Trail Run: Canyon Sin Nombre

[OU812]

The good weather for exploring Anza Borrego is here. I have spent very little time in Anza so I am excited to go explore some more. This should be an easy run thru the Elsinore Fault area. I would also like to explore split mountain area. This will be a family run so bring lunch and the kids.

ROLL CALL

[Borregowrangler]

If I can make it I'd be more than happy to join you. Just post up where and when you'd like to meet up.

[OU812]

I just got ahold of and awsome map.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/ABDSPmap.pdf
Thanks sd native.

I know you know the area. Do you have a suggestion for a scenic easy run. I would like to go check out the wind caves. I think it would be good to meet at HWY 78 and Split Mtn road.

[Borregowrangler]

I know you know the area. Do you have a suggestion for a scenic easy run. I would like to go check out the wind caves. I think it would be good to meet at HWY 78 and Split Mtn road.

Yeah you can take Split Mtn Rd into Fish Creek all the way back to split rock, before it turns into Pinyon Mtn road. Sandstone Canyon is also right in there so that would make for an easy scenic run. Also, just north of that on the other side of the highway is Borrego Mtn Wash and Buttes Canyon, all fairly easy.

You could also start further south at Canyon Sin Nombre off hwy S-2. That whole area is called the Carrizo Badlands. From there you can explore Vallicito Wash, Carrizo Creek, Arroyo Tapiado (that's where the mud caves are), and Arroyo Seco Del Diablo Canyon. All that would be pretty tame except if you wanted to head down diablo drop-off. That would take you into Fish Creek and is a little rocky.

[inVERt'D]

That sounds like fun. Actually, that stuff isn't "Anza," but it is in the Anza-Borrego neighborhood. Ocotillo Wells is close by, and there's lots of varied and fun stuff there... go a little further still, and there's Truckhaven. Endless fun to be had this time of year.

Now I just have to get some new(er) shoes...

[GP4Play]

Hope to make this Scott.
Dennis

[aw12345]

By the way how is life been treating you David, getting time to tackle that one climb we could not get done last year?

[OU812]

You could also start further south at Canyon Sin Nombre off hwy S-2. That whole area is called the Carrizo Badlands. From there you can explore Vallicito Wash, Carrizo Creek, Arroyo Tapiado (that's where the mud caves are), and Arroyo Seco Del Diablo Canyon. All that would be pretty tame except if you wanted to head down diablo drop-off. That would take you into Fish Creek and is a little rocky.

I like this idea better. How about we call this the plan. Is there a decent spot to meet up at or near S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre?

[Materdaddy]

I really hope to make this...

[Borregowrangler]

I like this idea better. How about we call this the plan. Is there a decent spot to meet up at or near S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre?

Well, there's the town of Ocotillo which sits 13 miles east of the trailhead, just off Interstate 8. There's also an overlook of the badlands just to the east of the trail, like maybe 50 yards.

[OU812]

Ok. Lets meet up at the Carrizo Badlands Overlook. I'll add that to the calendar page.

[headhunter]

Having done this run recently, I'd suggest you might want to meet at the Texaco station in Ocotillo just south of the 8 on S2 to top off your tanks.

This is very close to the start of the Canyon Sin Nombre.

From there I would suggest going up Vallecitos Wash and then Arroyo Tapiado and checking out some of the mud caves. They are really cool! If you can get GPS coordinates for these it will save you a lot of time looking for them.

Then go down the Diablo Dropoff and go left to Sandstone Canyon. The Dropoff is much easier than I expected and I had no problems taking my stock Scrambler down this. I did a little strategic rock stacking below the dropoff and was fine.

Then you exit from Sandstone Canyon and drive through Fish Creek wash and Split Mountain.

If you are going to go to the Wind Caves, keep in mind that it's a 1-mile hike to get there. We skipped this little excursion when we were there, because it was about 125 degrees that day. From there it's an easy drive back to Oceanside via 78.

I wish I could join you guys, but I'm working through a few issues on the home front that I don't think I'll have resolved by then.

If my situation changes, maybe I can join you!

Christian

[inVERt'D]

By the way how is life been treating you David, getting time to tackle that one climb we could not get done last year?

Well, I was out-of-state for awhile (Jeep stayed here), and now I'm back... at least for now...

Yeah, I reckon it's high time we sorted that obstacle out, but my rig still isn't ready--still has the same tranny with no 1st gear. I have been reluctant to start that swap, because my little car needs some TLC after driving across the country twice. Left my floor jack out-of-state, and just bought a fixer for $10 at a yard sale. Now I need to borrow my brother's tranny holder thingy so I don't drop 200 lbs of NV4500 on my head. I need to get a couple of parts and fab an adapter plate...blah blah...

Anyway, you thinking of doing this here run?

[aw12345]

Well as soon as we can round up Fred and Steve, it would be fun to give it a whirl.

[Commandoman]

Why 8?

I'll try and catch this trip as well. Out of curiosity, why did you set a limit of 8?