Ollie and I met up early Saturday morning to check trail conditions on my Anza Expedition Route as well as a few areas along Fish Creek that we have not been to.
Starting out at Old Borrego Valley Road.
Airing down at the trail head and I'm looking forward to my new Jeep's first off-highway outing.
Before County Road S-22 was built, this was the road taken to Borrego Springs after coming from Warner Springs down Grapevine Canyon.
View of Borrego Badlands in the distance.
Ollie, bringing up the rear of our small convoy.
Passing through Borrego Sink.
The Anza expedition arrived at the original Borrego Spring, near this location, 5 miles southeast of the present-day town of Borrego Springs, on March 12th 1774, where he encountering 60 Kumeyaay Indians. A historic marker near here indicates that Anza named the spring San Gregorio.
Passing the Borrego Badlands and Fonts Point on our right. There are two trails that penetrate the heart of the Badlands- Rainbow Wash and Hills of the Moon Wash.
We now enter the wide, sandy course of San Felipe Wash.
Our route takes us through a section of Ocotillo Wells OHV Area.
We have the whole desert to ourselves.
Markers note the historic route of Juan Bautista de Anza.
Highway 78 bridge offers some welcome shade.
The route along San Felipe Wash starts to narrow.
We find ourselves in a deeply cut maze of washes.
From San Felipe Wash, we make our way to Pole Line and Old Kane Springs Road to Carrizo Wash. I decide to cut out the loop around San Sebastian Marsh as this entails miles of slow going whoop-ti-doo's and some pavement time.
San Sebastian Marsh boundary at Carrizo Wash.
Dodging one of the many muddy holes along the way.
Carrizo Wash.
Nearing the end of my route.
From here we follow the trail along the Gypsum Mine railroad track to Split Mountain Road, which marks the end of my Anza Expedition Route. We covered 54 miles in about 3 1/2 hours.
From here we decide to check out North Fork Fish Creek.
Ollie had some problems keeping his fuel tanks secured to his roof rack.
So far, I'm loving how my TJ is preforming.
Oyster Shell Wash.
Lots of fossilized oysters in the ancient reef.
A few sandstone steps to negotiate.
After making our way a bit further we decide to head back into the main wash.
A short detour into Hawk Canyon.
Airing up at Butte's Pass Road along Hwy 78.
Except for Ollie's gas cans falling off, we had no difficulties along the way. Temperatures averaged in the high 90's. I was great actually having AC in my vehicle! A big thanks to Ollie for coming along. Looking forward to BorregoFest!!!
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