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clinton.ross.davis Posts: 2
12/4/2017
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I've never had a vehicle with 4wd or high clearance but still like to try and explore remote areas of the park, even if that means hiking a few extra miles.
I'm interested in exploring Lower, Middle, and Upper Willows in Coyote Canyon, as well as some of the canyons/valleys north or west of them. Could folks recommend some spots that would get me and my Honda Fit close enough to dayhike into some of these spots? How far north could I make it on Horse Camp Road? Also, are there good places to approach these canyons from the north (like going to the town of Anza and heading south?).
thanks!
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/4/2017
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I always thought it would be fun to drop down into the north fork of Alder Canyon from the west, approaching from Bucksnort Mtn (Comb's Peak) area along the Pacific Crest Trail. But then, I see things on the satellite images (pot farms), which makes me think more than twice.
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http://www.coyotelearning.org
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
12/5/2017
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You could do as ziphius says, I have done a partial of that route. I am not sure how much any route would be for a day hike, that is a long way in and out by foot. If you look at the old topo maps on caltopo you will see an old trail from Lost Valley down to "Elder" canyon, you can still follow that route mostly.
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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Buford Posts: 461
12/5/2017
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Usually you can get a passenger car to Desert Gardens or maybe 2nd crossing. From there it is ~4.5 miles into some of the west side canyons with water.
I don’t know what the road conditions are this year. The road got hit by a flash flood in September and might be worse than normal. Usually the volunteers and Rangers at the visitor center are overly cautious with their road reports.
I plan on hitting the area sometime this winter to explore.
Backpacking or biking in would expand your range.
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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
12/5/2017
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Last I heard there were pretty sandy conditions in that area and others. I would check in with the VC before driving a Fit down that way....however I once saw a Fit parked up at the Telescope Peak trailhead, never would have guessed that!
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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Buford Posts: 461
12/5/2017
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dsefcik wrote:
Last I heard there were pretty sandy conditions in that area and others. I would check in with the VC before driving a Fit down that way....however I once saw a Fit parked up at the Telescope Peak trailhead, never would have guessed that!
It is funny you mentioned that. I was just putting up some pictures from DVNP in a different report. I saw a Honda Fit, Honda Odyssey and a Hyundai Elantra at Telescope a couple weeks ago.
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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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clinton.ross.davis Posts: 2
12/6/2017
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There's a road I'm seeing on Google Maps that leads from the town of Anza down to Nance Canyon, less than 3 miles from Upper Willows. Anyone know this road: Coyote Canyon Road? Is it drivable with a passenger car?
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/33.55491,-116.6806715/33.4716013,-116.551392/@33.5135105,-116.6856142,20339m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e0
edited by clinton.ross.davis on 12/6/2017
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Buford Posts: 461
12/6/2017
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That road is the Turkey Track Grade. Unless there have been huge changes, it is not remotely close to 2wd or passenger car accessible. Someone else might have more recent info, I have not been in the area recently.
The road actually goes all the way down to the Fig Tree Valley, Bailey's Cabin and Upper Willows area.
This might help:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/abdsp_Park_Map201704.pdf
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/Road%20Conditions%2012.5.17.pdf
edited by Buford on 12/6/2017
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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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+1
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DesertWRX Posts: 135
12/9/2017
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We just recently drove our Tacoma up to Sheep Camp in 2WD. The Bypass Rd is very tame now. After the next strong rain it will be a different story. As for driving a Fit up the canyon, I would stop at 2nd Crossing. Keep an eye out for some rocks sticking up and drive around them. The trip up to 2nd Crossing will give you a lot to see. Once at 2nd Crossing you can explore that area. We did see a Subaru up in Collins Valley, but AWD and some ground clearance will work for them.
edited by DesertWRX on 12/9/2017
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kylekai Posts: 82
4/17/2018
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Anyone know how the road to sheep canyon campground is now?
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
4/18/2018
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Seems like it has been good this year but you can always just give the VC a call (760) 767-4205
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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