4 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
Rocko1Posts: 600
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Very cool area. Looks like a great place to explore.
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5 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
Rocko1Posts: 600
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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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9 days ago
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BufordPosts: 461
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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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9 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
BufordPosts: 461
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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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10 days ago
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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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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11 days ago
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BritainPosts: 606
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Cool vid, you can see the ring from the freeway.
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11 days ago
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
BrianPosts: 230
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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 days ago
Topic:
Wonderstone Wash & Lake Cahilla Bathtub Ring
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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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 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 606
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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 days ago
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 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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Welcome and thanks for joining the forum.
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12 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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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 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BrianPosts: 230
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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 days ago
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
BrianPosts: 230
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Nice find!
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12 days ago
Topic:
Agua Alta overnight
BrianPosts: 230
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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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13 days ago
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Yep, good eye...there are some great old tracks out there to be found.
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13 days ago
Topic:
Ancient Giant Camel Track in Anza Borrego
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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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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15 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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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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15 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
Rocko1Posts: 600
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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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24 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 606
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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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24 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
tekewinPosts: 371
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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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24 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
BritainPosts: 606
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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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24 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!
tekewinPosts: 371
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HI, Sperry.
Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
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24 days ago
Topic:
Piedras Grandes
tekewinPosts: 371
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Such a cool area. Why was that helicopter flying so low? Border patrol?
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24 days ago
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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25 days ago
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
BufordPosts: 461
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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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25 days ago
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
BufordPosts: 461
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Very nice. Adding the museum to the list of places worth stopping on future trips.
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25 days ago
Topic:
Pinyon Ridge and The Guzzler
BufordPosts: 461
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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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25 days ago
Topic:
Hey there!
BrianPosts: 230
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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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25 days ago
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: 600
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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: 606
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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: 15
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Those look like some good reads!
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10/27/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
tommy750Posts: 1049
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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: 371
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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: 230
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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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10/23/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
BritainPosts: 606
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Knarly. Cool pictures and great hike.
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10/21/2024
Topic:
Indianhead East Ridge
tekewinPosts: 371
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My friend Henry and I took on the east ridge of Indianhead a few days ago. I had climbed Indianhead twice: the standard DPS route B up Palm Canyon, and also the north ridge (the easiest route), but this would be Henry's first time on the mountain. The first mile was steep, 1700' of up, but presented no serious obstacles. The ridge mellowed as it rose slowly to the unofficial Borrego Point (2,925'), marked with a small cairn. Then, we faced the first of three challenging bumps.
Borrego Point with the hard part ahead
As we got near the first bump, the slope was at a 50-60 degree angle. Even before we got there, I was planning for a bypass on the north side. When we hit the first class 4 slab, I spotted a gully a couple hundred feet north that looked class 3. I decided to downclimb about 100' to reach the gully. Henry climbed one of the red boulders to explore above. The gully was easier and less exposed than the ridge and I made good time. Henry didn't like the continuation, so he dropped down and came up behind me. We made steady progress and reached the second major bump. We got very near the top of the second bump when we hit the next class 4 section. There were two options to continue up. Both hung over a 300' drop. The downclimb to get around this one about 400' down (ugh) but staying on top of the ridge felt too risky. We kept going down until we reached the second gully. If we had gotten turned back again, we would have bailed due to lack of water. Fortunately, we made it to the ridge and proceeded to the last major bump. I didn't seriously probe the rocks on top, but looked for downclimb number three on the north side. I dropped through a little portal, down a slab going away from the summit, then skirted the side of the bump to attain the ridge about 200' below the top. Looking back, it might have been possible to go over the last bump without undo risk.
This was a nope. Downclimb on north side.
Summit in view
Looking back at the final obstacle on the east ridge
The tough terrain had cost us about two hours, but now I was on familiar ground. We signed in and took a well earned respite. We descended down the NW ridge, the standard DPS route B. It was a relief to hit the official trail past the oasis for an easy finish. The east ridge was fun, challenging, and humbling. It was the most difficult of the three routes I've done. A one and done for me. I still need to do the southeast gully, DPS route A, so my visits to this wonderful mountain are not over.
