Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX Xcursions => Topic started by: FrankB on February 28, 2011, 11:33:52 AM
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Edit 1 March with Meet Time / Place details:
Date: Sunday 6 March
Time: 10:00AM
Meet Spot: The start of Buttes Pass Road (unpaved) on the north side of Hwy 78. Buttes Pass Road is about 1.5 miles east of the intersection of Borrego Springs Road and Hwy 78. This is on the way to Ocotillo Wells, and is 5.2 miles west of Split Mountain Road. It is clearly marked on all paper maps. It is very near mile marker 87. There are no structures of any type there, just open desert. The sign for Buttes Pass Road is low to the ground, very small and very easy to miss. It will be on your left. There is also a little spot to turn around on the left just past it that you should be able to make if you see the sign for Buttes Pass but can't stop in time. If you look at the map Paul posted in this thread you can see it clearly, it is marked with a pushpin, at the farthest west spot where his route starts on 78. We won't meet in town because I think it will be crowded with Jeepers since it's Tierra del Sol weekend. Traffic on the Sunday of that weekend can be really bad as all the trailered Jeeps start heading out.
As I mentioned in the original post (below) - I plan to just wander around and stop to check out the wildflowers and scenery. We can travel north up Buttes Pass Road to San Felipe Wash, then west to Borrego Mountain Wash where we'll turn south. Depending on conditions and mood we can take that all the way to the point where it is too narrow to drive, and those who want can hike The Slot. From there we can backtrack in San Felipe Wash to Blow Sand Canyon, take that up to the Goat Trail and back over to Buttes Pass. We'll stop for lunch somewhere scenic along the way. Time permitting we can also check out the route to the top of the drop-off, or maybe cross 78 to the south and check out the Cactus Garden at the start of Harper Canyon.
This entire route should be stock friendly, but 4WD required for a few spots.
Caravan / Alternate Meet Spots:
1) San Diego: Chevron Station on the corner of Scripps Poway Parkway and Pomerado Road, ready to roll out of there at 8:00AM. I don't plan to stop there unless someone specifically wants to meet there - so be sure to let me know in advance.
2) Ramona: At the McDonalds at 8:30AM (maybe a bit earlier if no one is at the Chevron). I don't plan to stop there otherwise, it just a recognizable spot, so again, let me know in advance if you want to meet there.
If people are interested, I could stop at the Pie Company in Santa Ysabel to pick up a fresh apple pie to go with lunch. Corner of Hwy 78 and Hwy 79 at 9:00AM.
Comm:
FRS Radio - Channel 3, sub-code 24
CB Radio - Channel 24
My cell phone is 619 eight five five 0836.
Original post follows:
I'm thinking of heading out to Anza Borrego on Sunday, 6 March for the day. The wildflowers should be in bloom - lots of photo ops.
I was thinking of exploring around the Buttes Pass / Borrego Mountain Wash area. The trails I'm thinking of should all be stock friendly (with the usual warnings about how things can change), but I would say 4WD required due to some rocks we may want to go over to get to the bottom of The Slot and maybe parts of Blow Sand Canyon and the Goat Trail.
I would plan for all day, lunch on the trail etc.
If anyone is interested let me know and we can set up a meet spot. Anyone coming from the San Diego area would be welcome to caravan out with me, leaving from just east of I-15 off Scripps Poway Parkway around 0800.
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We're interested!
I'll likely camp unless it's raining. Been awhile since I got chased by the rangers through Borrego ... I'll have to check for outstanding arrest warrants and clear this with my parole officer. I'll come out Saturday and play before finding a place for the night. The slot is a great little hike/exploring area but the trail down to the bottom via truck is an "exciting" one. The 45 degree downward angle is a good start but toss in the ruts caused by the idiots trying to come up the clearly marked one way trail make it even more "fun". I want a spotter this time!
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We're interested!
I'll likely camp unless it's raining. Been awhile since I got chased by the rangers through Borrego ... I'll have to check for outstanding arrest warrants and clear this with my parole officer. I'll come out Saturday and play before finding a place for the night. The slot is a great little hike/exploring area but the trail down to the bottom via truck is an "exciting" one. The 45 degree downward angle is a good start but toss in the ruts caused by the idiots trying to come up the clearly marked one way trail make it even more "fun". I want a spotter this time!
Paul,
The trail down that you are talking about is the Borrego Mountain Drop-Off. Every time I've seen it it has been way to dug up with big holes for me to even think about trying it. I drive around the other way (north on Buttes Pass to San Felipe Wash, then south in Borrego Mountain Wash until it gets too narrow to drive (at the "bottom" of the Slot). I was not planning to lead anyone down that drop-off, but you are welcome to go that way if you wish.
