Jeff Strickland

Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.

The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.

Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.



"Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> PS:
>
> My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own personal
> habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
DOWN
> it is a different world.
>
> Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
diet
> so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
>
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
desert
> > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> >
> > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> route
> > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
Sheep
> > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> from
> > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> closed
> > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known as
> the
> > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
water
> > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
motor
> > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> Motor
> > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
not
> > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
canyon,
> > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> water,
> > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was to
> keep
> > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened away
> from
> > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
very
> > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure. A
> > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
and
> > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
blocked
> > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that people
> > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
same
> > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > envasive and dense.
> >
> > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the last
> > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> what
> > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have come
to
> > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > information.
> >
> > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
'90s,
> > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
think)
> > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
in
> > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> quality
> > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
the
> > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
point.
> > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
desert,
> > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests starting
in
> > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
back
> to
> > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
Borrego,
> > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I think
> it
> > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
smell
> > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day to
> > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
to
> > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
bottom
> of
> > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it after
> > making the run through the canyon.
> >
> > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home and
> not
> > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
2:00AM
> > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs. From
> the
> > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
that
> > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> similar),
> > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance to
> the
> > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
come
> > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
Coyote
> > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is now
> > open.
> > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> rides
> > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
you
> > on
> > > the trail.
> > >
> > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > --
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>

Jeff Strickland

Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.

The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.

Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.



"Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> PS:
>
> My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own personal
> habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
DOWN
> it is a different world.
>
> Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
diet
> so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
>
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
desert
> > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> >
> > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> route
> > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
Sheep
> > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> from
> > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> closed
> > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known as
> the
> > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
water
> > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
motor
> > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> Motor
> > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
not
> > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
canyon,
> > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> water,
> > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was to
> keep
> > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened away
> from
> > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
very
> > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure. A
> > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
and
> > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
blocked
> > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that people
> > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
same
> > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > envasive and dense.
> >
> > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the last
> > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> what
> > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have come
to
> > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > information.
> >
> > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
'90s,
> > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
think)
> > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
in
> > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> quality
> > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
the
> > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
point.
> > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
desert,
> > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests starting
in
> > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
back
> to
> > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
Borrego,
> > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I think
> it
> > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
smell
> > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day to
> > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
to
> > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
bottom
> of
> > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it after
> > making the run through the canyon.
> >
> > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home and
> not
> > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
2:00AM
> > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs. From
> the
> > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
that
> > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> similar),
> > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance to
> the
> > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
come
> > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
Coyote
> > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is now
> > open.
> > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> rides
> > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
you
> > on
> > > the trail.
> > >
> > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > --
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>

Jeff Strickland

Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.

The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.

Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.



"Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> PS:
>
> My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own personal
> habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
DOWN
> it is a different world.
>
> Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
diet
> so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
>
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
desert
> > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> >
> > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> route
> > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
Sheep
> > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> from
> > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> closed
> > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known as
> the
> > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
water
> > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
motor
> > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> Motor
> > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
not
> > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
canyon,
> > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> water,
> > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was to
> keep
> > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened away
> from
> > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
very
> > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure. A
> > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
and
> > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
blocked
> > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that people
> > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
same
> > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > envasive and dense.
> >
> > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the last
> > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> what
> > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have come
to
> > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > information.
> >
> > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
'90s,
> > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
think)
> > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
in
> > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> quality
> > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
the
> > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
point.
> > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
desert,
> > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests starting
in
> > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
back
> to
> > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
Borrego,
> > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I think
> it
> > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
smell
> > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day to
> > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
to
> > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
bottom
> of
> > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it after
> > making the run through the canyon.
> >
> > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home and
> not
> > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
2:00AM
> > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs. From
> the
> > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
that
> > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> similar),
> > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance to
> the
> > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
come
> > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
Coyote
> > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is now
> > open.
> > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> rides
> > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
you
> > on
> > > the trail.
> > >
> > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > --
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens
> > >
> > >
> >
>
>

Michael Stevens

This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.



Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.



Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
(even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.



A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
have Jeep chicks.



I hope this clarifies the situation.





"Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vo8or9jth4lg04@corp.supernews.com...
> Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.
>
> The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.
>
> Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
> is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
> months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
> about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.
>
>
>
> "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > PS:
> >
> > My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own
personal
> > habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
> DOWN
> > it is a different world.
> >
> > Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
> diet
> > so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
> >
> >
> > "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
> desert
> > > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> > >
> > > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> > route
> > > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
> Sheep
> > > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> > from
> > > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> > closed
> > > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known
as
> > the
> > > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
> water
> > > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
> motor
> > > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> > Motor
> > > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
> not
> > > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
> canyon,
> > > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> > water,
> > > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was
to
> > keep
> > > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened
away
> > from
> > > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
> very
> > > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure.
A
> > > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
> and
> > > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
> blocked
> > > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that
people
> > > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
> same
> > > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > > envasive and dense.
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the
last
> > > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> > what
> > > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have
come
> to
> > > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > > information.
> > >
> > > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
> '90s,
> > > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
> think)
> > > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
> in
> > > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> > quality
> > > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
> the
> > > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
> point.
> > > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
> desert,
> > > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests
starting
> in
> > > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
> back
> > to
> > > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
> Borrego,
> > > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I
think
> > it
> > > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
> smell
> > > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day
to
> > > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
> to
> > > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
> bottom
> > of
> > > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it
after
> > > making the run through the canyon.
> > >
> > > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home
and
> > not
> > > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
> 2:00AM
> > > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs.
From
> > the
> > > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
> that
> > > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> > similar),
> > > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance
to
> > the
> > > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
> come
> > > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in
message
> > > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
> Coyote
> > > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is
now
> > > open.
> > > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> > rides
> > > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
> you
> > > on
> > > > the trail.
> > > >
> > > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > > --
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > Mike Stevens
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

Michael Stevens

This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.



Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.



Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
(even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.



A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
have Jeep chicks.



I hope this clarifies the situation.





"Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vo8or9jth4lg04@corp.supernews.com...
> Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.
>
> The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.
>
> Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
> is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
> months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
> about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.
>
>
>
> "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > PS:
> >
> > My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own
personal
> > habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
> DOWN
> > it is a different world.
> >
> > Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
> diet
> > so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
> >
> >
> > "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
> desert
> > > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> > >
> > > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> > route
> > > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
> Sheep
> > > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> > from
> > > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> > closed
> > > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known
as
> > the
> > > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
> water
> > > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
> motor
> > > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> > Motor
> > > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
> not
> > > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
> canyon,
> > > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> > water,
> > > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was
to
> > keep
> > > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened
away
> > from
> > > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
> very
> > > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure.
A
> > > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
> and
> > > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
> blocked
> > > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that
people
> > > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
> same
> > > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > > envasive and dense.
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the
last
> > > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> > what
> > > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have
come
> to
> > > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > > information.
> > >
> > > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
> '90s,
> > > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
> think)
> > > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
> in
> > > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> > quality
> > > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
> the
> > > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
> point.
> > > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
> desert,
> > > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests
starting
> in
> > > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
> back
> > to
> > > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
> Borrego,
> > > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I
think
> > it
> > > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
> smell
> > > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day
to
> > > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
> to
> > > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
> bottom
> > of
> > > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it
after
> > > making the run through the canyon.
> > >
> > > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home
and
> > not
> > > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
> 2:00AM
> > > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs.
From
> > the
> > > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
> that
> > > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> > similar),
> > > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance
to
> > the
> > > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
> come
> > > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in
message
> > > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
> Coyote
> > > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is
now
> > > open.
> > > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> > rides
> > > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
> you
> > > on
> > > > the trail.
> > > >
> > > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > > --
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > Mike Stevens
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

Michael Stevens

This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.



Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.



Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
(even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.



A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
have Jeep chicks.



I hope this clarifies the situation.





"Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vo8or9jth4lg04@corp.supernews.com...
> Try jstrickland at ez2 dot net.
>
> The other emails are poor disguises that only fool the spambots.
>
> Jeff is refinancing home loans these days. The money is good, and the work
> is available on a steady basis. The high tech jobs let me down twice in 18
> months, and I spent 12 months looking for more high tech jobs, including
> about 6 months trying to sell a high tech product to low tech clients.
>
>
>
> "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:jrKgb.2089$dn6.352@newsread4.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > PS:
> >
> > My recommending the trip from the north is not related to my own
personal
> > habitat. The drive from Anza Borrego UP is tame and crowded. From Anza
> DOWN
> > it is a different world.
> >
> > Last time I saw Jeff, and that was too long ago, he was on a "no beer"
> diet
> > so what is this with beerman@yahoo.com?
> >
> >
> > "Jeff Strickland" <beerman@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:vo5vbuk51og46f@corp.supernews.com...
> > > My humble suggestion is to start at the bottom of the canyon on the
> desert
> > > floor and make your way up the canyon to Anza.
> > >
> > > The Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers abundant desert camping. The
> > route
> > > throught Coyote Canyon has long been closed to protect the Big Horn
> Sheep
> > > habitat that the route passes through. The route was closed seasonally
> > from
> > > June through September for many years, but in about '97 or '98 it was
> > closed
> > > year around. The entire route was not closed, only the section known
as
> > the
> > > Middle Willows was closed. The Middle Willows is virtually the only
> water
> > > source for the sheep herds for many miles. The closure only affected
> motor
> > > vehicles, bikes and hikers were still allowed to traverse the canyon.
> > Motor
> > > vehicles could go up from the bottom and down from the top, but could
> not
> > > pass through the Middle Willows. There are three willow along the
> canyon,
> > > Lower, Middle, and Upper. The middle has by far the largest amount of
> > water,
> > > and is the most remote of the three sites. The protection effort was
to
> > keep
> > > vehicles out of the area so that the lambs would not be frightened
away
> > from
> > > the only water source for miles around. The seasonal closures worked
> very
> > > well, but the tree huggers lobbied for and got a year around closure.
A
> > > problem quickly developed, the vehicles kept the willows thinned out,
> and
> > > the lambs could get to the water, but the year around closure that
> blocked
> > > the vehicles quickly allowed the area to become so overgrown that
people
> > > walking had extreme difficulty in getting through. The lambs have the
> same
> > > problem, they can not reach the water because the brush has become so
> > > envasive and dense.
> > >
> > > Mike Stevens seems to be saying that the trail is open now, but the
last
> > > time I was there, there was a locked gate in January. I am not arguing
> > what
> > > Mike is reporting, but what he is saying is counter to what I have
come
> to
> > > know about the area. Clearly, I could be the wrong party with outdated
> > > information.
> > >
> > > The trail was, in Bill's day, passable with 2WD. In the mid to late
> '90s,
> > > the trail above the Lower Willows was washed away by floods, and (I
> think)
> > > damaged by a land slide caused by an earthquake. The Park Service went
> in
> > > and created a Bypass (actual name of the section of trail) that is a
> > > boulder-strewn section of steep grade. It definitely takes 4WD to get
> > > through today, and some 4WDs will get stuck to the point of spending
> > quality
> > > time on the end of a winch cable, but I digress. I have not been past
> the
> > > Middle Willows, so I am not familiar with the section(s) above that
> point.
> > > If I was gonna run Coyote Canyon, I think I would tent camp in the
> desert,
> > > and make the run up the canyon and exit in Anza. Mike suggests
starting
> in
> > > Anza, but he lives there, so his view is understandable. The commute
> back
> > to
> > > civilization from Anza is slightely easier than the commute from
> Borrego,
> > > but getting into Borrego to camp can be a long drive. Basically, I
think
> > it
> > > takes about 6 hours to go through the canyon one way, with stops to
> smell
> > > the cacti along the way. If I am right, it would be a rather long day
to
> > > make the trip twice, and it is about 80 miles on the highway from Anza
> to
> > > Borrego Springs, so parking the motorhome at either the top of the
> bottom
> > of
> > > the canyon will lead to an hour or so of driving to get back to it
after
> > > making the run through the canyon.
> > >
> > > Visitors from the San Diego area can easily make the trip from home
and
> > not
> > > spend th enight camping, but drinking beer and smoking cigars until
> 2:00AM
> > > is a large part of rock crawling. Make your way to Borrego Springs.
From
> > the
> > > traffic circle in the middle of town, porceed out of town on the road
> that
> > > goes to the Salton Sea. go about a mile or two to Di Gigorigio (or
> > similar),
> > > and turn LEFT. Proceed to the end of the pavement where the entrance
to
> > the
> > > park is. Follow the only route that is there, and you will eventually
> come
> > > out in Anza along Highway 341 between Highways 79 and 74.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Michael Stevens" <michaelhowardstevens@earthlink.net> wrote in
message
> > > news:mR4gb.4052$Qy2.2076@newsread4.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> > > > Been hibernating with house projects and visitors this summer but
> Coyote
> > > > Canyon from Anza (California) at 4000' down to the desert floor is
now
> > > open.
> > > > It shuts in the summer for Pronghorn sheep breeding. One of the best
> > rides
> > > > around so I'll be back there soon and would be happy to meet many of
> you
> > > on
> > > > the trail.
> > > >
> > > > If you are in southern California I urge you check this out.
> > > > --
> > > > Regards,
> > > >
> > > > Mike Stevens
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Bummer! I thought I heard somewhere they were planning to open it
up, as it definitely a treat to drive the length, knowing you're
following the foot steps of Anza. Maybe, it's good that it's closed, as
I remember the farmers graze their cattle there, but I'll say again, the
Jeepers today have really missed a treat.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Michael Stevens wrote:
>
> This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
> perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
> at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
> as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
> its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
> geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
> elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
> Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
> the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
> open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
> here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.
>
> Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
> by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
> San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
> North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
> State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.
>
> Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
> Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
> the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
> abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
> dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
> the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
> between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
> North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
> (even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
> specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
> to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
> from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
> section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
> 3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.
>
> A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
> traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
> Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
> visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
> and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
> Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
> discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
> trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
> Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
> Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
> and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
> persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
> Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
> was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
> first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
> Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
> the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
> have Jeep chicks.
>
> I hope this clarifies the situation.