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10/18/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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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.
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10/9/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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Wow they have some beautiful pieces
Will need to check that out sometime.
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10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
BrianPosts: 230
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tommy750 wrote:
https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1438-martinez-peak-and-little-pinyon-flat.aspx
He mentions it here. I saw a video on YT showing a few seconds of the spring and it looked good. But all this was up to five years ago, so...
This is probably one of those cases of my memory being bad.
Anyway I hope you're able to do it this season. That route between Santa Rosa MTN and Nicholias Canyon looks especially interesting. I remember seeing that on the historic map.
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10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1049
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https://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1438-martinez-peak-and-little-pinyon-flat.aspx
He mentions it here. I saw a video on YT showing a few seconds of the spring and it looked good. But all this was up to five years ago, so...
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10/7/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
BrianPosts: 230
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tommy750 wrote:
My understanding confirmed by Rockhopper a while back is the spring at Agua Alta was rehabbed and has a good flow. If that's no longer true, then you're right.
Oh wow, that would be amazing. I remember asking him about it here and he said it was a no go, but that would have been a few years ago.
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10/6/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1049
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My understanding confirmed by Rockhopper a while back is the spring at Agua Alta was rehabbed and has a good flow. If that's no longer true, then you're right.
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10/6/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
BrianPosts: 230
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tommy750 wrote:
I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE
I had considered that loop too. The only thing that gives me pause is that it seems like the stretch between Stifferino to Martinez Canyon to Horsethief Creek is a pretty long stretch with no reliable water source (AFAIK). But if you were planning to do it and wanted company, I would certainly be interested. I've hiked many individual sections of this but haven't connected them.
The more modest loop I have been thinking about would be to park at Toro, hike Alta Seca Bench then descend to Stifferino, then over to the Cottonwoods, then back up to Toro. Or the other way around.
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10/2/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1Posts: 600
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tommy750 wrote:
I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE
Now that looks like a great trip!
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10/2/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1Posts: 600
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dsefcik wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?
I thought I did but after looking thru all my tracks I did not find anything. There was a period of time when my back was bad I didn't carry a gps, it may have been then. Basically just go up the ridgeline from the cottonwoods, you should should faint trail markings and cairns here and there.
Here is the basic idea:
Hope this helps
--
---Map Edit--
edited by dsefcik on 9/26/2024
Thank you.
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10/1/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
BritainPosts: 606
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tommy750 wrote:
Britain wrote:
Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.
How has your knee been, Britain? You out hiking again?
Thanks for asking. Yeah Ive got some lost hiking to catch up on. Knees working well, age lol not so much. Got my eye on Piedras Grandes. Started working on it before summer hit. I'll get it this year. You from Imperial Valley also?
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10/1/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
tommy750Posts: 1049
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Britain wrote:
Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.
How has your knee been, Britain? You out hiking again?
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9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
BritainPosts: 606
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Nice pictures. Have that area on my list.
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9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
tommy750Posts: 1049
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surfponto wrote:
Wow great pictures Tom. Looks like a great trip. Love the shot looking down into the valley
Did you see anyone out there?
No, there was zero people and no fresh prints. You can see the fat bike tire track in the first pic. Saw it all over so that person had a nice ride.
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9/29/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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Wow great pictures Tom. Looks like a great trip. Love the shot looking down into the valley
Did you see anyone out there?
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9/28/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1049
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I definitely remember this hike! Have been thinking about it recently as the start (or end) of a Cactus Spring-Agua Alta-Stifferino-Cottonwood-New Santa Rosa-Toro loop. Maybe something like this? https://caltopo.com/m/1TVFE
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9/28/2024
Topic:
Storm Potrero Loop
tommy750Posts: 1049
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Man, this forum has been crickets for a long time! I get it, though. Every weekend I faithfully check the weather but nothing feasible either down on the desert floor or up in the Lagunas. Did my last hike of the season June 1 bagging Whale and it was almost 90 on the way down. Finally found a window September 16 when a storm kept the temps quite nice for a single day. Decided to head out to Storm and Potrero with a breezy low 70s forecasted. The forecast was absolutely right on making it a very pleasant trip. Parked at the equestrian lot with the pay station out of order. Nice view of the Vallecito Storm Potrero landscape. I decided to head right and then cross the hills that divide Potrero from Storm. Daren and I previously checked out a round trough and rock cistern at the east flank of the hills and I once climbed up to the top looking for the water source but only found a single bent pipe. Figured I'd try another route and see what I could find.