Let's see how things look towards the end of the week and see where we might meet.
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I think that drop off is a once in a life-time butt quenching ride. I was doing fine until I lost "vision" of the 90% of the trail in front of me that I couldn't see at that extreme downwards angle and then put the driver's side front tire into a seemingly bottomless hole. The front left corner kept going downwards and downwards and the back right side kept going upwards ... I couldn't get out of the truck nor could Noon at those angles. I just sort of said some prayers and hoped that I wouldn't go bouncing/rolling down the last 50 feet or so of the trail.
The slot is some amazing hiking.
Number three where the jeep and arrrow are is the one-way-to-near-death drop-off.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/10-03%20Mar%202010%20Anza%20The%20Slot/AnzaTheSlot.gif)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/10-03%20Mar%202010%20Anza%20The%20Slot/Anza09.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/paul1960/Xterra/10-03%20Mar%202010%20Anza%20The%20Slot/Anza06.jpg)
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I am 75% sure that I will join you Frank! This will be my first ride out in the X and I can't wait! Can you post up some absolute necessary gear for me to bring? I don't have anything yet and don't really have the funds to get too much of anything, but I may be able to pick up a few things if absolutely necessary.
Thanks!
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I am 75% sure that I will join you Frank! This will be my first ride out in the X and I can't wait! Can you post up some absolute necessary gear for me to bring? I don't have anything yet and don't really have the funds to get too much of anything, but I may be able to pick up a few things if absolutely necessary.
Thanks!
There is probably not a lot that you really need for where I'm thinking of going. You should have spare tire that's in good shape, a shovel and gloves are nice to have (but I've never needed them), food and water of course (more than just lunch), extra clothing, first aid kit, all the usual stuff you should keep in the truck anyway. Do you have a front tow hook (but the chances of needing it are very slim)? Rear tow point, like a trailer hitch?
A folding chair of some sort is nice to have at lunch time.
Call me if you want: 619 eight five five 0836
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There is probably not a lot that you really need for where I'm thinking of going. You should have spare tire that's in good shape, a shovel and gloves are nice to have (but I've never needed them), food and water of course (more than just lunch), extra clothing, first aid kit, all the usual stuff you should keep in the truck anyway. Do you have a front tow hook (but the chances of needing it are very slim)? Rear tow point, like a trailer hitch?
A folding chair of some sort is nice to have at lunch time.
Call me if you want: 619 eight five five 0836
Yeah I can get all that stuff easily. I have the stock tow hooks up front and I do have a tow package on the rear. I will give you a call later this week to work out the final details, but right now it looks like my chances of going with you have increased to 95%!
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Paul, if you're thinking of camping you might want to check out Hawk Canyon. I think there are actually a couple of metal fire pits a little before you get to the end of canyon and turn-around point, the only ones I've seen in the Park other than maybe in a more developed camp area. It's pretty nice back in there.
I was thinking of a slightly different version of the route you've got on that map, maybe including a trip up Borrego Mountain Wash (the opposite direction you traveled in), and go up to the end of wash where the Slot is. I'll have to see what it's like out there on Sunday and then decide. I think it should be good wildflower viewing too.
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Sounds good to me. I am intersted
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Hey FrankB, I think I'm going to join as well. Where is the meet spot? I'm coming from Carlsbad, CA.
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Hey FrankB, I think I'm going to join as well. Where is the meet spot? I'm coming from Carlsbad, CA.
I'll set up a meet spot at the start of Buttes Pass Road, probably around 10:00AM, right off of Hwy 78. It's right where the green pushpin on Paul's map is at on 78. I'll post up more details later.
If you want to meet somewhere along the way - there are several options depending on what route you would take to get to the mountains and Hwy 79. I'm going to bypass Julian on the way out and take 78 east to 79 north at Santa Ysabel to S-2 and link back up with 78 again at Scissors Crossing. Let me know which way you want to go from the coast and suggest a spot.
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I will meet you at the McDonald's in Ramona at 820am!!
I have two way radios that I will bring if I can find them and get them charged too! See you Sunday!
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I'm going to aim for 8:20am @ Ramona McDs as well. Are you talking about the one at 1550 Main Street Ramona, CA.
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I'm going to aim for 8:20am @ Ramona McDs as well. Are you talking about the one at 1550 Main Street Ramona, CA.
Yes, that does appear to be the address. Main Street is Hwy 67 through that part of town, and later it changes to Hwy 78.
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I just found out about this. I'm thinking about it! It will be a last minute decision if I do so don't count on it.
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I just found out about this. I'm thinking about it! It will be a last minute decision if I do so don't count on it.
