Interest in an Anza Borrego trip? (jan-feb 2012)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Just a word of advice - if you are all running wagons - I would probably not drive the cross over trail from the pumpkin patch back to the road through the OHV area. I drove through there in my 60 and it SUCKED big time. Lots of "whoops" (probably fun on a motorcycle) that were really iritating to drive on. Once you get past these, many small hills that you could almost get high centered on (I didn't though). And finally, one very tippy off camber turn with a nice drop off. I was "committed" at this point and gunned it around that turn - a miracle we did not roll.

I swore I would never drive through motorcycle trails again with my cruisers fat rear end...

But maybe it is just me...

The slot canyon half way up the calcite mine trail is well worth the hike down. It narrows to the point that you can touch both walls with your hands at the same time - very cool
 
Well, I got my work cut out for me now.... Thought I had everything done this past weekend. Took the rig in for an alignment.... Steering rack needs new tie rods & rod ends, front wheel bearings need repacking.... And I need to readjust my remote Res shocks in the front.... Busy week or so to get ready for this.
 
lcolon said:
Just a word of advice - if you are all running wagons - I would probably not drive the cross over trail from the pumpkin patch back to the road through the OHV area. I drove through there in my 60 and it SUCKED big time. Lots of "whoops" (probably fun on a motorcycle) that were really iritating to drive on. Once you get past these, many small hills that you could almost get high centered on (I didn't though). And finally, one very tippy off camber turn with a nice drop off. I was "committed" at this point and gunned it around that turn - a miracle we did not roll.

I swore I would never drive through motorcycle trails again with my cruisers fat rear end...

But maybe it is just me...

The slot canyon half way up the calcite mine trail is well worth the hike down. It narrows to the point that you can touch both walls with your hands at the same time - very cool
Click to expand...

I drove the "cross over trail" in my cruiser from the shell reef all the way to the S22 last spring. Interesting at first but couldn't wait for it to be over by the end. Argh! My biggest fear was having a head on with an ATV or motorcycle getting air coming over one of the "whoops." Luckily the only other vehicle we came across was a ranger on an ATV. Mid-week is the best time to be out there!

We will be skipping the cross over, if possible.

To get to the canyon you mentioned, where did you park. At the mine area or in the wash at the beginning of the trail up to the mine? I have heard about this canyon but wasn't sure how to get to it.
 
I just got my temp operating permit and am about 2 hours away from completing the never ending engine swap. We are IN regardless though. I'll just use my trusty back up 4X4 if the cruiser can't make it.

If we show up around 3PM is there any chance of catching up with the group or should we just go to the camp ground?

Frank
 
I'm in for camping on Sat eve. Turns out I get Monday off but not Friday. I am almost done wiring up my second battery and my fridge should be ready for its maiden voyage.
 
elripster;734636 If we show up around 3PM is there any chance of catching up with the group or should we just go to the camp ground? Frank[/QUOTE said:
With sunset about 5:30 we will plan on hitting the campground around 3:30 PM on Friday. So probably best to meet us there.
Click to expand...
 
bluecruiser said:
Everybody still coming? About a week away. See you then.
Click to expand...

SanDiegoCruiser said:
I'm in for camping on Sat eve. Turns out I get Monday off but not Friday. I am almost done wiring up my second battery and my fridge should be ready for its maiden voyage.
Click to expand...

I'm in. Unfortunately I cant get away on Friday. So I will be heading out early Sat. morning to meet up with you guys at camp. What time are you guys planning to leave camp on Saturday?

Craig - wanna meet up and caravan out there together on Sat. morning?

Edit: One more thing, Is the Fish Creek camp ground you are staying at Fri. night the one right after you start heading up Fish Creek on the left before the area where the hiking trail to the wind caves is? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
Yes, that's the campground. The plan is to spend most of Saturday exploring fish creek and sandstone canyon. We will plan on spending Sat. Night there too.

I'm thinking we will head out around 9am, but that will depend on the group. If you miss us, it shouldn't be too difficult to find us in the canyon. Our first stop will be the wind cave trail.
 