 IMG_9527 by tomteske, on Flickr
Folks, it's Potrero, not Portrero!
 IMG_9528 by tomteske, on Flickr
Nice picto site.
 IMG_9538 by tomteske, on Flickr
Stumbled on this steel rod protruding from the ground. It's kinda close to a section line but not sure exactly why it's here.
 IMG_9540 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9558 by tomteske, on Flickr
Found this on the top of a sandy ridge and am thinking it was a metate preform that broke before they could smooth it out. It's convex underneath.
 IMG_9561 by tomteske, on Flickr
Climbed up to the saddle and nice views to the NW and SE. Didn't seen anything that looked like a tinaja or catchment basin that would have fed the aforementioned trough.
 IMG_9572 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9576 by tomteske, on Flickr
About six years ago while I was home drinking coffee and looking at GE, Daren was out exploring Potrero. I happened to notice a round trough and a black pipe leading to a green spot. I texted Daren who then located a nice spring in need of a little attention. Later, Daren, Gary, Randy and I went out and did a little rehab but we've never been back. Was a little tough to locate in the overgrown brush, but I found it and it's still flowing well. Actually, the water before was warm and a "bit organic" but this time around it was ice cold and although I didn't drink any, it smelled fine.
 IMG_9584 by tomteske, on Flickr
Nice abandoned Cottonwood point. If you saw the other side, you'd know why it was abandoned.
 IMG_9590 by tomteske, on Flickr
Nice to finally be back out there! About 14 miles and another great day in the desert. Enjoy!
 IMG_9627 by tomteske, on Flickr
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9/28/2024
Topic:
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
tommy750Posts: 1049
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On one of our annual Palm Springs summer weekend with a Mt. San Jacinto summit hike, my wife and I noticed the nearby Cahuilla Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. We finally stopped by a few weeks ago and were quite impressed. The visit commences with a very informative AV presentation of the Cahuilla cosmology which by itself is worth the visit. There's a nice collection of baskets and ollas, some collected and others from early 20th century artisans who satified a strong demand for their creations.
 IMG_9501 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9497 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9495 (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9492 by tomteske, on Flickr
During museum construction, a cultural site was discovered and excavated down to sterile ground yielding numerous artifacts, some several thousand years old. Here's a few projectile points.
 IMG_9507 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9508 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9511 by tomteske, on Flickr
Lots of other displays and regarding prehistory and recent Cahuilla history.
 IMG_9504 by tomteske, on Flickr
 IMG_9502 by tomteske, on Flickr
Stopped by the gift store on the way out and "found" my first olla. The potter's name is Tony Soares and is worth checking out on youtube etc.
Enjoy!
 IMG_9720 by tomteske, on Flickr
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9/26/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Rocko1 wrote:
It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?
I thought I did but after looking thru all my tracks I did not find anything. There was a period of time when my back was bad I didn't carry a gps, it may have been then. Basically just go up the ridgeline from the cottonwoods, you should should faint trail markings and cairns here and there.
Here is the basic idea:
Hope this helps
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---Map Edit--
edited by dsefcik on 9/26/2024
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9/26/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1Posts: 600
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dsefcik wrote:
Rocko1 wrote:
We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.
That is a fun trail up and tough on the knees down. The climb from the cottonwoods to Toro is a bit tougher, longer and can be hard to find if the brush is bad but makes a good day of hiking to relax later at the peaceful cottonwoods campsite.
It looked pretty gnarly from the top. Do you have a gpx of a decent approach?
