Southern California Club Xterra

Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: steve c on August 01, 2019, 11:54:58 PM

Title: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on August 01, 2019, 11:54:58 PM
Jordan and I are leading a run. 
Mark your calendars for March 2020!

Per Jayrat, quartermaster for Friday Night.

OK
IF YOU ARE CAMPING FRIDAY NIGHT
LOCATION: 32.3393 -112.8495

THIS WILL ALSO BE OUR STARTING POINT
Just off AZ-85 and Darby Wells Rd.
32.3393 -112.8495

DATES: Begin the trail Saturday, March 28th end Monday, March 30th.
A few of us will be camping (tbd location) near the trailhead Friday, March 27th.
Route starts in Ajo, AZ and ends in Yuma, AZ.

Google Result (https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=odlDXbj5JYHZ-gSe5KOgCg&q=el+camino+del+diablo&oq=el+camino+del+diablo&gs_l=psy-ab.3..35i39l2j0l8.994.9778..10006...1.0..0.362.2458.18j1j2j1......0....1..gws-wiz.....0..0i131j0i20i263j0i10j35i304i39j0i13.23SG8JolkEQ&ved=0ahUKEwj4zan8yOPjAhWBrJ4KHR7yCKQQ4dUDCAc&uact=5)

Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=el+camino+del+diablo) results

From the  Morman Church (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/mormon+church+san+diego/Ajo,+AZ/@32.7358708,-116.1047779,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x80dc06d32da29aff:0x3681ef10f8a92fa4!2m2!1d-117.2286807!2d32.8664058!1m5!1m1!1s0x80d5588bb2b55107:0x6b724de12859f37b!2m2!1d-112.8607099!2d32.3717248) in SD, Ajo is about 5.5 hours.

I'm guessing this will be a 4-5 day trip.

As we get closer, "we" will post more details about the trip and route.
The purpose of this edit is to see who may be interested in this kind of trip.
From what we can tell, this will be a Mojave Road level of difficulty trip, however the proximity to the Mexican Border will make it interesting.
Participants are encouraged to be armed when traversing this route. 

Anybody up for this? 

I'm assuming if we have more than a few cars we'll need a permit so I'm trying to start this early.
I also want to give Boarder Patrol and Homeland Security VERY accurate numbers of trucks and people - that's why I'm starting this thread so early. 

I will fill in this original post with actual trip details as interest is indicated.
I can promise, desert, but like different desert than you are use to, some old homesteads, mining activity, etc
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on August 01, 2019, 11:56:40 PM
Reserved.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on August 01, 2019, 11:56:56 PM
Reserved.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: CAWoody on August 02, 2019, 06:49:52 AM
I'm interested.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on August 02, 2019, 07:13:32 AM
Definitely interested
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on August 02, 2019, 07:38:58 AM
How did I get roped into this "we" business? lol
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: RBduffer on August 02, 2019, 10:15:44 AM
My interest lies somewhere between Jayrat's and Knightrider's ::)
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on August 02, 2019, 10:56:11 AM
I'm definitely interested in going on this!
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on August 02, 2019, 11:58:57 AM
Interested
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: FrankB on August 02, 2019, 10:01:52 PM
Uh, excuse me, but I think you are missing a few things in your initial post:

Countdown Clock.
Sign up sheet showing the following:
  -- Ham license (yes, or applied for, there is no no),
  -- Confirming at least two extra spare tires,
  -- What brand of Scotch they are bringing,
  -- Participant's name (for the name tags) in Spanish (since you'll be really close to the border).
.
.
.
. . . well, you get the idea.

Actually it sounds like a fun trip.  I've read about that road before, it looks interesting.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on August 03, 2019, 08:03:53 AM
Uh, excuse me, but I think you are missing a few things in your initial post:

Countdown Clock.
Sign up sheet showing the following:
  -- Ham license (yes, or applied for, there is no no),
  -- Confirming at least two extra spare tires,
  -- What brand of Scotch they are bringing,
  -- Participant's name (for the name tags) in Spanish (since you'll be really close to the border).
.
.
.
. . . well, you get the idea.

Actually it sounds like a fun trip.  I've read about that road before, it looks interesting.

 El Frank-o the trip would be better-o if you-o can el go-o. See I eespeekey real good espanish. If we encounter anyone who don't espeeka no engrish, I'll volunteer to do the translatin. As to the "requirements" man those are some tough ones. I hope Steve and Jordan don't take such a hard lined approach to this. Just imagine the chaos that would ensue with everyone tryin to decipher names in a furner language to figure out who who everyone is much less after drinking some of that mandatory scotch. Next thing you know, some pervert is gonna decide to jump into one of those rock pools with no clothes on. What would be really terrible is if someone took a picture of that madness and posted it up on TN*, er I mean SCCX.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: jpardue on August 03, 2019, 07:59:51 PM
If a 10k lbs sand anchor (Dodge diesel with a camper) will fit on that trail...I'm in!
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on August 03, 2019, 09:15:42 PM
If a 10k lbs sand anchor (Dodge diesel with a camper) will fit on that trail...I'm in!

