El Camino Del Diablo 11-24-06 (38 images)
Finally got around to running El Camino Del Diablo (The Devil's Highway) this weekend. I've been wanting to run this trail for a
long time. We started on Foothills Blvd (east end of Yuma) and ended in Ajo. We got a late start on Friday afternoon, but still
managed to visit the Fortuna Mine site and make it to Tinajas Altas Pass before sunset. We set up camp on the west side of the
Tinajas Altas about 1 mile north of the pass. You could hear and see the traffic from Mexican Highway 2 (just on the other side
of the border) from our camp. The next morning we decided to go down and check out the border before actually crossing the Tinajas
Altas. It's not like we were expecting to see anything in particular, just curious on how easy it actually is to cross the border.
At that particular spot, I've got to say it seems quite easy. Your biggest threat is the elements. Definitely not some where I'd like
to be when it's 120 degrees.
Next we stopped off at the water tanks on the east side of the Tinajas Altas. There are about 9 natural tanks carved out of the granite,
that when full, can hold up to 20,000 gallons of water. But don't get the wrong impression. This isn't water from a fresh mountain
stream. It's green, stagnant, nasty ass water. But 300 years ago, after a 200 mile trek across the desert without a drop of water,
it was probably pretty damn refreshing.
From the tanks all the way to Ajo (about 85 miles), we made good time. We pretty much hauled ass (because it's fun) the entire way.
We stopped at Tule Well for lunch, at Dave O'Neill's grave, and at Bates well. Although, it seemed that the Border Patrol has taken
over Bates Well. They have a bunch of vehicles and those temporary buildings that look like storage containers at the entrance.
After 135 miles on dirt, we hit pavement in Ajo at about 4:30pm. We were a little disappointed that we didn't encounter any
wildlife, military, or illegals, but it was still an awesome trail. Such a harsh and unforgiving environment. I can only imagine what
it was like making that journey 300 years ago.
Click a picture to see a larger view.
