Exploring the Strenuous Goat Canyon Trestle Trail Hike

Hiking the Incredible Goat Canyon Trestle:

Get ready for an epic adventure! The Goat Canyon Trestle hike is a jaw-dropping journey along the 'impossible railroad,' through the awe-inspiring Carrizo Canyon, and ultimately to the world's largest wooden trestle bridge, secluded in the wilderness. Be warned, though: this hike covers over 16 miles and offers a grueling trek through harsh desert terrain.

Please mind the property rules:Before embarking on this epic trek, it's crucial to note that the hike takes place on private property. Tread lightly and respect the landowners' and law enforcers' guidelines. This guide is for informational purposes only if you are not authorized to be there.

How to Find the Goat Canyon Trestle:

You'll be starting in Jacumba Hot Springs, parking just north of the Mexico-US border. Use this trailhead address for navigation: 1800 Carrizo Gorge Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934. Remember, there are no restrooms or water refilling stations at the trailhead. It may be wise to call De Anza Springs Resort ahead of time for pre-paid parking reservations, just in case.

Gear Up for the Hike:

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

With 16 miles ahead of you, proper preparation is key. This hike is tough, with no shelter from the elements apart from a few tunnels, so pay close attention:

Avoid venturing in extreme heat. The winter months offer cooler temperatures, making it a perfect time for the hike.
Arm yourself with ample sun protection, at least 3L of water, and a satellite communicator for emergencies.
Don't forget extra layers for colder weather or emergency situations, a headlamp or flashlight, and tall boots to protect your ankles.

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Top Gear Choices:

Here's a list of top-rated gear I personally use for this hike:

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - a reliable and lightweight daypack with a trampoline mesh to keep your back dry.
Norda 001 - a comfortable and durable hiking shoe that feels like a blend of a monster truck and a pillow.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - offering 100% reliable SOS coverage essential for backcountry hiking.
AllTrails Plus - offering up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, alerts, and sync capabilities with Garmin devices.
Garmin Fenix 8 - my go-to watch for maps, tracking, and routing capabilities.

Read about these picks and more on my Top Gear Picks page!

AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Goat Canyon Trestle Trail Map:

Aside from a few stretches of trail, you'll be hiking along the railroad tracks for most of the way, making navigation straightforward. The map and GPX file below provide waypoints and help you understand what to expect. However, remember that your GPS won't work in the tunnels.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Safety First:

This hike is on private property with numerous "no trespassing" signs. Proceed with caution, as encounters with railroad personnel may lead to penalties if caught. While hiking here has traditionally been allowed, it's essential to respect the land and obey the rules to avoid any issues.

If you are looking for a route that minimizes time spent on private property, the Mortero Palms route might be a better option. It passes through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and only the last part involves hiking on private property. Keep in mind that this trail is particularly challenging with boulder scrambles and minimal navigation aids.

Important Notes:

Any railroad equipment you encounter is private property and taking it with you is considered theft.
Be mindful when walking along the railroad tracks, as some sections may require extra care to navigate safely.
Watch out for bridges with decay or loose boards, as they may not support your weight.
Be aware of wood ticks (also called dog ticks) when sitting on or crawling through bridges.
Keep in mind that some tunnels along the hike are blocked off; the guide below will indicate detours.
Always assume trains may be running along the route, even though the last one is believed to have passed in 2012. If you find that trains are operational, please let me know so I can update the guide.

Happy Trails!

To begin your adventure, head to Jacumba Hot Springs, parking north of the Mexico-US border at the Goat Canyon Trestle trailhead located at 1800 Carrizo Gorge Rd, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934.
Pack your Osprey Hikelite 26, a reliable daypack with a trampoline mesh for back protection, along with essential gear like water, sun protection, satellite communicator, extra layers, headlamp, flashlight, and tall boots.
Navigate the trails using maps and GPS, while keeping in mind that GPS won't work in the tunnels. Be cautious while hiking on private property, as railroad personnel may be present, and follow all safety guidelines.
Remember to respect the property rules, avoid taking any railroad equipment, and beware of hazards such as decaying bridges, loose boards, wood ticks, and blocked tunnels.
The hike covers over 16 miles of harsh desert terrain, so proper preparation, such as using top-rated gear like the Norda 001 for foot protection, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for emergency SOS coverage, and the AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports, offline maps, alerts, and Garmin device sync, is crucial for a successful and safe adventure.