We will figure it out man lol
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The start of the Slot Trail is N33 09 32.5 W116 13 04.5
I might camp at Yaqui Well or Tamarisk Grove. I think Saturday I'm going to take the Grapevine Canyon Trail, camp at one of the two camp grounds, and then take the Mine Wash Trail before meeting you folks at The Slot.
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The start of the Slot Trail is N33 09 32.5 W116 13 04.5
I might camp at Yaqui Well or Tamarisk Grove. I think Saturday I'm going to take the Grapevine Canyon Trail, camp at one of the two camp grounds, and then take the Mine Wash Trail before meeting you folks at The Slot.
Paul, I was not planning on driving to the top of the Slot hiking trail (which is a parking area well before you get to the drop-off) at the start of the day. My plan (for now) is to take Buttes Pass Road north, stop in to Hawk Canyon for a bit, then continue north to San Felipe Wash. I'll turn left (west) in San Felipe Wash and follow that around until we get to Borrego Mountain Wash. That goes left (south) and passes by the bottom of the drop-off before ending at the end of the Slot hiking trail. It dead ends as the canyon gets real narrow. We'll turn around and go back out the way we came, but this time take San Felipe Wash past Buttes Pass to Blow Sand Canyon. Right (south) in Blow Sand Canyon and up to it's intersection with the Goat Trail, then that back to Buttes Pass. There may be some detours and side trips along the way too. If it looks dry and firm enough, and if the group is not too big, it might be fun to drive a ways up Rainbow Wash towards the bottom of Font's Point. I've done that before, it's a fun ride.
It does not sound like you're saying you'll meet at the trailhead at 10:00AM, but that you plan to catch up with us. If that is not correct, and you want us to wait, let me know. I have no idea where those coordinates are, but the trailhead is where Buttes Pass Road starts at Hwy 78, 1.5 miles east of Borrego Springs Road.
By the way, I've heard that all the campgrounds are going to be full. It's Tierra del Sol jeepfest weekend. They are mostly going to be up around Truckhaven, but a few people have mentioned full campsites to me.
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We got back home about 6:30 PM, traffic was thick but moving at the posted speeds or better. We ran the Grapevine trail which turned out to be a nice easy 2 hour ride. We found a nice cedar to have lunch under and we arrived at the campground around 3:00 PM. Camping Saturday night was nice as the weather dropped down into the 50's. The area is thick with birds and several mocking birds had a wonderful time singing to us.
Sunday we met up with the group and ran around The Slot and the Buttes area.
We took a picture of a nice 10 inch long lizard that we'll need Bruce to identify for us.
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That was fun today. If you weren't there . . . you should have been. It was a little warm out in the sun, but very nice in the shade. The wind really kicked up in the afternoon.
It was good to meet Chad (InsideOut) and Mike (SoCalx) - hope to see you both again soon. Also good to see Paul and Noon again (it's been a while) and to finally meet Summer.
We checked out Hawk Canyon (not many wildflowers but lots of people), then drove down Buttes Pass to San Felipe Wash and up Borrego Mountain Wash to the end, where we stopped for lunch and apple pie. Later we went up Blow Sand Canyon to the Goat Trail, and back out to 78, with a stop at the top of the Drop-Off to check it out.
Overall, not many flowers yet, but otherwise great scenery, and a couple of fun little rocky stretches too.
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I had a great time today meeting everyone. A special thanks to Frank and Paul for showing me around and leading the ride! I can't wait to get back out there. Hopefully next weekend! Here are some photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.laptewicz/SCCXAnzaBorregoHawkCanyonButtesPassMarch6th?feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.laptewicz/SCCXAnzaBorregoHawkCanyonButtesPassMarch6th?feat=directlink)
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Sounds like you guys had a good day! I was up there shooting some photos the previous Sunday, and noticed there weren't many flowers yet. Might get back up next Sunday, hopefully there'll be more.
Love to join you guys sometime, but those 8AM meetup times are a little too harsh for me! I usually get back from my weekend bar job at around 4 or 5AM, and the ol' body isn't happy with me if I try to pull an all-nighter! Would make it even harder than usual to show up at the 'day job' on Monday morning with anything resembling a clear head. lol
Guess I'll have to enjoy things vicariously through you guys for the time being... ; )
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I had a great time today meeting everyone. A special thanks to Frank and Paul for showing me around and leading the ride! I can't wait to get back out there. Hopefully next weekend! Here are some photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.laptewicz/SCCXAnzaBorregoHawkCanyonButtesPassMarch6th?feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.laptewicz/SCCXAnzaBorregoHawkCanyonButtesPassMarch6th?feat=directlink)
Mike, great pictures. Those iPhone shots look pretty good, and whatever that other camera (Hipstamatic?) is has a really cool look. Kind of looks like the old polaroids from years ago. That video at the end is cool too.
