Here’s a challenge for you: a three-day desert scramble. We did this a few years back, traveling 25 miles through the Anza-Borrego desert.
We purposely picked a section where no trails existed, preferring to pick our way cross-country the best we could. Our trip started at the intersection of Borrego Springs Rd. and Highway 78, and from there we hiked 2.5 miles to Harper’s Canyon.
Somewhere in Harper’s Canyon we camped the first night, then the next morning we hiked up and out of it into Hapaha Flat. The second night we camped near Split Rock. The third day we attempted to cross over the mountains near Whale Peak, but it was not possible.
So we worked our way east a bit and found another canyon that led us up over the hills and then down the other side. From there we hiked down June Wash another eight miles to County Road S2, and along that to Aqua Caliente campground.
It took three days at a moderate pace, although it can be done in two long days. We carried 3 gallons of water each, and forego the tents to save some weight. The packs, with that amount of water, were heavy enough. Even in moderate weather (January), we drank all the water.
If Harper’s Canyon, Hapaha Flat, Split Rock, Whale Peak, and June Wash are not familiar names to you, then you’ll need a good map and a compass. And don’t go if you feel uncomfortable off trail. The only essential point is to keep heading south, any way you can, until you hit Route S2, which will lead you to Aqua Caliente campground.
Just keep heading due south, through the canyons, across the flats, and over the mountains. You’ll make it.
Don’t run out of water.
It’s a trek not many have done, but well worth it. It felt like we were the first men to see some of the areas we traversed; although we knew it couldn’t be true, the sheer isolation and lack of any sign of humans made it seem that way.
One last thing: you’ll meet our little friend, the Cholla cactus ball. Created by the Devil, or a cruel joke by God, the Cholla cactus will do its best to make your life miserable. We spent a few minutes each day using pliers to pull cactus spines from our flesh. Try as you might, the vicious little thug gets you every time when you’re off trail in the desert.