 Is the camper installed yet?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on August 03, 2019, 09:21:43 PM
If a 10k lbs sand anchor (Dodge diesel with a camper) will fit on that trail...I'm in!

I have NO experience on the trail, but from some of the google and youtube links, it looks like full size trucks should be fine. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: jpardue on August 03, 2019, 09:36:46 PM
It's been on the truck about 3 weeks now.  I put the truck on the 22 area truck scale at Camp Pen the other day and it weighed in at 9520 lbs.  The truck rides well with it.  No wind noise, but it does rock a little if the rear end has to articulate much.  I'll probable add a rear sway bar later.  I'll figure out how to post a picture later.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on August 03, 2019, 09:43:38 PM
It's been on the truck about 3 weeks now.  I put the truck on the 22 area truck scale at Camp Pen the other day and it weighed in at 9520 lbs.  The truck rides well with it.  No wind noise, but it does rock a little if the rear end has to articulate much.  I'll probable add a rear sway bar later.  I'll figure out how to post a picture later.

 Nice! Can't wait to see it! If you can make it to one of our meet an greets come on over with it.



 Sorry for the thread jack Steve.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on September 17, 2019, 10:05:01 AM
Definitely interested.  Will potentially have multiple rigs if that’s ok. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on October 31, 2019, 07:58:40 PM
This thread needs updates. :P
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on October 31, 2019, 10:32:36 PM
Reserved.
CALLING STEVE C  ???
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on October 31, 2019, 11:13:37 PM
Updates.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on November 01, 2019, 07:50:37 AM
I believe every vehicle needs a permit , It's free
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on November 01, 2019, 08:52:11 AM
I believe every vehicle needs a permit , It's free


 Permits? We don't need no steeenking permits.....




























Or do we?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on November 01, 2019, 02:38:54 PM
there is a special use permit for large groups Steve will need to fill out and get signed, similar to the mojave rd permit.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on November 11, 2019, 08:40:08 AM
Any ideas for the dates yet? I'm out of state from the 5th to the 9th so I will need to finagle, beg and grovel for the extra vacation days.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on November 11, 2019, 08:56:44 AM
I suppose we should probably start thinking about dates.

Jordan and I will be hanging out this weekend so we will discuss then. 
Daylight savings is on 3/8/20.  I'll likely do it after that. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on November 11, 2019, 07:54:48 PM
End of the month works best for me , last week is spring break
But I'm open :P
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on November 12, 2019, 09:40:17 AM
Our dance card gets a little crazy so locking down dates would be great!  Later March works better for us also. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on November 15, 2019, 07:08:51 PM
End of the month works best for me , last week is spring break
But I'm open :P

Jay, when is spring break?

Our dance card gets a little crazy so locking down dates would be great!  Later March works better for us also.

Got it.  We'll put some dates down very soon.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on November 17, 2019, 01:21:12 PM
Jay, when is spring break?


Basically  Saturday March 28th - Sunday April 5th
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on December 30, 2019, 10:20:53 AM
About 4 month out , just stoking the fire  :D
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on December 30, 2019, 02:53:04 PM
Sorry for the lack of updates.
To be honest, I haven't done much on this as of now.
The end of the year is nuts at work.  I'll get some things firmed up and sorted out in the beginning of January.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on December 30, 2019, 04:04:40 PM
Sorry for the lack of updates.
To be honest, I haven't done much on this as of now.
The end of the year is nuts at work.  I'll get some things firmed up and sorted out in the beginning of January.

 January of 2024?   
8)



                                                                           
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on January 28, 2020, 12:41:35 PM
Jordan and I are back on the case for this Diablo trip!
Dates are looking like end of March. 

I'm going to float travel to Ajo Thursday, March 26. 
Start the trail either that afternoon or grab hotels and leave Friday morning (3/27)
The trail is reported to take 3 days if you want to see all the fun stuff.  That's my plan.
We can decide as a group if we want to finish the trail early to get on the road or camp another night and leave the next morning.

How's that sound to everyone?  Can I get a headcount? 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on January 28, 2020, 02:20:07 PM
Sorry, I'm out. Will be traveling to AZ that weekend (and the weekend after), as it's spring break for my son.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on January 28, 2020, 04:52:54 PM
Brother, I think I'm most likely out. Just too much stuff going on between now and then. I'd really like to go on this so if something changes I will let you know right away.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on January 30, 2020, 10:58:12 AM
We are checking schedules and should know for sure soon. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on January 31, 2020, 09:44:38 AM
Steve, when will you decide if the start will be Thursday (3/26) afternoon or Friday (3/27) morning?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on January 31, 2020, 07:10:14 PM
He never will, what works best for you?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on February 01, 2020, 11:56:15 AM
He never will, what works best for you?


