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Rocko1 Posts: 600
12/19/2019
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Anyone suggest a route for a day hike to the inner pasture? I have not hiked this section and would like to check it out.
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Scooter Posts: 114
12/19/2019
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I have always started from the North fork of Indian Valley. I take the pass in section 17 on the Topo
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Scooter Posts: 114
12/19/2019
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That inner pasture area is huge ! If you are exploring the North end I would come in off of moonlight canyon from Agua Caliente County park.
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/19/2019
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Moonlight Canyon trail from Agua Caliente Co. Park is the standard route. Mile 41 canyon off the S2 has easier terrain, but more migrant foot-traffic.
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http://www.coyotelearning.org
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Rocko1 Posts: 600
12/19/2019
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ziphius wrote:
Moonlight Canyon trail from Agua Caliente Co. Park is the standard route. Mile 41 canyon off the S2 has easier terrain, but more migrant foot-traffic.
Thanks. I didn't know this was area migrants would use. Seem they would get landlocked in the pasture no?
Safe for a solo trip or should this area only be hiked with others?
edited by Rocko1 on 12/19/2019
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/19/2019
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I was also surprised by the amount of travel through there. I've never encountered a migrant in Inner Pasture, but there is clearly some use, as evidenced by certain areas of trash and discarded textiles. Also evidence of travel over the saddle that separates Canebrake from The Potrero, some serious terrain. I think it is due to the checkpoint along S2.
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http://www.coyotelearning.org
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Rocko1 Posts: 600
12/19/2019
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ziphius wrote:
I was also surprised by the amount of travel through there. I've never encountered a migrant in Inner Pasture, but there is clearly some use, as evidenced by certain areas of trash and discarded textiles. Also evidence of travel over the saddle that separates Canebrake from The Potrero, some serious terrain. I think it is due to the checkpoint along S2.
Ah, ok. Is that the saddle between Peak 6260 and Sawtooth Mountains High Point?
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Scooter Posts: 114
12/19/2019
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I have been in there four times with one being an overnight with two full days exploring. Did not see any migrants but did find a pile of clothes that they left which would fill the back of my Tacoma. Didnt see any sign of them in the Potrero.
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Buford Posts: 461
12/19/2019
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I have entered from North Fork Indian Valley and the canyon at mile 41. Day hikes in the pasture can include whatever you want. Stage BM is surprisingly nice. For a really tough day Sawtooth and Redtop are obvious targets.
I would guess most travelers sin documentos drop into the pasture from the McCain Valley and Pepperwood Trail area and exit out the 41 mile canyon to be picked up along S2. This way they bypass the BP checkpoint. Like others, I have seen the trash but never seen a person. I have seen BP patrolling on ATVs.
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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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ziphius Posts: 911
12/19/2019
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Rocko1, yes that is the saddle. I've found multiple pairs of 'blanket slippers', along with other personal effects, on that saddle. I still think it is worthwhile to backpack solo in the area, but I am mildly disappointed that I may have unexpected company at some point.
edited by ziphius on 12/19/2019
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tommy750 Posts: 1049
12/20/2019
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If you're day hiking or overnighting, I would be much more concerned about bumping into cholla than immigrants. Agree with Buford most of the traffic into Canebrake, Potrero and Storm is originating from Pepperwood and exiting out MM41 or climbing over the Canebrake/Potrero saddle and exiting Potrero/Storm. Not much reason to transit the rest of IP. A nice loop to IP would be parking at Agua Caliente, going up Squaw and returning Moonlight. Did that once as an overnight with Daren in 90+ temps with 7-8L on my back and swore I'd never do Squaw again. But a day hike would be nice. Always have wanted to go back and explore the plateau above Squaw. Have fun.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2624
12/20/2019
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ziphius wrote:
Moonlight Canyon trail from Agua Caliente Co. Park is the standard route. Mile 41 canyon off the S2 has easier terrain, but more migrant foot-traffic.
I have seen migrants several times at night there while backpacking in the area. Last time there was a train of 8 all dressed in black with the blanket shoes, talked to them for a bit and they all moved on. Was leaving Blair early one time and saw a guy stumbling out onto the highway at MM 41. You will probably set off an (as Ranger Steve used to say) "un-permitted BP sensor" and be greeted by low flying helicopters. We have had them buzz us several times. BP in Ocotillo says it is not their area but instead their sister dept out of Murietta...I don't get that though.
All in all, great area to explore and nothing to be nervous about 'cept maybe rattlers.
Your not gonna get in/out under a min of 14 miles or so.
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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