Trip Description:

• Rating: Easy with some challenging sandy terrain and interesting views.

Saturday the off-highway trails will start just east of Ocotillo, CA near I-8 on Painted Gorge Rd. We’ll go north on EC236 to Painted Gorge where we’ll stop to look at all the different colored minerals in the canyon and then head northeast to the San Felipe Corridor EC079. From here we’ll head north along the east side of the Carrizo Badlands and Fish Creek Mtns. This is a seldom-used area of the Anza Borrego desert region where we’ll see great views and fun terrain. Lunch will be under the sun so bring any pop-ups you have to use for shade. After lunch, the route will take us under the railroad trestle where we’ll head west to Split Mtn on EC085. We’ll drive through the split on Fish Creek Wash to our campsite on Loop Wash.

Sunday after breakfast we’ll depart camp and head north back out of Split Mtn on Fish Creek Wash traveling northeast to Cahuilla trail on the north side of Hwy 78. Then we’ll take Gas Dome trail to see the Gas Domes (interesting geologic features). From here we can either head west to Shell Reef or Pumpkin Patch and out of the park or head north to Truckhaven 4×4 offroad.

Time & Place to Meet:

• Meet: Saturday, Nov 11, 8:45 am, Depart: 9:15 am
• Where: Buckman Springs Rest Area (Exit 51 off I-8 East)

         Alternate: If you are joining via S-2 from the North: 
                               Meet: 10:00 a.m., Depart 10:15 am
                              Chevron Station, 1071 Imperial Highway, Ocotillo, CA 92259

What to bring:

• Required:
  • Meals and snacks for both days.
  • Drinking water (Gallon per day per person, consider pet’s needs if applicable)
  • Pop-up shade or awning (if you have one)d
  • Camping gear appropriate for primitive camping
  • Any necessary tire changing tools, including anti-theft lug nut keys
  • 1 Bundle of firewood (at least, if camping)
  • Sufficient fuel for your vehicle
• Recommended:
  • All-Terrain tires
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Amateur 2m radio with external antenna (very highly recommended)
  • Any emergency & recovery gear you may have
• Recommended if camping:
  • Weather can be unpredictable – checking the National Weather Service report is recommended.

Desination information: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Frequency: 2M: 147.580 MHz
RSVP/Register: Sign up below
Trail Leader: Chris Herich

If you have questions or need more info, don’t hesitate to Contact the trip Trail Leader.