brian wrote:
The hikers who were shot were friends of friends of mine. Apparently their destination was Blue Angels Peak. Most people who hike that peak also visit the border monument close to there, so I'm guessing it was in that area. News reports say they were only 1000' N of the border, so that's how the assailants were able to escape back to Mexico so quickly.
I've hiked many time in Valley of the Moon, Myer Valley and last year I even did Pinto Canyon. Never had a problem in any of them. There's usually a heavy border patrol presence, both in person and by way of remote cameras and sensors. I think the problem in this case is that the incident occurred so close to the border that the assailants were able to cross back into Mexico before BP could get there.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1369
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Sorry to hear that and hope they recover OK.
Have not hiked over there. Looks beautiful, but sounds a little bit like the Wild West.
Brian wrote:
The hikers who were shot were friends of friends of mine. Apparently their destination was Blue Angels Peak. Most people who hike that peak also visit the border monument close to there, so I'm guessing it was in that area. News reports say they were only 1000' N of the border, so that's how the assailants were able to escape back to Mexico so quickly.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
BufordPosts: 462
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That sucks. Hope your friends are ok.
I’ve done Blue Angel and walked to the border marker. Saw lots of evidence of people, but didn’t see anyone. I was at least expecting BP to check on us. I think I hiked it in summer though.
Lots of wrecked, stripped, and shot up vehicles in the area. Glad to come back to mine in one piece.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
BrianPosts: 240
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The hikers who were shot were friends of friends of mine. Apparently their destination was Blue Angels Peak. Most people who hike that peak also visit the border monument close to there, so I'm guessing it was in that area. News reports say they were only 1000' N of the border, so that's how the assailants were able to escape back to Mexico so quickly.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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I saw the Fox5 news this morning but it really does't have much details.
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12 days ago
Topic:
Hiker shot by Mexican Cartel in Jacumba Wilderness
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1369
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Wow did you guys read this? 
Read it was near Valley of the Moon
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/american-citizen-shot-jacumba-wilderness-north-us-mexico-border
https://fox5sandiego.com/news/border-report/american-hikers-come-under-cartel-fire-near-border/
edited by surfponto on 1/24/2025
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18 days ago
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badlands
BritainPosts: 609
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tommy750 wrote:
Nice you could get out Britain and being able to hike after New Year's Eve is a good thing! 
Best of all when you get back to your rig...its still there!
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27 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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I like the kit foxes, We had one come up to our camp on egg Mtn once. I will have to try and find the bunny video.
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27 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Nice footage, Dtoujours! I'm like Rocko1, tried it a few times and didn't get much. Daren, if you see this, you should post your 800 Bunnies! trailcam pics from the round trough up in Potrero. Definitely will make everyone smile.
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27 days ago
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badlands
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Nice you could get out Britain and being able to hike after New Year's Eve is a good thing!
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29 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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Haha, that's a good idea to set out a trailcam when camping. You might have seen the video was labelled "Camera 2", well my "Camera 1" didn't get anything, so I was really happy the second one did!
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29 days ago
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
Rocko1Posts: 607
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Very cool! When my brother and I car camped he always set out a trail cam nearby. We never got any footage-I am sure his snoring kept everything away!
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1/4/2025
Topic:
Desert Kit Fox Trailcam Footage
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I posted a trailcam in the desert during the month of December, which is when kit foxes are most active, and got some great footage! At one point, the fox tries to jump up and get the camera and at another point two foxes appear on the screen at once! A roadrunner also makes an appearance.
https://youtu.be/t5zcNQ8Ktdo
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1/3/2025
Topic:
Carrizo Creek Badlands
BritainPosts: 609
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Jan 1 hike. Initially wanted to hit the R&R service road west of Indian hill but the area was flooded with ATV's. Second choice was Jacumba Jims in the gorge but looked like some weekend warriors were stuck in the sand and didn't feel like a rescue. It seemed others were trying to get them out anyway. So off to Carrizo Creek. Parked at the end of Canyon Sin Nobre and went over the first hill into the badlands butting up against the Coyote's
Well looks like the ATV's have gotten into this section also. But it was a nice day out. Plenty of ups and downs.
