Author Topic: Sat Nov 22: Fish Creek & Sandstone Canyon - Anza Borrego (Read 99216 times)

FrankB · « **on:** October 22, 2008, 11:33:28 PM »

Thought we might get the November run posted up early:

Fish Creek and Sandstone Canyon - Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Saturday, November 22nd

Meet Time / Spot: 10:00AM at the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Fish Creek is a little over 12 miles of flat sandy wash, with lots of interesting geology along the way. Sandstone Canyon is another 2+ miles, but very narrow and twisty in places, with high rock walls. There may be some optional rocks to play on towards the back of Sandstone. We'll come back out the same way, total off-road miles should be about 25.

This trail should be stock friendly, but 4WD is recommended due to sandy spots. I'll check with the park rangers as we get closer to the date for current conditions. We'll find a shady spot for lunch in Sandstone Canyon, then stop for a hike to the Wind Caves on the way back out. Plan for all day.

For anyone who wants to camp, the Fish Creek Primitive Camp is located 1.4 miles up Fish Creek from the start of the trail. There is a vault toilet there, and marked spaces, but little else. We'll pass right by there in both directions; if anyone wants to camp Friday night let me know in advance so we can meet up there in the morning as we pass by.

If anyone coming from the San Diego area wants to caravan out there let me know in advance, and meet at my house (east of I-15 off Scripps Poway Parkway) ready to roll at 8:00AM. I'm allowing enough time for a stop at the Julian Pie Company bakery in Santa Ysabel to pick up some fresh apple pie to go with lunch.

References:

Wells: Guide to So. Calif. Backroads & 4WD Trails - #55, pp 198-199
Huegel: California Desert Byways - #51, pp. 156-157
Massey: Backcountry Adventures So. Calif. - South Coast #30, pp. 383-385

GPS (put these in Google Earth to see the whole route, and most Garmins should show these as dirt roads):

Start of Fish Creek Wash, off Split Mountain Road: N33 02.326, W116 05.812
Mouth of Sandstone Canyon, from Fish Creek Wash: N32 59.228, W116 13.202
End of Sandstone Canyon (approximate): N33 00.269, W116 14.601

Comm:

FRS Channel 11, sub-code 24
CB Channel 24

Please post any comments, suggestions or questions.

Soylent Yellow · « **Reply #1 on:** October 23, 2008, 03:11:17 PM »

I'm in.

Bobby B. · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:06:30 PM »

I'd like to make it as well, camp out and what-not.

Mitch, you'll be up for driving then, yes? Or do I have to swing by your place and get you a beach chair on the roof rack?

strikedistance · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:30:14 PM »

Im in as well.

Soylent Yellow · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:41:43 PM »

Quote from: Bobby B. on October 23, 2008, 05:06:30 PM

I'd like to make it as well, camp out and what-not.

Mitch, you'll be up for driving then, yes? Or do I have to swing by your place and get you a beach chair on the roof rack?

Sweet! Just like Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies! It's a dream come true. Get my shotgun boy!

Yes, I should be up for driving by then. If not, Mary can drive.

Paul · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2008, 06:52:34 PM »

Woo hoo!

We'll be there.

Trixie the Wonderdog, Noon, and their driver, Paul.

XterracerX · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2008, 07:26:04 PM »

...I'm playing hard to get. But I know I want to.

FrankB · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2008, 10:05:24 PM »

Fred, you've changed.

AV Xterra · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2008, 07:59:47 AM »

Quote from: mitch1351 on October 23, 2008, 05:41:43 PM

Quote from: Bobby B. on October 23, 2008, 05:06:30 PM
I'd like to make it as well, camp out and what-not.

Mitch, you'll be up for driving then, yes? Or do I have to swing by your place and get you a beach chair on the roof rack?

Sweet! Just like Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies! It's a dream come true. Get my shotgun boy!

I was picturing something more like Aunt Edna on top of the Griswold's Family Truckster.

AV Xterra · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2008, 03:47:39 PM »

Bobby, I may be going and would probably want to camp because it's a long day trip for me.

XterracerX · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2008, 04:57:52 PM »

Quote from: FrankB on October 24, 2008, 10:05:24 PM

Fred, you've changed.

2 tall glasses of straight vodka (with lime) and a clingy sister did it for me...

Paul · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2008, 08:26:03 PM »

From last November's trip.