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Bummer! I thought I heard somewhere they were planning to open it
up, as it definitely a treat to drive the length, knowing you're
following the foot steps of Anza. Maybe, it's good that it's closed, as
I remember the farmers graze their cattle there, but I'll say again, the
Jeepers today have really missed a treat.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Michael Stevens wrote:
>
> This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
> perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
> at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
> as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
> its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
> geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
> elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
> Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
> the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
> open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
> here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.
>
> Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
> by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
> San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
> North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
> State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.
>
> Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
> Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
> the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
> abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
> dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
> the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
> between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
> North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
> (even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
> specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
> to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
> from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
> section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
> 3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.
>
> A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
> traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
> Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
> visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
> and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
> Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
> discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
> trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
> Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
> Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
> and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
> persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
> Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
> was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
> first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
> Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
> the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
> have Jeep chicks.
>
> I hope this clarifies the situation.

L.W.(=?iso-8859-1?Q?=DFill?=) Hughes III

Bummer! I thought I heard somewhere they were planning to open it
up, as it definitely a treat to drive the length, knowing you're
following the foot steps of Anza. Maybe, it's good that it's closed, as
I remember the farmers graze their cattle there, but I'll say again, the
Jeepers today have really missed a treat.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

Michael Stevens wrote:
>
> This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor" was
> perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed I am
> at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon run
> as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but for
> its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
> geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail, its
> elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
> Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti and
> the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise might
> open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the effort
> here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.
>
> Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province controlled
> by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates the
> San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36 miles
> North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
> State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.
>
> Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle and
> Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central of
> the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are also
> abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
> dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and over
> the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the road
> between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also the
> North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all users
> (even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
> specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper Willows
> to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only accessible
> from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
> section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think the
> 3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.
>
> A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped thru
> traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from Borrego
> Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs. Also
> visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this route
> and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup truck.
> Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
> discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
> trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include The
> Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse Canyon,
> Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is restored
> and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies for
> persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza the
> Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco who
> was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
> first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course is
> Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates to
> the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully we
> have Jeep chicks.
>
> I hope this clarifies the situation.

Michael Stevens

Bill: There is no grazing there now. If you live near Anza you might have
heard the story of the canyons stolen wild horses. Up until this summer
there was a herd of about 35 wild horse living in the top part of the
canyon. It appears the park manager made a deal with a well-known local
snake oil salesman to round them up and take them for personal property.
Considerable local anger existed but the park policy now is to remove all
non indigenous livestock.