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1/1/2025
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I essentially followed the BorregoHiking path, although I parked my car farther to the east from their starting point.
https://borregohiking.com/hiking/2016_wonderstone_wash.html
I can't point to the exact points on the maps where I saw the wonderstone rocks, but it was at multiple points right along the wash path closer to the eastern start of the path mentioned above, near Rainbow Rock and what Google is calling Mowgood Mountain. I did continue into the state park for quite a ways.
Edited for clarity.
edited by dtoujours on 1/1/2025
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12/31/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
tommy750Posts: 1066
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dtoujours wrote:
I started by asking permission from the gravel company, per the advice in the Lindsay "Anza-Borrego Desert Region" guidebook, but they said I needed to talk with the Torres-Martinez people. I contacted them and they asked me to complete a form and submit a map of my proposed travel route, and they approved me a month and a half later. No collecting, but I was happy to leave the things I found for future visitors to enjoy.
Thanks for the link!
Thanks for the info, Dtoujours. Just noticed on caltopo the Rainbow Rock part of the quarry is held by two private parties and not the gravel mining LLC or Torres-Martinez Indians. Did you visit the Torres-Martinez part of Wonderstone or Rainbow Rock as well? I ended up walking due west from Red Earth and then north to Rainbow Rock essentially all on unsigned private property.
 Wonderstone by tomteske, on Flickr
 Rainbow Rock by tomteske, on Flickr
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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dtoujours wrote:
That's an impressive cairn in your initial post.
Did you use any recover gear to get unstuck besides recovery boards, like a winch?
You guys have some good spring knowledge!
edited by dtoujours on 12/30/2024
I got stuck when my front passenger tire made it over a rock step but the back tire didn't. When the back tire stopped, the front tire dug into the sand, preventing me from backing up. I jacked the car up and put a traction board under both passenger side tires, which allowed me to back off. Besides the traction boards, the only extra piece of gear I used was a small square of aluminum plate that I carry to put under the jack in soft sand.
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I left a couple messages for the park paleontologist right away and then the next week, but have yet to hear back from them. That's a good idea, I'll follow up with the park paleontology society in the new year if I haven't been contacted by then.
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I started by asking permission from the gravel company, per the advice in the Lindsay "Anza-Borrego Desert Region" guidebook, but they said I needed to talk with the Torres-Martinez people. I contacted them and they asked me to complete a form and submit a map of my proposed travel route, and they approved me a month and a half later. No collecting, but I was happy to leave the things I found for future visitors to enjoy.
Thanks for the link!
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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That's an impressive cairn in your initial post.
Did you use any recover gear to get unstuck besides recovery boards, like a winch?
You guys have some good spring knowledge!
edited by dtoujours on 12/30/2024
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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tommy750 wrote:
That's right, Nicholias Canyon above the cottonwoods had good flow.
Thanks!
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12/30/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Brian wrote:
tommy750 wrote:
two of the three springs out there were dry
Am I right in assuming it's the spring at the Cottonwoods which is still reliable?
That's right, Nicholias Canyon above the cottonwoods had good flow.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 609
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tommy750 wrote:
Glad you're getting out again, Britain. I turned 65 this year and worked my last day a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to those 7-day weekends!
I carried a sat phone for years while solo hiking but ditched it for a Garmin Inreach Messenger. Way cheaper and should give my wife exact coordinates where to find my carcass
LOL Ill look into the Garmin Inreach. Wanted to hit PG again during Xmas. Wife want to try and go up. But she brought some cold virus from work and passed it off to me. But Im getting back to normal and will hit PG Tuesday or Wednesday. I think I got all the cactus thorns out from the last trip up so I should be good to go.
I retired at 62 and quickly got bored. Hiking and photography kept me from going wonkers.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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tommy750 wrote:
two of the three springs out there were dry
Am I right in assuming it's the spring at the Cottonwoods which is still reliable?
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Brian wrote:
We started from the Wilson Peak TH off old Culp Valley Road.
Okay, thanks.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
BrianPosts: 240
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We started from the Wilson Peak TH off old Culp Valley Road.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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Yeah, it wasn't like that video. There was no new flow coming in at all. Horsethief creek was dryer than normal too, but did have enough to be a viable source.
That's good to know about RHC. I plan to get out there some time in the next couple months and it's good to know what to expect.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Looks like a great trip, Brian. Disappointed to hear Agua Alta was not flowing well. Have been thinking about a loop using that spring and was assuming the flow would be good based on this video showing the spring completely rehabbed compared to the one time I visited years ago. Check it out at 1:29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZlVN5xiFHI&t=89s Rockhopper also said it was flowing well in the recent past. Guess the Santa Rosas are pretty dry right now. Was in Rockhouse Canyon with Gary and Yoks a month ago and two of the three springs out there were dry (Cowboy was a wet spot but we located good flow about 40 feet uphill so actually 1 spring dry). Gary said for the past thirty years he's been hiking RHC, all three water sources were a sure thing. Not this year.
Am thinking the vehicles may have been stolen and got stripped out out there.
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
tommy750Posts: 1066
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NIce trip! Have never been up there. Where did you guys start from?
Had the same maintenance question regarding the Whale Peak guzzler when I passed by last month. There was lots of water in the tanks but the drinker was a live and dead bee soup starting to clog up the float. So I Inreach texted Daren asking for advice and got this helpful response: "...bees will work it out with the bhs." RIght!
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Thanks for the nice video, dtoujours. I day hiked out there from Red Earth Casino a while back and encountered Torres-Martinez signage north of where I visited which I respected. There was no fencing or signage to the south. Was is difficult to get permission from the gravel company? Restrictions on where you could travel? Collecting?
I've been eyeing the other wonderstone quarry which was the predominant Kumeyaay source, Cerro Colorado. Cerro Colorado is a mile south of the border and easily visible from I-8 driving past Yuha. Next time I'm traveling on Mex 2D, I might stop by if it's possible to visit.
Here's a great free pdf link on wonderstone if anyone wants more info on the local indigenous use:
https://www.californiaprehistory.com/publications/proceedings/Proceedings.08Pigniolo.pdf
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Glad you're getting out again, Britain. I turned 65 this year and worked my last day a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to those 7-day weekends!
I carried a sat phone for years while solo hiking but ditched it for a Garmin Inreach Messenger. Way cheaper and should give my wife exact coordinates where to find my carcass
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Welcome Sperry. This forum has lots of trip reports from just about everywhere in the park and got me started in desert exploring. Have fun out there!
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12/29/2024
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
tommy750Posts: 1066
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Very nice! If this is a new find, the park paleontology society might be interested.
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12/26/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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Looked like a fun outing. Great pictures.
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12/24/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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Last week I returned to try to finish the Cactus Spring trail by coming up from Martinez Canyon at the bottom end. I was hoping to once again reach Agua Alta spring so that I would have done the whole trail. It almost worked! By the time I set up camp I was only 1.5 miles from the spring, which normally would be a trivial distance to cover.
There were a couple reasons I didn't. The weather was hotter than expected and I had gone through half my water supply by the time I set up camp (I carried 7.5 liters and had used all of it by the time I got back to the car the next day. The car's thermometer said it was 81 degrees). Also, although I made good time going through Martinez canyon (6.7 miles to the turnoff in 3.5 hours), the next mile climbing out of Martinez took me 3 hours. I might not have always been exactly on the trail, but I was close and couldn't see any easier way. The hillside going up was not only steep but crumbly. There were a couple sections where I was on my hands and knees and even then I had trouble not sliding down. Every rock that I tried to grab would come loose and start rolling down. This section was equally difficult to descend the next day.
On the positive side, this was my second time doing Martinez Canyon and I enjoyed it much more than the first time I did it 4 years ago when I went to the Jack Miller cabin. On that occasion it took me quite a bit of time and frustration to get past the choke points of vegetation. Now that I know the route through there it was much easier. And this time the BLM gate was open and I was able to drive all the way to the wilderness boundary. But not without a stop on the way when I got stuck on a rock step (my first time getting seriously stuck with my Crosstrek - luckily the recovery gear I carry worked well).
There are 3 different wrecks just inside the BLM gate. How does one end up flipping a car in soft flat sand?