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9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Rocko1 wrote:
We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.
That is a fun trail up and tough on the knees down. The climb from the cottonwoods to Toro is a bit tougher, longer and can be hard to find if the brush is bad but makes a good day of hiking to relax later at the peaceful cottonwoods campsite.
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9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Scooter wrote:
Wow. That would be a tough one.
I should have a GPS track if you want..yeah, good "day hike" for sure.
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9/19/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Sooo....everybody knows this post is 8 years old right..??? AWESOME post Tommy750..!!
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9/18/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1Posts: 600
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Scooter wrote:
Wow. That would be a tough one. Was in Rock house earlier this year, the road is completely impassable about a mile before Hidden Spring. When we were exploring the Alta Seca Bench, we hiked down to the area where the old topographical maps show the Native American trail crossing the ridge line. We had plenty of time and could find no evidence of the old trail coming up from the upper rock hoses in Rock House Valley.
I think my days of doing a day hike from the cottonwoods to Toro and back are over !!
We have gained the Santa Rosa ridge from old native trail near Stiffereno. The trail was 'visible' in areas. Takes a keen eye to see these old trails. Just compacted enough that the vegetation can't really take off on it.
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9/18/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
ScooterPosts: 114
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Wow. That would be a tough one. Was in Rock house earlier this year, the road is completely impassable about a mile before Hidden Spring. When we were exploring the Alta Seca Bench, we hiked down to the area where the old topographical maps show the Native American trail crossing the ridge line. We had plenty of time and could find no evidence of the old trail coming up from the upper rock hoses in Rock House Valley.
I think my days of doing a day hike from the cottonwoods to Toro and back are over !!
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9/17/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Rocko1 wrote:
I really like the Alta Seca area. has some really great pines and views. Brian and I went up there a few years ago and saw cairns leading down to Cottonwoods. Hope to plan a trip from RHC up to Alta Seca some day.
That is a good trip, base camp at the cottonwoods and day hike up to the peak, good long day hike.
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9/17/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
Rocko1Posts: 600
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Scooter wrote:
Did a car camping trip to Toro Peak last September. Nice place to explore without the desert heat.
About a half mile before the gate at the peak is a very nice campsite on the left. About 8200’ level. Flat with a large rock fire pit.
A nice day hike is exploring the Alta Seca bench. This is a high valley just east of Toro Peak.
Also the forest service website has information on if the lower gate is locked due to snow.
San Bernardino Forest website.
I really like the Alta Seca area. has some really great pines and views. Brian and I went up there a few years ago and saw cairns leading down to Cottonwoods. Hope to plan a trip from RHC up to Alta Seca some day.
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8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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tommy750 wrote:
The CH-53 wreckage location is now labeled on GE north of the Toro summit and is clearly in the reservation. Not sure if it's accessible before the locked gate with signage, though.
Can't say I recollect seeing any fences or signs when we looked for it. IIRC it was just off the road at some point.
On a side note, for any HAM's, I was able to do a check in from Toro peak to the repeater in Otay with 5w and full quieting on a handi talkie.
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edited by dsefcik on 8/25/2024
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8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
tommy750Posts: 1049
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Was up there July 5 with friends to escape the heat dome or whatever they were calling it. Was 122 in Palm Springs before we ascended Hwy 74 and in the 90s climbing the Santa Rosas truck trail. Was planning on doing some hiking toward Alta Seca but not at those temps. Glad we brought the camp shower and lots of ice and booze  Last weekend, it was 63 at the San Jacinto tram station at nearly the same elevation. Than would have been great camping/hiking weather. The CH-53 wreckage location is now labeled on GE north of the Toro summit and is clearly in the reservation. Not sure if it's accessible before the locked gate with signage, though.
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8/25/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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There is an old helicopter crash site up at the top also. Near Alta Seca if I remember correctly.
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8/24/2024
Topic:
The Santa Rosas Sawmill Trail (Sort Of)
ScooterPosts: 114
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Did a car camping trip to Toro Peak last September. Nice place to explore without the desert heat.