Friday morning would work best for us.  This would allow us to work part of Thursday then drive towards the trailhead, camp Thursday night somewhere close, and be ready to rock Friday morning.

Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on February 01, 2020, 01:53:24 PM
I wouldn't be able to start til Saturday 3/28 (start of spring break)
the boy has school that Friday
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on February 02, 2020, 06:51:08 AM
I wouldn't be able to start til Saturday 3/28 (start of spring break)
the boy has school that Friday


We could swing being at the trailhead Friday (3/27) evening, starting the trial the morning of Saturday (3/28), and being off the trail Monday (3/30) by early evening.   Thoughts?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on February 07, 2020, 12:12:57 PM
DATES: Begin the trail Saturday, March 28th end Monday, March 30th.
A few of us will be camping (tbd location) near the trailhead Friday, March 27th.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on February 07, 2020, 07:38:38 PM
DATES: Begin the trail Saturday, March 28th end Monday, March 30th.
A few of us will be camping (tbd location) near the trailhead Friday, March 27th.
Works perfect for me  >:D
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on February 12, 2020, 07:27:36 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zJXVozT8QU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyeEOMeAOjo&t=554s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYybB7qeqMU
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: AdventureRider81 on February 13, 2020, 06:54:34 AM
I was threatened with a good time and bribed with a foxy brunch by Steve :D (This may or may not be factual info). Therefore, I'm in. Can I wear my Slymer Cape? :-X
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on February 13, 2020, 10:55:20 AM
I was threatened with a good time and bribed with a foxy brunch by Steve :D (This may or may not be factual info). Therefore, I'm in. Can I wear my Slymer Cape? :-X

Hell yeah!  (in general)


Here's the list so far of fairly certain attendees.

Jordan
Jay
Miles
Steve
Nick + 3 trucks

Maybe people
Joe
Randy
Tim

Please let me know if I missed anyone.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on February 26, 2020, 03:42:16 PM
Soooo , after all of everybody's rescheduling because I was such a Diva . I have to back out.
my parents are coming out to visit me that weekend it was a last minute decision and the only weekend they can do
I apologize for doing this ,
Have an awesome trip :'(
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on February 26, 2020, 03:52:39 PM
Bummer Jay. :(

On a positive note, I've moved quite a bit further way from the "maybe" category to the "going" category. Just have one or two last minute logistics things to figure out, but as long as we're still planning to start the trail late Saturday morning, it's looking pretty good for me.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on February 26, 2020, 04:43:43 PM
Bummer Jay. :(

On a positive note, I've moved quite a bit further way from the "maybe" category to the "going" category. Just have one or two last minute logistics things to figure out, but as long as we're still planning to start the trail late Saturday morning, it's looking pretty good for me.

 Man, where are the pics and write up from the trip you just came back from??????
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on February 26, 2020, 04:51:17 PM
Man, where are the pics and write up from the trip you just came back from??????

Working on it. It's going to be a few days, though. I took almost 4,000 images that I still need to go through.  ???
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Ghost65 on February 27, 2020, 07:30:59 AM
Man, where are the pics and write up from the trip you just came back from??????

Hang tight...they are gonna be epic. 

Had a little preview on the good ole Book O' De Faces, and as usual Joe captured some of the most beautifully inspired snaps of Mom Nature.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: CAWoody on February 27, 2020, 07:49:43 PM
You can take me off the maybe list and ad me to the No list.  Sorry.  Five days off work this last week made me behind about 2 months.  Have fun.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on March 11, 2020, 11:28:49 AM
Any idea what time we'll be at trail's end on Monday? Is it like Monday morning, mid-day, or later in the afternoon/evening? We're just trying to determine if my better half can make it, too, as she may have a work conflict.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on March 13, 2020, 07:29:18 PM
OK sooo don't hate me , but we are now back in + 2 Rigs , if we are welcome  :'(
My Parents are heading straight back to Winnipeg from Tucson  because of Wuhan Virus
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on March 15, 2020, 01:34:51 PM
Ok guys, we're getting close.
I will be calling the permitting office tomorrow to get our special use permit.  But, we may not need one if we don't have 10 vehicles or more.
So far, I have

Jordan
Jay + 2 trucks
Miles
Steve
Joe
Nick + 3 trucks

That's 11 total.
I'm going to leave this open until tomorrow at 8:30am when I call to get the permit.  (hopefully!)

My plan is to arrive in Ajo sometime on Friday.  I'll either find camp that night close to the trail head, or grab a hotel.
From what I can tell, most folks will be at the trailhead Saturday morning.
If I could get a rough count of which you're going to do, that would be great. 

