Outdoor Adventure USA

It looks as if I will probably need to meet up with you guys somewhere in the desert afterall. My parents have decided to leave Saturday morning so I will be heading out towards Superstition this afternoon. Where would the most convenient rendezvous point be, with me coming from the Ocotillo area?

Edit: I'm thinking maybe the Vallecito Wash trailhead from the S2? If so, is it clearly marked? I can find 2 possible entrances from the highway, 1 is about 10 miles north of Canyon sin Nombre and the other is about 7 miles north. I have GPS coordinates too if it wiil help.

Or how about the near the Agua Calliente Airport? Maybe between 10 and 10:30? Does that sound right?

ZPDFZJ wrote:What's going on at Superstition?? That is a place I have yet to see...

I think there is/was a race this weekend. There is a pretty good variety of terrain including some sand. There is going to be a big SD 4X4 club event on the weekend of the 17th. I will probably head down on that Sunday for a day run.

THATSALEXUS? wrote:
Edit: I'm thinking maybe the Vallecito Wash trailhead from the S2? If so, is it clearly marked? I can find 2 possible entrances from the highway, 1 is about 10 miles north of Canyon sin Nombre and the other is about 7 miles north. I have GPS coordinates too if it wiil help.

Or how about the near the Agua Calliente Airport? Maybe between 10 and 10:30? Does that sound right?

Somewhere along the S2 for sure. I would say the Vallecito trailhead, if you can find it. If not just head up Canyon Sin Nombre and meet us at the beginning of Arroyo Seco Del Diablo. There is a sign at the S2 for both of these trails.





If coming in through CSN, meet us here;



I'll see if I can find some GPS coordinates. Do you have a 2m radio? If not, we can try to reach you on the CB.

I would say 10:30 to 11:00 as far as time, since we will be running Oriflamme on the way down there.

OK, I have the Vallecito trail head at N 32.91533, W 116.24085 (32.91533333333, -116.24085 if you are using google maps) and N 32.83002, W 116.17025 (32.83002, -116.17025).

If you are coming from the south, just take CSN and meet us at the beginning of Arroyo Diablo at N 32.88262, W 116.15893 (32.88262, -116.15893).

I'll PM you my cell # if you dont have it.

OK, I just got off the phone with the visitor center for ABDSP. The number I called is (760) 767-4205. They seemed extremely knowledgeable and very matter-of-fact in their answers. Not the "Um, I'm not sure, let me ask" like I expected.

Here is the skinny:

Sandstone is NOT closed. They said there has been some debris fallen from the walls, but is indeed open. According to another, non-park service source, the canyon is closed several miles in (~3 - 3.5) to prevent people from entering the "Whale Peak Wilderness" area. June wash off the S2 is also closed as it leads to the same wilderness area.

Diablo Dropoff and Pinyon Dropoff are listed as one-way directional on the park map, but they seemed suprised about Diablo. Apparently it's not really enforced. I have heard of cases where people have gotten tickets by going up one specific section of the lower part of Diablo dropoff, but this section is marked.

This site has some good information as well, and was recommended by the visitor center.

http://www.theabf.org

So, I am very excited to see Sandstone Canyon again tomorrow!!

The first portion of Sandstone has never been closed when I've been out there. Like we've been saying, you can go in a few miles to the wide open turn around area the have to turn back. About 400 yards prior to the fenced off spot is the little 3 foot waterfall you have to climb.

Last time I was out there, you could go back as far as you wanted (until the canyon got too rocky and tight to continue). Way past the narrow section, past the little ledge, past the area with two big rocks side by side with the bypass that goes up and around to the left, all the way.

Look at my avatar... it's closed just before you get to that part and a little after the the small dry falls.

sdnative wrote:Diablo Dropoff and Pinyon Dropoff are listed as one-way directional on the park map, but they seemed suprised about Diablo. Apparently it's not really enforced. I have heard of cases where people have gotten tickets by going up one specific section of the lower part of Diablo dropoff, but this section is marked.

Yeah, the last time I spoke with a ranger faceto face out there, they said Diablo Dropoff wasn't offically one-way. But there is a section on the lower dropoff that is marked, as you mentioned. If you were down in Fish Creek and wanted to go see the mud caves in Arroyo Tapiado, they don't expect ya to take the highway all the way around Scissors Crossing to Canyon Sin Nombre or whatnot.

sdnative wrote:Last time I was out there, you could go back as far as you wanted (until the canyon got too rocky and tight to continue). Way past the narrow section, past the little ledge, past the area with two big rocks side by side with the bypass that goes up and around to the left, all the way.

sdnative wrote:Way past here (so are you saying it's closed right after this?):

The signs where a ways before this secton. If its still closed we should start a petition!

I think I am going to be able to go, looks like the girlfriend is down for some wheelin!

Steve- Are you bringing the dobers?We have two pups that would be joining us...

BorregoWrangler wrote: The signs where a ways before this secton. If its still closed we should start a petition!

This is pretty early in the canyon. Based on what the ranger said, I expect it to be open past this part.

ZPDFZJ wrote:I think I am going to be able to go, looks like the girlfriend is down for some wheelin!

Steve- Are you bringing the dobers?We have two pups that would be joining us...

OK, see you there. No luck selling that thing, huh? Tough times for sure...