Overland Frontier: Anza-Borrego Desert Iconic Trails & Oasis Journey

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Trek Leg 2: The Great Southern Butterfield Stage Route & Diablo Drop-off.

Since we did not have time to explore the dirt sections of the Great Southern Overland Trail, we doubled back from Blair Valley, and just past Sweeny Pass, started Leg 2 by taking Canyon Sin Nombre a really nice gateway to the intact dirt sections of the old stage road.



Overland Frontier Anza-Borrego Leg 2 Scout Report Cover Page by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 4 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 5 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 12-13 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Canyon Sin Nombre by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


We picked up the Old Overland Stage Route coming out of Canyon Sin Nombre, at the confluence of Carrizo Creek and Vallecito Creek, a wide-open corridor that has been traveled by overlanders for thousands of years. If you have not read the Scouting Report for Leg 1, check it out for some really interesting background on the corridors storied past.



Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 16 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


We were surprised to discover that east of the old Carrizo Creek Stage Station site, the route was closed. It was used as a bombing range during WWII, and unexploded ordinance remain a danger. So we did an about face and headed towards the next relay station at Palm Spring Oasis.



Great Southern Overland Stage Road by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Screen Shot 2015-12-21 at 9.28.38 AM by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Screen Shot 2015-12-21 at 9.30.35 AM by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Great Southern Overland Stage Road by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Just before reaching Palm Spring Oasis, we stopped to look over an unusual landmark, the “Hollywood and Vine” signpost. During WWII, Army tank crews painted and mounted the tongue-in-cheek sign, as a recon marker during war games.



Hollywood and Vine in Anza Borrego Desert by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Palm Spring Stage Relay, was truly an Oasis in the desert, after travelers had crossed the parched “Valley of Death” from Yuma. The oasis was also used extensively by 1849 Gold Rush emigrants.



Overland Stage Palm Spring Relay Station by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


As we travel further up Vallecito Wash it starts to look more like an authentic stagecoach road. We hiked the last bit of old Overland Stage Route before it becomes part of the highway to reach the restored Vallecito Stage Station.



Great Southern Overland Stage Road by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


15 Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 10-11 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Overland Frontier Scout Report sample page 9 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


We doubled back the stage road and headed up Arroyo Seco del Diablo, one of two canyon options on the loop trail to Diablo Drop-off, Fish Creek Wash and Sandstone Canyon. Time permitting, completing the full loop with Arroyo Tapiado before heading up to Middle Mesa, is worthwhile.



Exploring Arroyo Seco del Diablo by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


While traveling up Arroyo Seco del Diablo, on our first scouting expedition we came across a mudslide, caused by recent rain, flash flood or earthquake; all good reasons to avoid camping in the many narrow canyons of Anza-Borrego.


Mud Slide in Arroyo Seco del Diablo by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Arroyo Seco del Diablo by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Climbing out of the Arroyo Seco del Diablo into an ocotillo forest where panoramic views of the Jacumba Mountains come to sight.



Middle Mesa above Diablo Drop-off by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The head of Diablo Drop-off is a great spot for a camp, away from canyon walls that could collapse during an earthquake or flash flood. Open campfires are not allowed in Anza-Borrego. Metal containers are required and ash must be hauled out.



Frontier Scout Report sample page 24-25 by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The second drop of the twin-tiered descent into Fish Creek is likely the one that earned the Diablo (Devil) Drop-off name.



Diablo Drop-off by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Historically, Diablo Drop-off has been heavily eroded requiring good ground clearance and articulation. Since we scouted this trail, we have read that parks have graded the run (2013) and maps show it is now a one way going down (north).



Coming up Diablo Drop-off beofre it was a one-way down by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The parks department was able to groom the drop-off but the terrain in the narrow wash below does not lend itself to grading.



Rocky wash at bottom of Diablo Drop-off by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The tight canyon wash portion of the Diablo Drop-off Trail is just under a mile long, but adds a lot of interest to the trail.



Single vehicle Diablo Drop-off wash by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The trail is heavily used and all obstacles have stacked rocks to help lower clearance 4WD vehicles. We would rate this segment of the trail as Moderate based on several passes over two different seasons. However, erosion or wall collapse could see conditions evolve to Difficult overnight, so go prepared and walk sections if unsure.



Diablo Drop-off wash by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


At the end of the narrow wash, the trail exits into the wide and easy-going Fish Creek Canyon Trail. Heading west will take you to the incredible Sandstone Canyon (Trek Leg 4) and East leads to the Wind Caves, Split Mountain Road and Ocotillo Wells (Trek Leg 5).

To see the complete Free Scouting Report, go to overlandfrontier.com and:

http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-legs/great-southern-mail-stage-route-diablo-drop

Also on this link you will find a link to the Associated Trek Series Tracklogs of our scouted route live, on-line, in Google Maps/Satellite or you can download our free GPS/GPX Tracklog to your Smartphone, Tablet, Computer or Dedicated GPS device.

 

[altaboy]

Wow, great write up.

So, you will not believe this...I am a direct descendant of Juan Bautista de Anza. Years ago, when Arizona was celebrating there centennial (not sure which centennial was the most recent), the state flew my mother out to attend because of her ancestry. They gave her some gold medallion to mark the occasion.

My niece is named Anza (currently 14). Trying to stoke the fire for her to take the lead in organizing a sponsored expedition to trace Anza's path from Mexico city (maybe even Spain) to San Fran. Of course this would happen during the later part of her college years.

Anyone else monitoring this thread have any historical connections or additions?

 

[Tombstone17]

Thank You very much for the great write up and pics, if this doesn't get people motivated to get out there and see it for themselfs!!!! They might as well sit it their chair and watch videos........

 

[mercier@streetsmart.ca]

Trek Leg 3: Pinyon Mountain Drop-off to Fish Creek & Sandstone Canyon.

The trail is the most dramatic and difficult gateway into Anza-Borrego Desert and the incredible drive into Sandstone Canyon. Looking for a more technical route into Fish Creek and Sandstone Canyon, the Pinyon Mountain Trail rewarded us with a diverse range of scenery and challenging terrain. Leaving the Great Southern Overland Stage Route, the one-way trail heads East, starting on an easy sandy trail across a picturesque desert, and gets progressively more difficult as it reaches the first major obstacle, the “Squeeze”.



Pinyon Mountain Trail. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Pinyon Mountain Trail by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Pinyon Mountain Desert. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


As the trial narrows into a small canyon, this is the point where those not equipped and trained for difficult terrain should turn around before reaching the “Squeeze”.



Head of Pinyon Mountain Canyon. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


It is important to walk the Squeeze before crossing it. Navigating the gap with our body damage relies extensively on carefully placed rocks, that could have shifted or been moved by previous travelers or a flash flood.



Walking the Squeeze by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Our JK made it through without any body damage but we only had a few inches on each side.



Pinyon Mountain Squeeze by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


Pinyon Mountain Squeeze by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The narrower Jeep LJ traveling behind us had notably more room to make the gap.



Pinyon Mountain Squeeze. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


The terrain continues to offer more technical challenges as it approaches Pinyon Mountian drop-off.



Trail between Pinyon Mountain Squeeze and Drop-off. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Pinyon Mountain Drop off north chute. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Pinyon Mountain Drop-off south chute. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


There is a small flat at the top of Pinyon Mountain drop-off where it is imperative that you look over the two difficult options before you proceed. There is no easy bypass.
We had to drop-over and back up the top part of the ridge, in order to get a straighter line for going down, as the flat at the head of the drop-off is very narrow.



Pinyon Mountain Drop-off. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


As is always the case, the photographs do not do justice to the steepness of the incline. Alert: To appreciate how dangerous the trail can be, have a look at the Pinyon drop-off roll-over on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyIDNn73H4U. The driver had to be taken out by helicopter with a broken back.



Pinyon Mountain Drop-off. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

The LJ traveling behind us effectively navigated the mouth of the drop by keeping his speed down and choosing a line that worked with the eroded terrain.


Pinyon Mountain Drop-off. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr


However, when the LJ picked up speed on small flat before hitting the next eroded section, it caused the vehicle to come up on two wheels. I never got a photo of tip, as I was busy running up hill as I was sure the vehicle was going over as it teetered, but it landed on all four.



Pinyon Mountain Drop-off. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr



Hapaha Flat Trail to Fish Creek Canyon Wash. by Overland Frontier, on Flickr

To see the complete Free Scout Report slideshow and to download the Free GPS tracklog of the route go to OverlandFrontier.com at http://www.overlandfrontier.com/trek-legs/pinyon-mountain-drop-fish-creek-sandstone-canyon.