In the past I have posted some information about one of my favorite weekend get-aways, which I call the Butler Canyon Loop. I am not too worried about too many people tackling it because it is easy to get lost. When Craig and I were stopped by a Ranger to chat he was quite impressed we had traveled between Butler and Box Canyons. If you know the correct route the trip is not difficult at all. If you don’t, you are going to have a rough go of it.
I have received several questions about this loop and a lot of interest. Recently got an email from a member who could not find the route and turned back. In fairness to the member, navigation can be somewhat difficult in all the canyons and gullies. Because of this, I feel somewhat guilty about posting the details. So if there is an interest, I will lead a trip on this loop. I randomly picked Feb 18-19, because it is in the middle of the month. Since I hike nearly every weekend, that date is not important and I can go almost any weekend.
There is one condition. All participants need to agree they will not publish GPS waypoints, tracks, or whatever those thingies are called. It is rare for me to even find a footprint in sections of the loop and I would like to keep it that way.
Average February temps in Anza Borrego are highs of 72F and lows of 46F. Average precipitation is 1.32 inches, the wettest month of the year, which then allows the fabulous flower blooms in April. However it can get below freezing in February. Where we would camp can be a few degrees colder.
Features:
– Close to most of Southern Calif
– Total mileage = 18
– Gigantic boulders
– Easy boulder scrambling
– Tall canyon walls
– 360 degree views at the campsite
– Mostly cross country hiking
– Wonderful rock formations
– Beautiful natural cactus gardens
– Coyote Creek watershed has lots of plant and wildlife
– Some travel on ancient Indian trails (not maintained today)
Benefits:
– Snow unlikely
– Assuming no rain; BLUE skies
– Assuming no clouds; crisp and crystal clear night sky
– Moon phase about 13% (waning)
– Unlikely to see other humans over much of the route
– Views of San Ysidro and Santa Rosa mountains
– Might see Big Horns
– Might see a mountain lion (unlikely)
– Get a feel for how Native Americans picked their routes (trails)
– Large secluded area for group camp
– No group games or activities :)
Specifics:
– Meet at trail head around 9:00 AM Saturday morning
– Reach campsite around 3:00 PM (~ 12 miles)
– Elevation gain through Alcoholic Pass ~ 600 feet
– Elevation gain out of Butler Canyon ~ 700 feet
– Cross country travel includes going up moderate slopes
– Reach trail head around Noon on Sunday, unless we hang out around Coyote Creek or start out later in the morning
– Could go into town for burgers/beer/other post trip
– No water availability until Sunday morning
– Sunday morning water MUST BE purified
I am leaving in about 3 days to wander around the Nevada desert for a couple of weeks and will not have access to the Internet, so I cannot answer any questions after this Friday until I get back in January.
Some pictures…
Large flat area for group camp. Notice blue sky in Southern California. If there is significant rain prior to the trip, this will not be a good place to camp, as it is a playa and will be muddy. But we can find alternative sandy areas.
A view from the playa
Another view from the playa
… and another…
Some links of the proposed trip:
Edited to fix URL link.