About a half mile before the gate at the peak is a very nice campsite on the left. About 8200’ level. Flat with a large rock fire pit.
A nice day hike is exploring the Alta Seca bench. This is a high valley just east of Toro Peak.
Also the forest service website has information on if the lower gate is locked due to snow.
San Bernardino Forest website.
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8/19/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb
BufordPosts: 461
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Having "participated" in something like this in the past, it felt like the overall outcome was predetermined. Our only realistic hope was to get small concessions rather than any substantive changes.
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8/19/2024
Topic:
Golf Courses and Bighorn Sheep
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Oleander poisoning is 2% of the known causes of death, automobile collisions being the highest at 39%.
Great info on BHS here: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=192914&inline
Janene Colby, one of the authors was an incredible resource and advocate for the BHS.
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8/18/2024
Topic:
Golf Courses and Bighorn Sheep
blazermaxPosts: 2
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ziphius wrote:
I knew that sheep eating oleander was a problem up there, but I didn't know about the drownings. Golf... one of the dumbest and most environmentally-unfriendly pastimes. But golf courses are better than pavement I suppose.
edited by ziphius on 3/26/2016
It's surprising how something as serene as golf can have hidden dangers, like sheep eating oleander and even drownings. While not the most eco-friendly, golf courses do offer more green than pavement.best outlets in new York
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8/16/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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So do SD citizens actually have a chance in this or is it a done deal and just hopeful theater?
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8/16/2024
Topic:
Borrego Springs under fire again - Regional Decarb
blazermaxPosts: 2
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The situation in Borrego Springs echoes the Sunrise Powerlink debate, with the area being eyed for large-scale solar farms. This development brings extensive transmission lines to connect with populated regions. A petition is now circulating to delay the San Diego County Board of Supervisors' vote on the Regional Decarbonization Plan. The request is for independent consultants to update the Technical Report to ensure accurate and thorough planning.
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7/22/2024
Topic:
2025 Photo Contest
BufordPosts: 461
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I'll see if I come up with any entries this year. Didn't get it together last year.
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7/22/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro
BufordPosts: 461
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One of my favorite areas too. One of the less visited areas in the park.
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7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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Thank you for sharing!
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7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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@dtoujours: Yes, I have been there and yes, it happens fast and depending on the exact date light will pass over different pictos. This has all been detailed in archeo docs. All it takes is a slight layer of smog or dust at sunrise and you will not see anything, you have a 50/50 chance from my experience.
Winter solstice, no, the sun is too far south and doesn't even hit the cave in the AM, just hits the draw outside.
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7/22/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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That article about the winter solstice was interesting. The summer solstice sunrise is somewhat to the northeast and the winter solstice sunrise is somewhat to the southeast. That would make the winter solstice sunrise more directly and fully illuminate the cave from an area with fewer obstructions, but probably wouldn't lead to the type of pinpoint moving light effect I was expecting.
Also, an interesting point about the smog/dust in the valley. It was surprisingly clear that day, so maybe I arrived too late or maybe the effect doesn't take place in this location. @dsefcik, have you witnessed the summer solstice from this location and timed it to be 12 minutes? Or did you get this information from a particular source?
Indeed, we need to respect and protect these precious sites.
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7/18/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Winter solstice site? No
Summer Solstice site? Yeah, it could be back before all the of the smog and dust from the valley.
Light rays passage across the pictos is about 12 minutes long if the morning smog and dust doesn't obscure the sun's rays. You don't have to be there exactly on the 21'st to see things. Good luck and please respect this very special place.
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7/18/2024
Topic:
2025 Photo Contest
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Just FYI for those of you camera desert people.
https://theabf.org/2025photocontest/
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7/18/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
Rocko1Posts: 600
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What lends you to believe it is a summer solstice location? Winter solstice is the more important time and likely would find the light hitting some of the markings during the period surrounding winter solstice. Here is a good read-https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/1988/dec/22/cover-daggers-of-light-patterns-of-power/
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7/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City
BritainPosts: 606
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dsefcik wrote:
Nice trip! I always wanted to go visit but never got to it. I did do some hikes up to Telescope Peak and along the ridge lines looking down to Panamint. That would be a good backpack trip with two cars.