Mxndrnks said:
Craig - wanna meet up and caravan out there together on Sat. morning?
!
Click to expand...

Yep, but being out at the campground by 9am will mean a 7am start..
For coms.. I suggest 146.46 for ham and channel 38 for cb... So we can find you guys if we arrive a little late on Sat. Jonathan, are you camping on Sat eve?
 
Yeah I will be camping Sat. evening. I am going to pack up Friday so I can hit the road early on Sat. So, a 7am road time is no biggie for me.
 
Teaser picture of the "slot" . Too bad some tourist ruined the shot.:D
the slot.webp
 
I'll be bringing my camera... If any one is interested, I would love to head back to fonts point Sat. evening/night for a few pictures and maybe one of the places like this either early am or evening for working with the light. - J
 
I'm probably up to about 40% likely. I asked for a couple days off work and my boss didn't balk.

What are the odds we could roll into this giant park that I've never been to and find y'all? No radio other than some one-channel CB walkie talkies or GMRS. We're boy scouts though. We have a flashlight and a compass. :flipoff2:

Can someone post a google map link of exactly where the campsite is? I see Fish Creek Wash, and I figure I can get there if I stop at the visitor's center on the way. We would be trying to get as far south as possible on Friday night, sleep on the side of the road for some hours somewhere, and get to the visitors center around 10 or 11 on Saturday am. That way even if we're really late we can make camp before dark.

We would be staying until Tuesday.

anza-borrego-desert-map.gif
 
Last edited:
We might get out there as early as 1:30 Friday so we might cruise around a bit before heading to the campground if we can get out that early. That is a big if though. Getting ready to go takes a lot longer with a little kiddo.

Frank
 
Mxndrnks said:
I'll be bringing my camera... If any one is interested, I would love to head back to fonts point Sat. evening/night for a few pictures and maybe one of the places like this either early am or evening for working with the light. - J
Click to expand...

Maybe we could head over to Fonts pt on the way home on Sun? I know how to get to it via trails from the Camp Ground.
 
Fast Eddy said:
Can someone post a google map link of exactly where the campsite is? I see Fish Creek Wash, and I figure I can get there if I stop at the visitor's center on the way. We would be trying to get as far south as possible on Friday night, sleep on the side of the road for some hours somewhere, and get to the visitors center around 10 or 11 on Saturday am. That way even if we're really late we can make camp before dark.
Click to expand...

Here is a link in Google maps with directions to the camp ground for you. These are the Directions from Julian.

Driving directions to Fish Creek Campground - Google Maps

It wont let me put the end point right on the camp ground. But that is it just to the right when you open the link. You can "just" make out the bathroom if you zoom in. It is basically between Split Mountain and the Wind Caves on your map.
 
Last edited:
If you switch from satellite to google earth you can get a good idea of where the camp ground is.

Frank
 
Here are some GPS coordinates from Nat. Geo Topo to help with navigation:

Fish creek campground N 33 01.626' W 116 06.383'

Fonts Point turnoff N 33 18.154' W 116 14.315'

The Slot N 33 10.906' W 116 12.814'

Mud Caves N 32 55.020' W 116 10.857'

Disclaimer: use with caution, I don't want anybody blaming me if they end up in Arizona:flipoff2:

I highly recommend the "maplets" app. which can be used to download and save maps of this area. If not, here are the links to the Borrego and ocotillo wells state park websites:

Anza-Borrego Desert SP

Ocotillo Wells SVRA

A couple of reminders:

Gas may or may not be available in Ocotillo Wells. Closest gas will be in Salton city, to the East. I always bring an extra 5 gal but haven't needed to use it yet.

Campfires need to be in a metal container and it will be in the high 30's at night. There may not be fire rings at the campground, so plan accordingly. I'll bring my fire pan and some wood.

And finally, those of you comming in from the San Diego area, through Julian, please do not miss stoping at Dudley's bakery in Santa Ysabel. Its at the the intersection of the 78 and 79 hwys. Mmmmm bear claws, cinamon rolls and awesome apple and berry pies. Just thought you might want to know. No pressure:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom