How to Hike to the Iconic Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
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Get ready for an adventure like no other as I set out to uncover the secrets of the legendary Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge! Tucked away amidst the wild wonders of California’s Carrizo Gorge, this towering marvel of engineering has more tales to tell than a history book. Armed with nothing but enthusiasm and a few good friends, I embarked on a quest through rugged trails and desert vistas to reach this hidden gem. Expect jaw-dropping views, a few surprises along the way, and plenty of photo ops to make your Instagram followers green with envy. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s lace up those boots and dive headfirst into an adventure that’s part history, part nature, and all fun!
About the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
The Goat Canyon Trestle, also known as the Carrizo Gorge Trestle, is a historic railroad trestle bridge located in the Carrizo Gorge in southeastern California, USA. It’s considered one of the largest wooden trestle bridges in the world.
Built in the early 20th century as part of the San Diego and Arizona Railway, the bridge connected San Diego, California, with Yuma, Arizona. Construction of the bridge began in 1919 and was completed in 1932, delayed primarily due to the challenging terrain and the scarcity of labor during World War I.
The Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge spans Goat Canyon, and its construction required careful engineering to navigate the rugged and steep landscape of the Carrizo Gorge. The bridge stands at a height of approximately 200 feet and is around 600 feet in length. It was built using timber and steel.
The Carrizo Gorge Railway operated over the bridge until the 1980s, after which the line fell into disuse. Since then, the trestle and surrounding railway infrastructure have faced challenges due to neglect, vandalism, and natural elements. Efforts have been made to preserve and restore the bridge and the railway line, with various groups advocating for its restoration as a historic landmark and potential tourist attraction.
Hiking to Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
Safety first!
Hiking to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge can be a challenging and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that accessing the bridge involves traversing rugged terrain and potentially dangerous conditions. Here are some key points to consider if you’re interested in hiking to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge:
- Remote Location: The Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge is located in a remote area of the Carrizo Gorge. Accessing the bridge typically requires a long hike through desert terrain with limited services or facilities nearby. Be prepared for a remote and potentially isolated experience.
- Trail Difficulty: The hiking trail to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge is not maintained by any official agency, and it can be challenging to navigate. The terrain includes steep slopes, rocky terrain, and potentially hazardous obstacles. Hikers should be experienced and well-prepared for off-trail hiking.
- Permits and Permissions: Depending on the specific route you choose to access the bridge, you may need permits from landowners or authorities. Some routes may cross private property or require permission from land management agencies.
- Safety Considerations: Hiking in remote desert areas presents certain safety risks, including extreme temperatures, dehydration, wildlife encounters, and the potential for getting lost. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, navigation tools (such as a map and compass or GPS device), and other essential gear for desert hiking. The best time of the year to take on this hike is winter and early spring.
- Leave No Trace: When hiking to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge, practicing Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment is important. Pack out all trash, avoid damaging vegetation or wildlife habitats, and respect any signs or regulations in the area.
- Group Size: Consider hiking with a small group of experienced hikers rather than going alone. Having companions can enhance safety and assist in case of emergencies. This hike is especially better with people due to its length and the hazardous conditions.
Before embarking on a hike to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge, it’s a good idea to research specific route options, current trail conditions, and any relevant regulations or advisories. Additionally, consider reaching out to local hiking clubs or outdoor organizations for advice and recommendations.
Gear Recommendations
In addition to the renowned ten essentials, take into account the following gear recommendations for embarking on this hike:
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Hiking Options to Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
First Option: 16-mile round trip from the DeAnza Springs Resort
This is the route I chose. Keep scrolling to watch a video of my hike below!
You can park at the DeAnza Springs Resort’s hiker parking lot for a nominal fee. Parking fee is payable over the phone by calling the resort directly. This allows you to start the hike early, even if the resort front desk isn’t open yet on the day or at the time, you want to start your hike!
From the designated parking lot, follow the wooden ” trains ” sign to locate the railroad. And then, simply walk alongside the tracks for approximately 8 miles. The terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping towards the bridge, which means you’ll have a slight uphill on the way back. It’s impossible to get lost!
During the hike, you’ll traverse a few small bridges and several tunnels, varying in length. Some tunnels are closed for safety purposes, necessitating a detour, but the path is easy to follow.
You’ll also encounter abandoned train carriages along the way, adding to the excitement of the journey.
I undertook this hike in April and was treated to a vibrant display of wildflowers lining the trail.
The primary challenge of this route is the distance. It requires covering a total of 16 miles, potentially in hot and/or windy conditions. Additionally, this route traverses private property, with prominent “trespassing” signs marking the beginning of the trail. Therefore, proceed at your own risk!
Second Option: Goat Canyon Trestle: Palms to Doz Cabezas
Explore this 12.8-mile loop trail, known as the Palms to Dos Cabezas trail. While I haven’t personally hiked this specific route, I’m sharing insights based on AllTrails. It’s generally regarded as challenging, taking close to 6 hours to complete, suitable for backpacking, camping, and hiking. This trail provides solitude amidst the rugged terrain, with the best times to visit being between January and March. This route entails a 2,000-foot elevation gain and requires climbing, scrambling, and navigation skills. It’s recommended to use an SUV with high clearance to reach the trailhead.
Third Option: Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge via Mortero Palms
This route is a 5.8-mile loop trail, which is known for its challenging nature. While I haven’t personally hiked this trail, I’m providing insights based on AllTrails.
Accessing the trailhead requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Hikers who have tackled the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge via Mortero Palms trail suggest taking the right side of the loop as an out-and-back for a less strenuous experience. They highlight challenging bouldering and rock scrambling along the trail. While the hike offers stunning views once you reach the trestle, caution is advised, especially during wet conditions when rocks can become slippery, and steep sections may pose risks. Described as grueling yet rewarding, the hike demands upper body fitness and typically takes around 6 hours to complete.
Relive my Goat Canyon Trestle Hike!
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Final Thoughts on hiking to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
Whether tackling the rugged trails of the Palms to Dos Cabezas loop, exploring the challenging boulders and scrambles of the Mortero Palms trail, or embarking on the adventurous journey to the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge from the DeAnza Springs Resort, hikers are in for a memorable day in the desert. Each route presents its unique challenges, from steep inclines to rocky terrain, but the stunning vistas and sense of accomplishment when you reach the bridge make every step worthwhile. So, gather your gear, embrace the adventure, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the desert landscape, knowing that magnificent views will be your reward for the efforts exerted along the way. Happy trails!
Post originally published on April 26, 2024, and last updated on December 15, 2024.
