Short Trip: Oriflamme and Chariot Canyons (near Julian, CA)

Hey there folks. I figured I'd share my experiences on a trail near Julian, CA called Chariot and Oriflamme Canyons. The easy/moderate trail runs through both of these canyons and is just over 11 miles long; allow yourself a couple hours to complete the traverse. Camping is available near the eastern terminus and also near the Pacific Crest Trail (about three miles from the eastern terminus).

I ran the trail west to east, but either way is fine.

The western terminus of the trail (33°04'02.9"N 116°32'51.6"W) in Banner, CA is the start of the Chariot Canyon section. There isn't much to the town, and the last gas on the western end is in Julian. From the waypoint, head up the hill about 200-300 yards to find an unlocked gate. In my experience, this gate is usually closed (but I would advise you to leave it as you find it after passing through).

The terrain is pretty easy until you get up and over the saddle of the mountains. There are several opportunities to veer northward into more challenging terrain, but be prepared for almost certain damage. Rodriguez Canyon is one of the cutoffs to the north and features a challenging rock garden (more like "boulder-strewn nightmare") not suitable for stock vehicles.

If you stay on the main trail, you'll cross over the saddle and start working your way down into Oriflamme Canyon. The path you'll be following is also sometimes called Mason Valley Truck Trail - DO NOT follow the trail south to Sunrise Highway (I believe you'll find a locked gate and have to turn around). Expect things to get more difficult after you pass the sign for the Pacific Crest Trail. The terrain is rocky/ledgy in places, and heavy water damage makes picking the right line fairly important in a few spots.

The eastern terminus of the trail (33°00'27.3"N 116°27'22.6"W) intersects Highway S-2 just south of the Box Canyon historical marker. Either turn left to proceed to Julian/Borrego Springs, or turn right to intersect the southern terminus of Canyon Sin Nombre trail or eventually Ocotillo and I-8.

Everyone in our three-vehicle group had a great time, and I hope you enjoyed reading about our adventure.

NOTE: Get pie in Julian. That is all.

-Clocktower

 

That is a beautiful Tacoma!

Are you running steel wheels?

 

Thanks! I'm running Method 701 aluminum wheels.