I have not been down the canyon this year yet and would like some company.
We really should organize a weekend ride spending Saturday night at the
Willows for a BBQ.



"L.W. (ßill) ------ III" <----------@***.net> wrote in message
news:3F8494E3.F415982E@***.net...
> Bummer! I thought I heard somewhere they were planning to open it
> up, as it definitely a treat to drive the length, knowing you're
> following the foot steps of Anza. Maybe, it's good that it's closed, as
> I remember the farmers graze their cattle there, but I'll say again, the
> Jeepers today have really missed a treat.
> God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
> mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
>
> Michael Stevens wrote:
> >
> > This post originally entitled "Coyote Canyon now Open to Desert Floor"
was
> > perhaps deceptive in its title as it has led to confusion and if indeed
I am
> > at fault I apologize for my lack of exactness. Loving the Coyote Canyon
run
> > as much as I do, not solely because of its local to my own habitat, but
for
> > its archaeological and historical significance, its geographical and
> > geological beauty, its unique riparian habitats, its demanding trail,
its
> > elevation changes of over 4000' and its vistas of plains stretching into
> > Mexico framed by the Santa Rosa mountains, its versified array of cacti
and
> > the possibility of fatal collision with pronghorn sheep whose demise
might
> > open the Willows wetland to some good mud jeeping, I will take the
effort
> > here to expand on my post taking pains to be more clear and coherent.
> >
> > Coyote Canyon is within the Peninsular Ranges geomorphic province
controlled
> > by the San Jacinto fault. The creek bed that follows the fault separates
the
> > San Ysidro and the Santa Rosa mountain ranges. The canyon extends 36
miles
> > North-West from Borrego Springs, a town in the center of Borrego Springs
> > State Park in San Diego County to Anza in Riverside County.
> >
> > Three clusters (as Jeff said) of desert willow, know as Lower, Middle
and
> > Upper Willows are found along the year-round Coyote Creek in the central
of
> > the canyon. California fan palms, cottonwoods, mesquite and acacia are
also
> > abundant. The route along the creek bed is not static. Summer floods
> > dramatically alter the shape and route of the road near the Willows and
over
> > the rugged side trail into Collins Valley. A 3.1 mile segment of the
road
> > between Upper and Middle Willows is permanently closed to vehicles. Also
the
> > North-West (top) half of the canyon above the Willows is closed to all
users
> > (even hiking Sierra Club members) from June 1 to September 30. My post
> > specifically related to the northern part of the canyon from Upper
Willows
> > to Anza. Because of the closures noted above this trail is only
accessible
> > from Anza and then only from October 1 thru the end of May. It is this
> > section that opened just last week. I am sorry if I led some to think
the
> > 3.1 miles Willows section was open. It is not.
> >
> > A benefit of the closure of the Willows is to have completely stopped
thru
> > traffic. Before the Willows was closed a "round trip" existed from
Borrego
> > Springs to Warner Springs, Aguanga, Anza and back to Borrego Springs.
Also
> > visitors to Borrego Springs coming from Palm Springs might use this
route
> > and at one time this Jeep trail was maintained and passable by pickup
truck.
> > Today not only is the road not maintained the park service seem to
> > discourage passage and do not repair even major washouts. This makes the
> > trail demanding and deserted. Points of interest along the trail include
The
> > Anza Monument, Nance Canyon, Turkey Track Canyon, Tule Canyon, Horse
Canyon,
> > Alder Canyon, Fig Tree Valley and Bailey's Cabin. Bailey's cabin is
restored
> > and is kept stocked by visiting Jeep groups with emergency food supplies
for
> > persons who get stranded. The Anza monument honors Juan Bautista de Anza
the
> > Spanish captain of the epic 1775 expedition from Mexico to San Francisco
who
> > was the first non-native to pass through the canyon as well as being the
> > first European to enter California by land. The name "Borrego" of course
is
> > Spanish for sheep and the combined name "Anza-Borrego" probably relates
to
> > the lack of women Anza took with him on his journey. Today, thankfully
we
> > have Jeep chicks.
> >
> > I hope this clarifies the situation.