LOCATION: Anza Borrego Wilderness, Jacumba, CA
These violent delights have violent ends. Just kidding, our little West World obsessed selves just wanted to hike out to an abandoned rail road trestle to get those 1850 feels. Though don't call me out on the technicality since the Goat Canyon railway was only constructed in 1919, but hey - that's about as close as we could get to 1850 for San Diego.
GETTING THERE: While there's multiple routes to the main trestle, we opted for the route starting from the DeAnza Springs Resort. DeAnza is a clothing optional resort which makes for an entertaining start to the day, even at an 8am. Parking is $5 at the main visitors center, and then you're quickly off on your hike! (Parking coordinates: 32.652687, -116.186893)
I love this trail because even though it's 13 miles out and back, it doesn't seem like it with all the sights to see along the way. The Carrizo Gorge railway is known as the "Impossible Railroad", bragging an impressive 17 tunnels and multiple trestles for having been constructed in the early 1900s. The main trestle itself was built in 1932 following a cave-in on one of the main tunnels. These abandoned rail way cars were artistically tagged and appear less than a mile in! The early morning sun really brought out all the colors in the cars, and it's definitely worth the stop to peek around.
Though, the Walking Dead vibes tend to come out a little bit - but that's always the case with abandoned places.
You'll travel through multiple tunnels and over many trestles before reaching the main trestle. The rock colorations heading into each new tunnel are insane and we loved seeing the changes in the tunnel ceilings. This is also where flashlights become a necessity as you could easily trip over the tracks or debris left in the tunnels.
About midway through the hike, you'll round a bend where rocks have crashed onto the tracks. Up ahead on the right is a large debris and material field. Most of the left over materials have since rusted with age and it was a fun break to peek around at what's left.
LOLZ I SAID YES. We stumbled upon this, but whatever senior asked out their prom date this way is WAY cooler than my prom date was.
Trying to take myself seriously as a Ghost Adventurer:
... but it never really works out. I'm more of a Disney cast member: "Right this way, down the long, dark, creepy tunnel!"
And finally - the main trestle!!
After reaching the main trestle, we took a break for lunch at an old fire ring just north east off the trail. **WARNING: WOOD TICKS.** Granted, we were just off the trail and sitting on old rail road ties where we found the ticks to be rampant. The good news is that wood ticks are NOT vectors for Lyme Disease, but even knowing that doesn't lessen the fact that I don't want ticks [of any form] on me. Keeping an eye on yourself and your friends are super important! Don't place bags on the ground or soft surfaces where ticks can easily hitch a ride either. We relocated to one of the train cars for lunch; and while no where is guaranteed as safe, your chances of picking up a tick are much less likely.
Don't be scared away by the ticks though, you can easily avoid them with a few tips below! This hike is MORE THAN WORTH THE ADVENTURE!!!
LET'S CUT TO THE CHASE:
GPS Coordinates for the trailhead: 32.652687, -116.186893, main trestle coordinates: 32.729120, -116.183512.
Hike Difficulty: Easy-moderate, via the Carrizo Gorge Rd. route. The hike is 13mi, give or take, on level ground. The heat is what turns this hike from easy to moderate.
Essentials: Water - CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH, be sure to bring 1-2 liters per person. Flashlights or headlamps, one of the tunnels is just under 1 mi in length and the flashlight from your cell phone won't cut it. Lunch, you'll need the energy for the trip back - and remember to pack out what you packed in!
Caution: Please exercise caution and respect for the area. The Carrizo Gorge Railway Company is in the process of reopening the railroad and may soon begin to cite foot traffic near/on the railroad. Please explore at your own risk.
TICK TIPS: Keep moving and stick to the trail, tuck pant legs into socks and wear your socks high, if you're ultra-concerned use bug spray with DEET, and most importantly have a good friend who is going to give you a full tick check before you get into the car. Once you're home, be sure to scratch through your own hair as a precaution, gross I know - but you can never be too careful! For peace of mind, most ticks will survive the washing machine - but they won't survive tumble dry with high heat in the dryer.
2020 Railroad Tie Update: Shout-out and thanks to Matt Martians for a heads-up regarding some of the trestle ties (wooden planks) - they’ve seen some decent wear and in places the tie is missing. Matt reported someone has kindly spray painted arrows for the areas that may be unstable. As always, watch out for yourself and others - safety should always come first! No matter how tempting the adventure.
So don't let the ticks scare you, with preparation you'll be ready to explore these tunnels and trestles soon! Be sure to let me know if you make it out, because geeking out over shared trails is one of my favorite past times.
Happy trails and rambles always! ~
