4x4 and Hiking Anza Borrego Feb13-15

Hey! My wife and I are planning on hitting up Split Mountain via Fish Creek, Blair Valley, and Coyote Canyon within Anza Borrego next weekend. We're gonna be hiking and 4x4ing over three days, leaving on Saturday the 13th and returning on Presidents day, the 15th. Would appreciate additional company, especially because I'm new to 4x4. Unfortunately we cant make the big desert trip that LA and SD groups have planning for Feb 28 weekend since we already had plans to go to Yosemite that weekend.

 

Where do you plan on starting out at?

 

Split mountain via fish creek. We are actually going to head up Sunday instead, only staying one night out there.

 

So you plan on heading east from S-2 from one of the washes that goes to Diablo Dropoff? I might yet join you. I've taken many photos and videos of the Anza-Borrego area if you're curious as to what the area is like.

 

Awesome, ya that sounds good. Where exactly is diablo dropoff and how technical is the dropoff**?

 

I did some research. Websites said in april 2014 that diablo dropoff was somewhat graded and made less gnarly. I have a stock Tacoma and don't really know the cars capabilities nor my own driving abilities as I've only ever driving dirt roads on my Subaru before. If you think it's beginner friendly or you can coach me through it, I'm game! We are going to go from vista, taking the 78. Where would be good to meet up with you? We would probably camp near split mountain by the wind caves. Gonna bring a grill and have some burgers and hot dogs

 

The Dropoff was completely impassable for a time; the ruts became chasms. My Tundra has open differentials, a stock suspension and stock size tires and did well enough. Your truck will be fine as well. You'll have to be careful if your truck has sidesteps. Here's where Diablo Dropoff is at:



The road on the western edge of the map ("Great Southern Overland Stage Route") is more commonly referred to as S-2 with CA-78 at the northern and and I-8 at the southern end. No one is actually supposed to go up the Dropoff but people do it all the time, including myself a few times. If you get uncomfortable at the sight of the dropoff there are always other ways south and other trails to explore. We could meet up in Julian. What time did you want to get there?

 

Interested, but only have a 2wd PreRunner, which I've made pretty far down fish creek, with a shovel and some wood boards, haha. I'll be free Sunday....here's my ride

 

I always have a tow strap. What tires are you running?

 

@computeruser6 Michelin LTX AT/2 245s, lots of tread.

 

Sweet! All welcome! I'm leaving Vista before 11, so let's meet in Julian at 12. Where specifically? I'll message you my cell.

 

There's an empty lot next to this gas station. It might be worth meeting up a little earlier in the day; night is still coming early.

 

I'm on board only thing is I have 2wd with the locker. If there's some trails that aren't too bad would love to come, worst case I can just come for the camping.

 

With a rear locker and some half-decent tires you'll be fine.

 

Alright perfect, see everyone at the gas station. Are we meeting at noon or earlier?

 

Unfortunately that's the earliest I can get there :/

 

I'm out in superstition if you guys plan on coming by this way

 

I have part of the video from the Diablo Dropoff and Fish Creek ready to go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJh-vxmmsQU

 

Here's some more footage from Fish Creek:

https://youtu.be/0Og-8T8aP_Y

 

I've posted up the footage and videos from the Wind Caves up on my blog.