It was great meeting you.
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I just checked out the pics as well, and ditto what Frank said! Is that some special app or Photoshop script? Makes it look like you shot slides on a Hassy, or even a Holga! ; D
-T-
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Thanks guys. I shot those with the Hipstamatic app using these settings: John S lens and Pistil film. It's a great app for nature/outdoor shots.
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The start of the Slot Trail is N33 09 32.5 W116 13 04.5
I might camp at Yaqui Well or Tamarisk Grove. I think Saturday I'm going to take the Grapevine Canyon Trail, camp at one of the two camp grounds, and then take the Mine Wash Trail before meeting you folks at The Slot.
Hey Paul,
how are those Yaqui well and Tamarisk Grove campsites? My fiance and I are thinking about heading back out there this weekend. I am totally happy roughing it but I'm sure she'll prefer a place with running water and a bathroom. If you know any good spots where I can camp and then hit trails stock let me know. It would be much appreciated!
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Hey Paul,
how are those Yaqui well and Tamarisk Grove campsites? My fiance and I are thinking about heading back out there this weekend. I am totally happy roughing it but I'm sure she'll prefer a place with running water and a bathroom. If you know any good spots where I can camp and then hit trails stock let me know. It would be much appreciated!
I'll let Paul confirm about Yaqui Pass (I think it may have nothing more than vault toilets), but Tamarisk Grove has running water bathrooms, including showers I believe. You'll want to reserve in advance for Tamarisk this time of year. There are a lot of nicely shaded spots there. I've never camped there but we stop often to use the facilities.
I may head out that way on Sunday.
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Frank definitely let me know if you head out that way on Sunday and we'll meet up.
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Frank- I saw you guys pass by me as I was heading west along Mataguay Scout Camp. I got on my FRS and called but didn't hear a response.
I was one of the thousands of Jeeps out at Truckhaven over the weekend at TDS's Safari. Before the desert season is over you should head out to the new offroading playground that opened this weekend near the TDS Headquarters. It has three different levels that go from easy to insane and is similar to the obstacle set-up at Hungry Valley OHV but on steroids.
(http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g281/trx250r03/_DSC91680002.jpg)
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Frank- I saw you guys pass by me as I was heading west along Mataguay Scout Camp. I got on my FRS and called but didn't hear a response.
Dave, sorry we missed you. I thought I heard someone on the FRS as we passed the scout camp on Hwy 79, I responded but then nothing.
Thinking about going back out this coming Sunday, not sure where yet. Are you around?
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I was thinking about heading up as well, but it'd be later in the day. Keep me posted where you guys'll be, and maybe I can catch up to you on the tail end.
-Thomas-
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I'll let Paul confirm about Yaqui Pass (I think it may have nothing more than vault toilets), but Tamarisk Grove has running water bathrooms, including showers I believe. You'll want to reserve in advance for Tamarisk this time of year. There are a lot of nicely shaded spots there. I've never camped there but we stop often to use the facilities.
I may head out that way on Sunday.
Yaqui had a vault toilet - Tamarisk had buildings and picnic tables - I'd bet they had fire rings too. Take my advice and start your girlfriend out easy and "treat" her to a shower and flush toilet!
My camping guide says fire rings, picnic tables, coin showers, flush toilets and $20 a night.
Visitor's center 760-767-4205
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Thanks Paul! I'll go with Tamarisk unless you have any other suggestions for nearby camping? It doesn't have to be that close to where we hit the trail last week. We are meeting FrankB at 10:15am at Fish Creek / Sandstone Cyn.
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Thanks Paul! I'll go with Tamarisk unless you have any other suggestions for nearby camping? It doesn't have to be that close to where we hit the trail last week. We are meeting FrankB at 10:15am at Fish Creek / Sandstone Cyn.
Mike, there is also a primitive camp (but with vault toilets) at Fish Creek, about 1.4 miles in from the end of Split Mountain Road, on the left up on the mesa. No big shade trees like at Tamarisk though, but also free, just first come first serve as to spaces. I think there are fire pits.
Alternately, you can camp anywhere in the State Park, just pull off the road (but not creating a new trail), and be sure to have a metal container for your fire (no ground fires allowed, they will cite you). There are also toilets and showers with running water at the ranger station in Ocotillo Wells, on the left about a mile west of Split Mountain Road as you are heading east.
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Frank- I saw you guys pass by me as I was heading west along Mataguay Scout Camp. I got on my FRS and called but didn't hear a response.
Hey Dave, what have you been up to (school, work) and how's the heep? While I have you here, do you know SCCX's geocaching login info? I am really bad at finds but thought it would be good to know just in case the club is more lucky (skilled) than I am.
~Marshann (xterrah)