A Buddy of mine did Telescope a few years back. One day hike but most everything he hikes is one day. His write-up is here.
https://www.icorva.com/index.php/contributing-authors/2013-10-27-17-36-31/articles-from-cabin-96/57-telescope-peak
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7/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City
dsefcikAdministrator Posts: 2624
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Nice trip! I always wanted to go visit but never got to it. I did do some hikes up to Telescope Peak and along the ridge lines looking down to Panamint. That would be a good backpack trip with two cars.
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6/23/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
BritainPosts: 606
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Good hike even when cooler.
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6/20/2024
Topic:
Solstice Cave
dtoujoursPosts: 15
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Since today is the Summer Solstice, I took the day off work and headed out in the middle of the night to hike and scramble to the so-called "Solstice Cave" in the Anza Borrego Desert, a boulder cave with Native American pictograph paintings of the sun and other objects. One of these pictographs is supposedly illuminated at sunrise on the Summer Solstice, so I wanted to check it out. I had a high-lumen flashlight in addition to my headlamp, but unfortunately I still had difficulty finding the way at one point and arrived at 5:49am, 12 minutes after official sunrise. Looking at the angle of the sun to the various pictographs, I didn't think it would have illuminated any of them. But I waited around for a little over an hour to see if anything else would happen, until the sun had risen high enough in the sky that I didn't think the angle would allow it to shine into the cave anymore. None of the pictographs had been illuminated during my time on site. The number of sun pictographs (with none of them standing out as the main one) and their angles to the sun makes it seem unlikely to me that one of them could have been illuminated exactly at sunrise, but I'm disappointed that I wasn't there to know for sure. I wonder if anyone had any sources or information on this or if you've had personal experience or know someone who has. To me, it seems this cave may have been misnamed and doesn't have anything to do with the solstice. Perhaps this eastern facing boulder cave was just a good place for the Native American Shamens to watch the sun rise year round.
You can check out my Reddit post on this topic for photos:
https://www.reddit.com/r/sandiego/comments/1dko5h4/solstice_caveanza_borrego_desert/
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5/28/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro
tekewinPosts: 371
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Rocko1 wrote:
Congrats! That whole area is so ripe for exploring.
Thanks!
The triangle from the Thimble to Ysidro East to Webo is one of my favorite areas in the park. But I have many favorite areas.
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5/28/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro
Rocko1Posts: 600
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Congrats! That whole area is so ripe for exploring.
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5/28/2024
Topic:
Panamint City
Rocko1Posts: 600
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Great pictures.
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4/17/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro
tekewinPosts: 371
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deborah wrote:
That injury sounds like it was rough - good to hear you are back at it! And nice job reaching the peak. It's a good feeling when you get a "project" completed.
Deborah, thanks for the kind words. The break could have been much worse. At least I didn't need surgery. The only thing I can't do on it now is sustained jogging, but it doesn't hamper my hiking plans. I missed the meaty part of desert season, but the mountains aren't going anywhere.
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4/16/2024
Topic:
Middle Ysidro
deborah Posts: 115
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That injury sounds like it was rough - good to hear you are back at it! And nice job reaching the peak. It's a good feeling when you get a "project" completed.
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4/16/2024
Topic:
Panamint City
deborah Posts: 115
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Great trip report! Love the pictures. I've only done a little exploring in Death Valley, and that was a long time ago. On one trip I did a really pleasant hike up to Telescope Peak. It was blazing hot on the desert floor, but the temps on the hike were great because of the elevation. This is a good reminder for me to get back out there. So much I haven't seen yet. Thanks for sharing!
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4/14/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
BrianPosts: 230
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Britain wrote:
Wasn't there some kid that took his dad's Tahoe stuck in the squeeze and disappeared years ago also?
