Blair Valley " Anza - Borrego Desert State Park" Hike

March 19, (Sat) 8:30 AM     

Hike Blair Valley " Anza - Borrego Desert State Park"

Bob Audibert:

Come on out and join us on this interesting and storied piece of the desert.  The vistas are breathtaking and will hopefully reveal some wild flowers. Here is Gary's write up for the details.

The following hike information was prepared by:

Gary Marsalone:

Join us on a two part moderately difficult hike within Blair Valley.  We will first drive to the  Marshal South Cabin trail.

Marshal South, his wife and 3 children lived atop the remote mountaintop from February 1932 to the mid-'40s in an adobe cabin, much like the Native Americans of that region. Little remains of the dwelling , but the view from the site is awesome.  

This trail is about 1.5 round trip and is the steepest climb of the day, but well worth the effort. From here we will drive to the Pictograph Trail head.  After hiking the mile trail to the pictographs, we will hike to a dry falls where the canyon falls off, taking in the views to the South.  For the remainder of the hike we will bushwhack through Smugglers Canyon taking in the desert scenery.  There is a slow elevation change but the area is relatively flat. 

Distance:

The total distance for the two hikes combined is about 8 miles with about 900' of elevation gain/loss. 

For those interested there is another place of interest, "The Morteros Trail".  This is a self guided tour of the ruins of a Kumeyaay Indian Village.  This will not be part of the hike, however I will show you where it is and you can spend as much or as little time as you like at the site.  

What to Wear and bring along:

Hikers should wear long pants (many sharp cacti), high top hiking boots, (or gators) with tough soles, dress in layers. Also bring a gallon of water per person, a hat, snacks, a lunch and of course sunscreen and sun glasses.  

Directions:

From Temecula take Ca-79 south (about 40 miles). Turn left onto San Felipe Rd/S2. At junction with CA-78 turn right then left on CR-S2 again.  After mile sign 22 the road will turn slightly left then to the right.  When it begins to straiten out the entrance is on the left.  We will meet near the restrooms. If you see mile marker 23 you went to far. 

The dirt roads in the park are in fair condition and passable by car but a high clearance vehicle is better.  

For more information or questions:

Contact Gary Marsalone (leader) at hikesie@gmail.com or 858-663-1201.

If it would rain steadily, the hicke would be canceled. 

Ride Sharing:  Please use the following comment section to request or volunteer to offer ride-share. 

Please visit our sites:

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubSantaMargaritaGroup/

and our webpage
http://sierraclubsmg.org/

Palm Nelson: Chair

Update:  the following pictures were taken during the Hike Blair Valley " Anza - Borrego Desert State Park" on March 19, 2016.

Jacob Kennamer (left) and Robert Audibert, Gary Marsalone took the photos.



The following two pictures were taken by Gary Marsalone during scouting for coming June.

What magnificent views?