We're going to start the trail at 10am, Saturday morning.
If you know you're going to be later than that, I'm pretty sure you'll be able to catch us up. 

In the event we don't have 10 rigs total, you'll need to get an individual permit.
That can be found here: https://luke.isportsman.net/

You should probably watch the safety video anyways. 
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: AdventureRider81 on March 16, 2020, 04:09:55 PM
We plan on showing up Friday night. Same plan has above. Camp near trail head or if it's too late get a hotel if one is open.....

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on March 16, 2020, 05:18:55 PM
We plan on showing up Friday night. Same plan has above. Camp near trail head or if it's too late get a hotel if one is open.....

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Looks like the closest decent hotel is in Yuma . I think a few of us are sleeping at the trailhead friday night
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Rogue Overland on March 17, 2020, 08:42:57 AM
We will most likely arrive Saturday morning.  Do we have coordinates for the rendezvous spot?
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on March 17, 2020, 09:05:42 AM
Looks like the closest decent hotel is in Yuma . I think a few of us are sleeping at the trailhead friday night

There are four or five hotels in Gila Bend, which is much closer. My personal favorite is the Best Western Space Age lodge.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on March 18, 2020, 09:41:18 AM
There are four or five hotels in Gila Bend, which is much closer. My personal favorite is the Best Western Space Age lodge.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I forgot about Gild Bend
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on March 20, 2020, 09:31:15 AM
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
CALIFORNIA / ARIZONA BORDER
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on March 21, 2020, 04:41:04 PM
Jill and I got a room for Friday night in Ajo, Dos Casitas.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on March 21, 2020, 05:08:15 PM
I was looking at Dos Casitas, too. Looks like a cool place.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: knightrider on March 21, 2020, 05:36:53 PM
It sleeps 4 if you wanna crash with us.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Jayrat on March 21, 2020, 07:11:11 PM
OK
IF YOU ARE CAMPING FRIDAY NIGHT
LOCATION: 32.3393 -112.8495

THIS WILL ALSO BE OUR STARTING POINT
Just off AZ-85 and Darby Wells Rd.
32.3393 -112.8495
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on March 23, 2020, 02:07:33 PM
It sleeps 4 if you wanna crash with us.

That's a very generous offer, and I sincerely appreciate it. But I can assure you that we wouldn't be very pleasant house guests, haha. In reality though... we're probably looking at an 11:30 pm or midnight arrival time if we're on the road by 5:30 pm, which is pretty realistic. That's not ideal for you guys, and certainly not worth interrupting your night of rest. We'll just head out early Saturday morning. Jessica can fall back asleep during the drive, and I'll be just fine as long as I can get 4 or 5 hours of sleep on Friday night. Besides, it just means I'll sleep better in camp on Saturday night. :D
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: AdventureRider81 on March 24, 2020, 12:11:19 PM
Weather is looking outstanding. So we will confirm camping Friday night by the trail head. Plan is to leave the beautiful confines of LBC between 11am-noon and arrive between 5-7pm. Looking forward to escaping the city in the middle of the day with hardly any traffic.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on March 24, 2020, 06:17:12 PM
Weather is looking outstanding. So we will confirm camping Friday night by the trail head. Plan is to leave the beautiful confines of LBC between 11am-noon and arrive between 5-7pm. Looking forward to escaping the city in the middle of the day with hardly any traffic.

Yes, that is the plan.  I'll leave me 2m on so you can call for me if you get lost.  146.535.
I'm assuming we won't have cell out there, but you never know these days!!

VERY much looking forward to this trip.
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on March 30, 2020, 11:24:25 PM
Well shame on all of you. No pics?????
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on April 01, 2020, 10:28:50 AM
Many, many photos were taken. It was an EPIC trip! I'm working up the photos now and should hopefully have some stuff posted by the end of today. This stuff takes time buddy. ;)
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: steve c on April 01, 2020, 01:57:23 PM
I haven't even imported a single photo yet.
Work is insane!

Great trip and worth the cluster fork I returned to!
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: Celt on April 01, 2020, 04:17:30 PM
Many, many photos were taken. It was an EPIC trip! I'm working up the photos now and should hopefully have some stuff posted by the end of today. This stuff takes time buddy. ;)

 I'm impatient, get busy...................................




                  :D




Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: AdventureRider81 on April 01, 2020, 04:42:20 PM
Here is a tease while we wait for the Joe and Steve epic photography. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200401/9aadf1866d4f4846d0a2da9538f2adbc.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200401/81d2c9c0816b1255cca6c329d253fc55.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200401/48fcd5c38b04dc0978941960678eae5d.jpg)
Title: Re: El Camino del Diablo: March 2020
Post by: JFanaselle on April 01, 2020, 11:14:27 PM
Photos are posted! Feel free to share more in the photo thread...

https://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php?topic=5050.0