Yep. I think he actually went in from the other end. From Fish Creek. But the truck was found near the bottom of heart attack hill and one of the tires was completely destroyed, so he wouldn't have been able to make it out that way even if that was a 2 way road (which it isn't). I first found out about that when I was looking at Google Earth to familiarize myself with the area and someone had posted a bunch of pics from the search for the kid.
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4/14/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
BritainPosts: 606
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Wasn't there some kid that took his dad's Tahoe stuck in the squeeze and disappeared years ago also?
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
BrianPosts: 230
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tommy750 wrote:
Was able to find the Tacoma location on GE and the news reports gave info on where the individuals were located.
Wow, the Tacoma was located much further west than I imagined. I had assumed he had driven to a point much closer to Harper Canyon since that is the way he tried to get out. Would have been much easier for him if he had walked down to Pinyon Wash.
The truck hadn't been airlifted out last September when I was there, but I didn't see it. I must have been fairly close. I was taking a friend up that canyon from Pinyon Wash and then over to see the ruins of the cabin. If I had been by myself, I might have explored a bit more and followed the wheel tracks which were still fresh at the time.
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
tommy750Posts: 1049
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Brian wrote:
tekewin wrote:
Those blooms are amazing. Sounds like a successful trip and kudos for being kind to the biker.
Is the road OK all the way to Harper Flat or even Hapaha Flat? I've only been down that road a little ways to hike to Sunset Mountain.
That road ends at a canyon which is a short hike up to Harper Flat. The road that passes Harper Flat on the other side can be accessed 2 ways. One end goes in from Pinyon Mountain Road (which necessitates negotiating the squeeze and heart attack hill). The other end goes in from Fish Creek and passes through Hapaha Flat. The biggest obstacle I know of on that route comes just before you get to Hapaha and looks like this:
It's no longer legal to drive through Harper Flat (despite the fact someone did it last summer and was later found dead).
edited by Brian on 4/12/2024
Definitely right, Brian. That's always been the fun spot to squeeze through although I thinks someone moved a few rocks from the right side that made it a speck easier in the past couple months at least for my pickup.
Speaking of the ex-Navy Seal found dead in Harper Canyon, was wondering when someone would mention it on the forum. Here's a couple news reports if anyone is not familiar with the story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlW6PfpO1og
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZDzp74oj1w
I bumped into a knowledgeable source who mentioned the Tacoma was airlifted out of Harper Flat since it was pretty beat up. Assuming we'll never hear what really happened but a very tragic story.
Was able to find the Tacoma location on GE and the news reports gave info on where the individuals were located.
 Seal Woman and Tacoma (1) by tomteske, on Flickr
Gary and I walked out there a while back and found ?helo landing gear imprints in the sand but no other vehicle tracks. Didn't have the Tacoma location at the time but apparently walked within twenty feet of its prior location and didn't see anything.
 IMG_6515 by tomteske, on Flickr
 Track by Tacoma by tomteske, on Flickr
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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Most definitely. Makes it that much more enjoyable. 👍🥾
Britain wrote:
Nice to have your wife into hiking. Mine loves it specially in the rocks.
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
BritainPosts: 606
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Nice to have your wife into hiking. Mine loves it specially in the rocks.
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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It is a really nice hike. A little bouldering at the beginning of Pinyon Wash but nothing too technical
Here is a shot of my wife coming up one of the sections.
tekewin wrote:
Thanks! That's great information. I might try a hike to Harper Flat from Pinyon Wash. ...I want no part of the squeeze or heart attack hill....
edited by surfponto on 4/12/2024
edited by surfponto on 4/12/2024
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4/12/2024
Topic:
Pinyon Wash to Harper Cabin
surfpontoAdministrator Posts: 1366
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Agree. I want to spend a day or two just exploring Harper Flat 👍
Britain wrote:
I was on Granite a while back. Lots of jet traffic that day. Nice captures. I also live about 5 miles from NAF El Centro. Lol I get all the traffic to and from Yuma right over my house. It's really loud when the Blue Angles are in town. Harper flat area is a cool place to hike around and explore.
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