Organized Event: Goat Canyon Trestle

[FishPOET]

We will be meeting at the entrance to Mortero Wash N32° 43.215 W116° 08.925 at 8:30am on Saturday February 6. We need to leave at 9am to accomplish the hike before the sun sets. Any stock 4wd should be able to get you to the trailhead.

This is a strenuous hike. Anyone participating should be in good physical shape. 3 miles of boulderhopping with an elevation gain/loss of 1200' each direction.



I plan on camping Friday & Saturday nights someplace near N32°43.312 W116° 08.230

CB Channel 31. Ham radio (2 meter) 146.550

Some things to bring: quality hiking boots with ankle support, appropriate clothing, sunblock, gloves, water / food (for the hike),first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, camera


Some Useful links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQLLDvsbnyw

http://www.stowell.org/trestle2000/

http://www.cgrp.us/Trespassing.html

http://www.desertusa.com/mag08/sept0...e-railway.html

http://www.trailregistry.com/trailre...edTrail=127544

http://www.trainweb.org/rosters/CZRY.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Die...rizona_Railway

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrizo_Gorge_Railway

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/CarrizoGorge.htm

http://www.anzaborrego.net/travel/An...stle_2004.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xkBPP8_n5k

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache...c-291860bbe08e


857.1250 -- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Railroad Frequencies

160.455 -- San Diego & Arizona Road
160.530 -- San Diego & Arizona Road
160.505 -- San Diego & Imperial
160.620 – Carrizo Gorge Railway
161.280 – Carrizo Gorge Railway
160.01000 – BNSF systemwide
160.24500 – BNSF PBX
160.56000 – BNSF Dispatch
160.59000 – BNSF Road

VHF: 161.620 PL Tone 85.4 Railroad contact freq.

[bruce p]

Looks like a neat place. I've been wanting to do this for awhile. Is the only way in as you describe? Can you just walk down the tracks ... legally?

[FishPOET]

Is the only way in as you describe?

I know of a few other ways in. All are longer distances. Some have more elevation change.

Can you just walk down the tracks ... legally?

Walking the tracks is 6 miles one way and you risk the chance of misdemeanor trespass.

[OU812]

Im in. I have been looking for a weekend to go check this out. Its on the calander now. I think this is the largest trestle bridge in operation in the US.

[Britain]

Yeah thats a good hike there. That first 1 mile will make or break u. Went in on the crest line above your tracks. Took me out at 3 miles. May join in on this one its a bit shorter.

[Mitch]

that is an awesome sight. There is a lot of history about that bridge and railway. I was there years ago on a mountain bike/hike trip. Hard to get to, but worth it. Years ago the railroad security didn't hassle too much. Now the old railbed and easements are posted and patroled. Have fun and take a bunch of picks.

"Description: At 600' long and 200' high, the Goat Canyon Trestle is the longest curved and one of the hightest wooden trestles in the world. A north-south trending fault zone is responsible for the series of ridges and canyons at the south end of the Anza-Borrego Desert in Southern California. Carrizo Gorge, the most dramatic of these, divides the Jacumba Mountains to the east from the In-Ko-Pah Mountains to the west. These mini-mountain ranges are links to the Penninsular Ranges from the Laguna Mountain in the northwest to the Sierra Juarez of Baja California. Carrizo Gorge is best known for the railroad that threads its way along its eastern wall: The San Diego & Arizona Eastern. Built between 1907 and 1919, the 147 mile railroad, owned by San Diego magnate John D. Spreckels, carried freight and, for a time, passengers, between San Diego and the Imperial Valley. The gorge section features 11 miles of twisting track, 17 tunnels, and numerous wooden trestles. The spectacular Goat Canyon Trestle, completed in 1933 as part of a realignment of the original route, is a noted San Diego County landmark."

Mitch

[OU812]

Looks like this is on Superbowl Sunday. I couldn't care less, just an FYI.

[FishPOET]

Looks like this is on Superbowl Sunday. I couldn't care less, just an FYI.

It is on Saturday. We knew it was Super Bowl weekend when we planned it. The Super Bowl normally starts at 3pm on Sunday. Shouldn't be an issue for anyone that wants to get home in time to watch the game. If the Chargers make it all the way I will be home in time

[dirtman13]

When the Chargers make it all the way I will be home in time

Fixed it for you.

Nice trip Doug. Wish I could go. I look forward to your report.

[OU812]

oh OK. Told you I don't watch football. lol

[Kodiak Spirit]

if this is a noted san diego county landmark, do they have a way for the public to view it and get info? or is it only for the crazy people like us? Because it sounds like you have to go to a lot of effort to see this landmark. I guess that is what keeps it so neat though. I would love to do this, I can even take a good hike! but it is way too close to the wife's B-day...

[Materdaddy]

Looks like more editing is needed Chuck...

[dirtman13]

Yea ruff year. 1st the Dolphins now the Chargers.

Sorry Doug. Nice Trestle.

[TDS SD]

Goat Canyon

Here is a little more info. I did that hike years ago.
Can't do it any more. Getting to the point that if I can't drive my Jeep to it I don't go.http://www.roadtripamerica.com/places/deanza.htm

[jkcrazyjim2]

I've been wanting to do this hike for awhile!!! I just don't like leaving the vehicle's at the trail head unattended. I'll let you know if I'm in.