2012-01-22: Anza Borrego Exploration

[BorregoWrangler]

Anza Borrego - Carrizo Gorge Railroad Camp - Petrified Wood Hunting

I decided to take a short notice trip out to the desert to check out an abandoned railroad camp in the southern end of the park. The ruins were built to support the construction of the San Diego & Eastern Arizona Railroad through Carrizo Gorge. Standing amongst the dilapidated structures is like getting a glimpse back in time. One wall of the camp still standing that is constructed of old blasting powder cans held together by mortar. Afterwards, I headed out east of Carrizo Mountain to look for petrified wood. On the way home I stopped to check out a few sections of the old concrete highway 80 built in the 30's and the old stage coach trail in Devils Canyon. It was nice to get out.

[Crismateski]

I just got my first introduction to Anza borrego last weekend. The amount of places I need to check out is overwhelming, and you just added another.

[sdnative]

Great pics John. I have been wanting to head back out to that spot. Haven't seen the blasting cans before..

[DaveK]

John:

That is a great area to explore. Great pics. There are several tunnels through the mountains in the Carizo Gorge that are spectacular. Although the reports seem to vary, my last information is that the efforts to resurrect the railroad have ended and they are not actively citing people who walk the tracks anymore. If its open, the tracks from the Dos Cabesas station to the Goat Canyon trestle are a great hike. There are also some palm oases at the bottom of the gorge, but be careful. It is a known trail for southern visitors as they migrate north.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Good stuff....John!

I Like it!

Carry ON!

[BorregoWrangler]

Thanks guys!

That is a great area to explore. Great pics. There are several tunnels through the mountains in the Carizo Gorge that are spectacular. Although the reports seem to vary, my last information is that the efforts to resurrect the railroad have ended and they are not actively citing people who walk the tracks anymore. If its open, the tracks from the Dos Cabesas station to the Goat Canyon trestle are a great hike. There are also some palm oases at the bottom of the gorge, but be careful. It is a known trail for southern visitors as they migrate north.

I've done that hike a few times now. Lots of fun! And your right about the tracks being pretty much abandoned now. When I was out that day there was a big group of mountain bikers getting ready to ride them.