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Santa brought me exactly what I wanted for Christmas...some time off to go explore some new trails!
My wife and I got to Ocotillo Wells SVRA late afternoon on Christmas Eve. We went straight (well as straight as you can) to the Pumpkin Patch Trail. It was fun playing in the little hills on the way, and there are some fun hills at the Patch too.
The weather both days was wonderful. Highs in mid-to-high 70's and the nights were crisp, cool and clear. We stayed in Borrego Springs and early on Christmas Day headed up Pinyon Mtn. The trail has some challenges, and my wife drove all of it except for the Squeeze and Heart Attack Hill. She did a great job driving and spotting.
The Squeeze
Heart Attack Hill
Typical View from Pinyon Mtn
Once we were down into Fish Creek Wash, we made our way to the exit for the Diablo Dropoff and had lunch. We rock crawled down the narrow Diablo wash and then climbed up the Diablo Drop Off. The trick is momentum. The sand before the steeper climb at the top is deep and soft. We got up it on the first try without using lockers but there was a moment of doubt just before the firmer moguls at the top!
Me standing in the moguls at the top of Diablo Dropoff
Afterwards we explored a mud cave.
And then we found the Hollywood and Vine sign. I climbed the hill on the back side for a photo or two.
Since we still had some daylight, we headed over to The Slot. The sand slide hill to get down to the Slot is steep, soft and filled with deep holes. The sign says that it is one way = down. I guess they don't want you to climb it....
After hiking The Slot,
We then headed up Lower Coyote Canyon. My wife drove up the canyon but night fell about the time we reached the Sheep Canyon campground. She wasn't comfortable going down the rock gardens in the dark, so I drove back. Nothing too strenuous, but somewhat challenging at night.
Lower Coyote Canyon
On a sad note: I can confirm the posts about the Calcite Mine Trail being graded. On the way home, we climbed to the top and back down again in 2-wheel drive and in the dark. Although, I wouldn't take my mini-van on it, it is not the challenging trail it once was. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to drive it as it was. Photos from those who have would be very welcome!
My wife and I got to Ocotillo Wells SVRA late afternoon on Christmas Eve. We went straight (well as straight as you can) to the Pumpkin Patch Trail. It was fun playing in the little hills on the way, and there are some fun hills at the Patch too.
The weather both days was wonderful. Highs in mid-to-high 70's and the nights were crisp, cool and clear. We stayed in Borrego Springs and early on Christmas Day headed up Pinyon Mtn. The trail has some challenges, and my wife drove all of it except for the Squeeze and Heart Attack Hill. She did a great job driving and spotting.
The Squeeze
Heart Attack Hill
Typical View from Pinyon Mtn
Once we were down into Fish Creek Wash, we made our way to the exit for the Diablo Dropoff and had lunch. We rock crawled down the narrow Diablo wash and then climbed up the Diablo Drop Off. The trick is momentum. The sand before the steeper climb at the top is deep and soft. We got up it on the first try without using lockers but there was a moment of doubt just before the firmer moguls at the top!
Me standing in the moguls at the top of Diablo Dropoff
Afterwards we explored a mud cave.
And then we found the Hollywood and Vine sign. I climbed the hill on the back side for a photo or two.
Since we still had some daylight, we headed over to The Slot. The sand slide hill to get down to the Slot is steep, soft and filled with deep holes. The sign says that it is one way = down. I guess they don't want you to climb it....
After hiking The Slot,
We then headed up Lower Coyote Canyon. My wife drove up the canyon but night fell about the time we reached the Sheep Canyon campground. She wasn't comfortable going down the rock gardens in the dark, so I drove back. Nothing too strenuous, but somewhat challenging at night.
Lower Coyote Canyon
On a sad note: I can confirm the posts about the Calcite Mine Trail being graded. On the way home, we climbed to the top and back down again in 2-wheel drive and in the dark. Although, I wouldn't take my mini-van on it, it is not the challenging trail it once was. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to drive it as it was. Photos from those who have would be very welcome!
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