One of the advantages of living here in San Diego is the experience of the desert that so is easily accessible from where you live. Today's challenge was Goat Canyon, a course that follows a railroad track that crosses the Anza Borrego desert. It's not a short course, it is 18 miles. None the less, everyone had gotten psyched as they checked their gear and commenced hiking.
The weather was pleasant at 75 degrees, like early spring day. We hiked comfortably through the clear and transparent air that is unique to the desert. Today we walked along the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway, which was built nearly 100 years ago. The track, which leads to many tunnels and bridges, has been out of service due to frequent collapses. However, today’s destination, the Goat Canyon Trestle, still stands and holds the title of the world's largest wooden timber bridge.
Entertaining Attractions appeared one by one starting from about 10 minutes after departure. We took pictures among the abandoned trains. We enjoyed our hike as we narrowly cross a tall wooden bridge that looked a bit dangerous. My heart was pounding, especially when going through a dark tunnel.
As we continued hiking, we became a part of this place. We gradually fell in love with the silence of the desert, where even cell phone signals did not work. After walking for hours amongst the endless railroad tracks, thousand rocks, and unknown cactuses passing by, I felt all the things that had bothered me up until this morning, disappearing.
Finally arriving at today's destination, Goat Canyon Trestle, the group looked for a moment with an overwhelming feeling of the world's tallest wooden bridge. Although it was not an easy journey, I felt as if my sweat was blown away at the sight of that beautiful bridge I faced at the end of my journey. After taking a picture to show off to my family and friends later, I ended today's hike with a small sense of achievement. I made it through another hike today.
Trailhead: 1951 Carrizo Gorge Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934
Length/Est/ Difficulty: 18 mi (9 h +/-) / hard
Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge | AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/goat-canyon-trestle-bridge-from-mortero-palms?u=i
Cocktail Hiker
https://www.cocktailhiker.com/
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