Someone apparently rode an E-bike at least as far as the reeds section of the canyon
The trail through the choke point
climbing out of Martinez
camp and sunrise the next morning
A distant view of Tahquitz spring. I didn't want to make the detour up the river bed on this occasion. Anyone know if it's active?
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12/17/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 607
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Very cool area. Looks like a great place to explore.
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12/16/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
Rocko1Posts: 607
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des2mtn wrote:
Blue Spring seems to be operable as of recently, both tanks seem to be holding water and I couldn't see any damaged pipes.
https://postimg.cc/gallery/ZSwwC3D
edited by des2mtn on 12/9/2024
This is good to hear! Thanks for the report.
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12/11/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BufordPosts: 462
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Interesting. Didn’t know about all the access issues. I’ve only accessed Wonderstone from up top.
If you drop in from the top of the wash there aren’t any private property issues. Takes a bit more effort.
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12/11/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
BufordPosts: 462
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dsefcik wrote:
Gary and I used to service the Sunset Mtn guzzler.
Buford, is anybody running the guzzler volunteer service anymore? In fact, was there even a BHS count this summer?
I haven’t been able to explore the park for a while. Hopefully I can get back out there in 2025.
I think a BHS non profit or conservation group was taking over guzzler maintenance. So you volunteer for them and not the park directly. Don’t quote me on that. It was a rumored change. I’d noticed a few guzzlers in disrepair during my hikes a couple years ago including a really remote one no one had likely visited in years.
From what I could tell the sheep count was a shell of what it used to be. All the count sites I saw listed were super safe. There were only about 10 sites listed and about 30 volunteers. Some new count sites were in off the wall locations that don’t even have sheep. All the remote sites where the data was most valuable weren’t listed anymore. I don’t remember what year that was. I did not participate. I stopped getting emails to participate. Not sure if it still happens. I think Don’s death in the lead up to the count a couple years ago was the end of the count as we knew it.
edited by Buford on 12/11/2024
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12/10/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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Thanks, both, I was hoping people would enjoy seeing the wash who didn't want to mess with getting permission for access.
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12/10/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BritainPosts: 609
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Cool vid, you can see the ring from the freeway.
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12/10/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BrianPosts: 240
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Nice video. I remember seeing Wonderstone Wash mentioned in early editions of Schad's book. But I never wanted to deal with getting permission for access, so I never went there. Nice to see what it looks like.
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12/9/2024
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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Most of the routes to get to the portion of Wonderstone Wash that lies within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park pass through native or private land and I was grateful to get permission to do so the other day. I put together 6 minutes and 47 seconds of amateur footage to share the adventure, and I'm sorry about video and audio quality issues at time due to use of old equipment.
https://youtu.be/edVxz1vHUFE
I hope you enjoy!
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12/9/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 609
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I pretty much Hike alone unless the wife goes. I give her the estimated GPS tracks I will take. Then she can find my carcass if I dont return. Getting tougher every year but Ill keep at it.
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12/9/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
des2mtnPosts: 1
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Blue Spring seems to be operable as of recently, both tanks seem to be holding water and I couldn't see any damaged pipes.
https://postimg.cc/gallery/ZSwwC3D
edited by des2mtn on 12/9/2024
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12/9/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1369
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Welcome and thanks for joining the forum.
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12/9/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1369
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We are in the same boat. Turning 61 next week and I just had rotator cuff surgery for a massive tear.
Hoping once I get this sling off I can get out to the desert. Thanks for posting.
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12/8/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BrianPosts: 240
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I also hit 60 this year. I remember you had surgery a while back. It's great that you're getting back out there. Tough area.
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12/8/2024
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
BrianPosts: 240
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Nice find!
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12/8/2024
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 240
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Last weekend after Thanksgiving I did an overnight hike to Agua Alta spring. I was considering spending an extra day and doing a dayhike to Jack Miller cabin, but I would have needed to refill water at the spring for that. There was a small amount of water, but it was green and stagnant and there was no new flow coming in. It would have worked in an emergency, but for my purposes I decided to give it a miss. I had carried 6 liters which ended up being the right amount for my 2 day / one night trip.
