What about this one? Coyote Canyon Trail #44

#60 and #61 are in Coral Canyon OHV Area which is about 30 miles east of San Diego. Not really a good place for camping at this time of year.

#63 and #64 are about 50 miles east of San Diego.

#45-#51 are in Ocotillo Wells SVRA on the east side.

#52-#58 are in Anza Borrego DSP and about 30 miles west and south of the 45-51 trails.

How much time do you have?

Just remember that this can also be a great photog trip as well! But it will usually be VERY chilly at night. Expect single digit temps and ice.

Anza 2008 New Years trip

If you look at my SR's temp gauge I took in the morn.. 18* one and 9* the other <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

But I'm in.. With REDCAR <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Well, I was looking at wheeling Saturday-Monday and allowing for Tuesday to drive home. I figure on a central campsite if possible to allow us to leave most non-essentials at and bring only what's needed especially for those who might have family with them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Good points on the weather, and yes, I'm viewing this as a great photo op trip for us all as well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I am thinking about it, I don't think I would bring the Mitsubishi, so I would probably bring the Gelandewagen if it is ready. Also would we be roughing it or takin it easy in a hotel?

Hotel rooms are far and few in that area. If you base out of Borrego Springs, there is fair hotel accommodations. However, you are 20-30 miles from trail start points.

Ray, my recommendation would be to set base camp in Ocotillo Wells SVRA just off S22. That gives close proximity to a range of wheeling during the few days.

Sound like fun I need to check my social calendar to see if I'm free.

Added regional area map to post above. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

No, I'm not planning on doing all the trails. Will probably just pick one area and stick to trails within that area.

I was on a few trails there. I do not have the book that you have, so I can guess by the names.

The "Calcite Mine" trail is nice and scenic and ends in a good area for exploration but it is NOT difficult by any means. In it "difficult" (level 7) in my book, too (Southern California Backcountry Adventures) but it can be done a good stock SUV with a good driver. But it is a nice short trail that I really enjoyed.

The best trail in the area, for me, hands down, is the "South Coyote Trail". It even has a river crossing.

In Ocotillo Wells area, two great trails to run together are "Fish Creek-Sandstone canyon" trail and "Arroyo Seco del Diablo" trail.

There are lots of great trails in the area.

These are my travels there over the years:
http://www.olegmoskalenko.com/AnzaChristmas2009/index.html
http://www.olegmoskalenko.com/SoCal2009/index.html
http://www.olegmoskalenko.com/anza2006/index.html

I wish I'd be able to join you guys.

Thank you for your input Oleg. I recalled that book & the other one from the same series that was briefly published for the entire state but is no longer in print (Bruno has it).

Anyhow, I checked how much it is (~$150 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />)!!! Wow! I'm sure it's worth it, but not easy to justify for the occasional wheeling trip to S.Cal. Anyhow, I also tried to find the trails you mentioned online and unfortunately there isn't too much detail (trail map, gps waypoints, etc.).

Do you have any additional details or online resources on them that you can share? Perhaps a scan or pic of those pages out of your book? I'd love to get a better idea so I can consider them properly.

As for the trails I've mentioned, I've narrowed it down to the following trails which are relatively close together, challenging & scenic.

More to come... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

44. Lower Coyote Canyon
DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Soft sand, rocky climb,& a water crossing.
TIME & DISTANCE: 9.5 miles one way taking 3-4 hours for a round trip.

48. The Slot
DIFFICULTY: Difficult because of one very steep sand hill. Moderate rock crawling but mostly easy. Can drive in opposite direction to avoid the uphill.
TIME & DISTANCE: 11.7 mile loop takes 1hr + 15 minutes to hike up to the Slot.

50. Pumpkin Patch
DIFFICULTY: Moderate. One rocky wash & some tight undulating hills. Potentially impassible when wet.
TIME &DISTANCE: 4.4miles one way taking 1hr.

51. Cross Over Trail
DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Step climbs, tight turns. Suitable for high clearance stock vehicles. Stay off when wet. Route finding is difficult.
TIME & DISTANCE: 6.7 miles taking 2hrs.

54. Pinyon Mntn. Rd.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult. Passes through canyon with steep hills & one extremely steep descent. Not recommended for stock or full size rigs. Experienced drivers only. Lockers make the trip easier. Do not drive when there's heavy rain due to flash floods.
TIME & DISTANCE: 30.5 miles taking 4-5 hrs.