Carrizo Gorge Hike
12-Feb-99 thru 15-Feb-99
From Nude...One of the more unusual trailheads we've ever experienced was located at the DeAnza Springs "Clothes Free" Resort. It seemed like the right way to kickoff a difficult five star hike. |
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...To SoothedWaiting at trail's end is Agua Caliente hot springs pool. This is truly a fitting end to a long slog through the brush-choked gorge, don't you agree? |
 The Hike...The Carrizo Gorge hike trailhead is located near the I-8 Jacumba, CA freeway exit. The first day was expected to be the most difficult... and it was. We made only 3mi's in 7hrs. Our first camp was located near mile mark CG3. The first day's primary highlight was negotiating a difficult rocky drop-off obstacle at mile 2. However, we faced continuous resistance from the vegetation choked gorge, fast water, and rocky terrain. Setting a pace of 0.4MPH breaks no land speed records. Progress the second day was a bit better. We were able to knock off 5.5mi's during the 8hr day. Much time was spent exploring RR artifacts and ruins. The most spectacular among these was Goat Canyon trestle, a 200ft tall, 750ft long curved wooden trestle. Very cool. The last day was planned for a short 1.6mi hike out. By this time the gorge had done its worst and the remaining miles afforded us good views of the awesome desert terrain. |
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| Visitor comments and questions are always welcome. You are invited to contact me at gary@stowell.org. |