I have a map published by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto National Monument which lists the distance to Agua Alta as 8.8 miles, but according to my tracker it was a little over 10 from the Cactus Spring parking area. This map mentions that the trail becomes indistinct and hard to follow past Cactus Spring. It actually was easier than I was imagining. There were many sections that were well marked with cairns, but there were also sections (especially crossing washes) where it was easy to lose the trail and I was glad to have GPS.
I noticed that the trail on the "mapbuilder topo" layer of CalTopo didn't seem to be accurate past the 5168 saddle. There are a lot of straight lines with no regard to the topography. I used the "scanned topo" (USGS) layer which agreed with the cairns I was seeing.
This is near Cactus Spring and reminded me of similar rock piles I've seen in Rockhouse Valley. Burial mound?
Typical scenery along the way
Now that's a cairn!
backside of Toro
Shortly after cresting the 5168 saddle. The Salton Sea is sorta visible through the haze and the Santa Rosa crest is on the right
Agua Alta
A native site near the spring
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12/8/2024
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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Yep, good eye...there are some great old tracks out there to be found.
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12/8/2024
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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I was hiking in Anza-Borrego and found what appeared to be a fossilized animal track. After my hike, I did some research and I'm almost sure it was Camelops hesternus, the ancient giant camel. I put together an amateur video you can check out below, sorry about the portrait orientation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEMNBKhFKqY
I'd love to provide a GPX track for everyone, but due to the sensitivity of the site, I'll keep the details private. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy the video.
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12/6/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2629
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Gary and I used to service the Sunset Mtn guzzler.
Buford, is anybody running the guzzler volunteer service anymore? In fact, was there even a BHS count this summer?
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12/6/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
Rocko1Posts: 607
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Buford wrote:
Great sunrise picture. Makes me miss the desert. Good to hear the guzzler is in working condition and full. That hasn't always been the case in the last few years with some of them.
I was happy to see it in good condition also and both tanks full. I would be curious if they ever fixed the tanks/feed for the Blue Spring guzzler. Last time I was there-2023-the pipe from the spring was broken and the tanks were bone dry.
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11/27/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 609
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tekewin wrote:
71, awesome! I feel ya. I hit 60 this year and it feels like it.
I got buzzed by a BP heli on top of Tecate a few years back. On the second pass, it blew a bunch of dust and twigs inside my vehicle since my windows were open. Maybe I shouldn't have waved at them.
LOL the 8 underpass going to Table Mountain I got pulled over by BP. They told me to empty by rig. I politely told them to fk off. Prior weekend I was hiking in the Baja near La Mila. Lost a good pair of lightweight nylon hiking pants from butt scooting down PG. Though ripped in the rear area I still will use them until I can replace them.
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11/27/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
tekewinPosts: 375
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71, awesome! I feel ya. I hit 60 this year and it feels like it.
I got buzzed by a BP heli on top of Tecate a few years back. On the second pass, it blew a bunch of dust and twigs inside my vehicle since my windows were open. Maybe I shouldn't have waved at them.
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11/27/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 609
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tekewin wrote:
Such a cool area. Why was that helicopter flying so low? Border patrol?
Yes BP. Ive been hitting Piedras Grandes about every 3 days. Im close to the top now. Im At about 2450. Not doing any hill climbing in the last 3 years hasn't done me any good. Most of the steep stuff is done. This hill reminds me of coming down to the Huff BM. Full of cactus and lose rock. Being 71 years young Ill get it the next go around.
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11/27/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
tekewinPosts: 375
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HI, Sperry.
Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
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11/27/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
tekewinPosts: 375
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Such a cool area. Why was that helicopter flying so low? Border patrol?
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
sperryPosts: 2
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Hi Brian,
I'm still working on the exact route since I'm trying to connect some specific locations together and am seeing what looks best while also allowing me to cache water when needed.
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
BufordPosts: 462
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I've always wondered what the ascent was like from that side. Looks like a more entertaining route than some of the others. Indianhead can be climbed from almost any side, just some are more technical than others. I've gone up via Henderson Canyon and from Palm Mesa on my couple visits to the summit.
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
BufordPosts: 462
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Very nice. Adding the museum to the list of places worth stopping on future trips.
