2009-11-14&15: Upper Coyote Canyon & Toro Peak Run

[BorregoWrangler]

Upper Coyote Canyon & Toro Peak Run

Well I don't know about anyone else, but I'm sure ready to get back out into the desert. I have a few weekends open in november so I'd like to head on out to Anza Borrego for either the weekend or just a day trip. If I wasn't going quail hunting on saturday I'd go this weekend! What I had in mind is either rolling out to Coyote Canyon friday evening or early saturday morning. There's a few good spots to meet up in Anza or somewhere else along the way. If Bailey's Cabin is available we can set up camp there or in Alder Canyon. Saturday can be spent hiking down through Middle Willows and/or exploring the upper reaches of Coyote and Horse Canyon. On sunday, break camp and head on up Toro Peak. Of course, this is just a rough idea. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Dates: Nov. Sat./Sun. 14/15

Meeting Time: 9:00am

Departure time: 9:30am

Run Type: Day or Overnight for those wanting to camp.

Difficulty Rating: Easy to Difficult.

Meeting Location: Mobil gas station (Dairy Queen next door)
56245 State Highway 371, Anza, CA

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 38581&z=15

Trailhead Directions: From San Diego take I-15 north to 79 south (Temecula Pkwy) then left on CA-371 (Cahuilla Rd).

Signed up:

1. BorregoWrangler
2. BlueFJ
3. Chazz Layne ?
4. VCCruzr ?
5.

CB Channel: 34

The trailhead for Upper Coyote Canyon is located in Anza, CA off Hwy 371. Upper Coyote Canyon is a special place if you are willing to drive to the town of Anza and enter the park from the north. This area offers challenging jeep and hiking trails to the outdoor explorer. Points of interest are Bailey’s Cabin, First Child Monument, Alder Canyon, Horse Canyon and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Upper Coyote Canyon:



Bailey’s Cabin:



For those wanting a more difficult trail there's Horse Canyon:



Toro Peak

Map: http://www.mountainbikebill.com/images/ ... aMtMap.JPG

Toro Peak is a mountain in Southern California in the Santa Rosa Mountains. South of Palm Springs, west of the Salton Sea, east of Temecula, California.

It is the highest mountain in the Santa Rosa Mountains, part of the mountain is administered under the San Bernardino National Forest the other portions including the 8,716ft summit and the United States Geological Survey marker on the summit registers year 1939 and portions of the mountain are controlled and gated under the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation Another portion of the mountain is under the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.


This mountain is easily visible from California State Route 74 looking south (also known as the Pines to Palms Highway) the turn off is easily seen marked by a large sign along the south side of Route 74 for the Santa Rosa Mountains. From this point onward the road heads southeast toward the mountain this is a rough dirt road that climbs steadily for approximately 13 miles.

A 4x4 or off-road vehicle is highly recommended for this road as it becomes steep, rocky and rough in various spots as it continues to climb the mountain, the road starting elevation is around 4,700' and climbs to a locked gate around 8,200ft At that point you will have to hike or bike the last 500 feet up the summit, its a short walk up a rough maintenance road that passes by former MCI's (now owned by Verizon Communications) primary power generator that provides electricity to the summit as there are no electrical load lines that climb the mountain.


From Toro Peak's summit at an elevation of 8,716' (2,657 M) a commanding view of eastern southern California, including views of the entire Santa Rosa Mountains to Palm Springs, neighboring mountains such as Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, southwest looking to Palomar Mountain and Hot Springs Mountain all just to name a few. To the east / southeast the Salton Sea and Imperial Valley are visible, on very clear days one may be able to see Charleston Peak to the northeast in Nevada.

Views from the top of Toro Peak:





(Photos from here: http://www.mountainbikebill.com/SantaRosaMt.htm )

[BlueFJ]

I would definitely be interested! I've been up Torro Peak before and have always wanted to go back again. I've never been to Upper Coyote and have always wanted to check it out

[BorregoWrangler]

I would definitely be interested! I've been up Torro Peak before and have always wanted to go back again. I've never been to Upper Coyote and have always wanted to check it out

Well that's perfect, Craig! I've been to Upper Coyote Canyon but not to Torro Peak yet. Just let me know what days will work for you. When I get a majority, I'll finalize the dates. It's too bad you missed BorregoFest. You'll just have to make up for it!

[BlueFJ]

Either one of those weekends works for me. I'll just go with the majority.

[Chazz Layne]

Both places we have never been... I might be up for it if we aren't going too difficult (Horse Canyon ). If we did Upper Coyote, would we be getting out and hiking up to the old Indian villiages (2-3 hours I believe)?



I'm waiting on my OBD scanner to arrive so I can find out what that check engine light was all about. 14/15th would probably have less of a crowd since it isn't a 4-day holiday weekend.

[BorregoWrangler]

Both places we have never been... I might be up for it if we aren't going too difficult (Horse Canyon ). If we did Upper Coyote, would we be getting out and hiking up to the old Indian villiages (2-3 hours I believe)?

Horse Canyon is just an option. You don't have to traverse it to get to the camp. Of course, you could always ride along with someone to check it out.

I'm not sure about the old indian villages. I thought those where out of Rockhouse Canyon, northeast of Borrego Springs off Hwy S-22?

14/15th would probably have less of a crowd since it isn't a 4-day holiday weekend.

That's what I'm leaning towards.

[Chazz Layne]

Horse Canyon is just an option. You don't have to traverse it to get to the camp. Of course, you could always ride along with someone to check it out.

Or I could walk it and get pictures.

I'm not sure about the old indian villages. I thought those where out of Rockhouse Canyon, northeast of Borrego Springs off Hwy S-22?

I could be off on that, I'll track down my hiking book and double-check.

[gon2srf]

Horse Canyon is just an option. You don't have to traverse it to get to the camp. Of course, you could always ride along with someone to check it out.

Or I could walk it and get pictures.

I'm not sure about the old indian villages. I thought those where out of Rockhouse Canyon, northeast of Borrego Springs off Hwy S-22?

I could be off on that, I'll track down my hiking book and double-check.

That's a 10 mile out and back, leave early and carry plenty of water. I am planning to do this hike in late November/December with Bruised FJ, we'll post up as we get more concrete plans made. Sorry for the hijack!

[BorregoWrangler]

Updated first post.

That's a 10 mile out and back, leave early and carry plenty of water. I am planning to do this hike in late November/December with Bruised FJ, we'll post up as we get more concrete plans made. Sorry for the hijack!

Yeah, I've read up on that one. Sounds very interesting. I'd like to take two or three days sometime and hike through Carrizo Gorge. Start just south of Interstate 8 at Jacumba and make your way out to Hwy S-2, just south of the Bow Willow Campground. Talk about roughin' it!

[VCCruzr]

I am interested in a day run.....anywhere at this point. I'll watch this for updates.