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
BufordPosts: 462
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Great sunrise picture. Makes me miss the desert. Good to hear the guzzler is in working condition and full. That hasn't always been the case in the last few years with some of them.
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
BrianPosts: 240
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Welcome!
I'd be interested in hearing where you're thinking of going for your week long trip, if you're inclined to share. I usually don't go out for more than 1 or 2 nights myself due to the scarcity of water.
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11/26/2024
Topic:
Hey there!
sperryPosts: 2
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Hi everyone.
I'm new to the forum (but have lurked for awhile) and am excited to start participating in this community. I'm a desert rat. I have spent most of my time in the Mojave and on the Colorado Plateau. Until a few years ago, I never really spent time in the Anza Borrego desert even though I live fairly close, but after descending a technical canyon, that changed. I've been spending more and more time in the area hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, searching for rock art and native sites, etc.
I'm currently reading All the Wild and Lonely Places, which has made me fall even more in love with the area, and I'm planning a week or so long hike this winter.
I look forward to spending time in this beautiful place.
Cheers!
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11/18/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
Rocko1Posts: 607
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Brian and I did a quick overnight trip on Pinyon Ridge. Had a good camp with very nice views. We woke up and made our way to the guzzler that is to the west of Yaqui Peak. We had great weather, little to no wind. Found quite a few metates on the way down to the guzzler.
Pictures should be clickable to larger versions. Album https://postimg.cc/gallery/1gDqcXZ
Camp
View from camp in the morning
Magnificent Pinyon about 1/8th of mile from camp. This was one of the few pinyons standing in a clearing on the entire Pinyon Ridge. 25' tall, 36" diameter. I would guess 100-125 years old. Same situation with pinyons near Whale-they are almost gone. So many dead trees. Zero saplings.
Headed toward the guzzler.
First site of the guzz.
Brian coming down from the saddle. We found an easier route going back.
Both tanks were near full. It was in really good condition.
Made it back to the cars around 2pm or so. Total for the trip was around 15 miles, 2250ft of gain/loss.
edited by Rocko1 on 11/18/2024
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11/18/2024
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 609
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Well, My first hill climbing for years. It's good to get out. Didn't get it but didn't expect to the first time. I'll hit it every 3 days until I get get it. LOL so out of shape. Got to 2100ft 400 more to go. I was accending from the north side. Last hill I did was Gasp from the gorge..years ago.
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10/31/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
dtoujoursPosts: 27
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Those look like some good reads!
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10/27/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
tommy750Posts: 1066
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dtoujours wrote:
Thanks for sharing your trip, Tom. I'll have to stop by the museum the next time I'm in the area.
I recently went to the Barona Cultural Center & Museum and while it wasn't as large as the Cahuilla museum seems to be, they were showing a nice film about the Kumeyaay creation story and had exhibits about the Kumeyaay view of constellations and the Cerutti Mastodon site.
Hi, Dtoujours. Haven't been to the Barona Museum. Thanks for the info. Did stop by the Pioneers Museum outside of El Centro a couple days ago and they have a nice Native Indian display with a dozen or so ollas and a wall of projectile points. Not a lot of provenience info, however.
 IMG_9958 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9947 by tomteske, on Flickr
Dtoujours, I know you're familiar with the Malki Museum and I'm definitely going to visit at some point. Meanwhile, I visited their online bookstore and just got some new reading material.
 IMG_0011 by tomteske, on Flickr
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10/25/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
ScooterPosts: 114
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6582 and Rabbit both have different approaches.
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10/24/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
tekewinPosts: 375
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Brian wrote:
I like that idea of exploring the same peak from different directions. Sombrero is the only one I can think of that I've done that with. Don't think I'll be doing Indianhead but I love seeing the reports.
edited by Brian on 10/24/2024
Sombrero would be a good one. Whale has trails from at least 3 sides I think. Coyote has a few different ways up. There's probably others I'm not thinking of at the moment.
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10/24/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
BrianPosts: 240
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I like that idea of exploring the same peak from different directions. Sombrero is the only one I can think of that I've done that with. Don't think I'll be doing Indianhead but I love seeing the reports.
edited by Brian on 10/24/2024
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