Gordon Trail

[magikwalt]

I have been doing a little more research and believe I have located a map showing the trail. I'm hoping to receive a single page copy of it shortly. By piecing together what I was able to zerox the old map is titled "Trail Map "The Desert Riders" but is not dated that I can find. The Gordon trail did start inside the Andreas Canyon Club private property area (21 flat roofed homes without electricity owned by a club under a corporate chater) and follows the prominent ridgeline up to "Tahquitz Valley".

The map also shows a trail called the Idyllwild Trail which starts out off the "Skyline Trail" above and south of the golf course (looks like what is now known as the Lykken Trail) and proceeds upward joining with the Gordon Trail below "Tahquitz Valley".

In an attempt to date the map present day I-10 is listed as State Hwy 99. There is a discussion of the "new" Idyllwild Trail being almost complete and that when done it will take the place of the old Gordon Trail.

Once I have a single page copy I'll figure out a way to get it posted.

[halhiker]

Would be very interested to see this map. I've been on the Gordon Trail but it's been at least 15 years. I know people have lopped some brush in the middle sections since then but don't know what condition the "trail" is in. When I was on it some sections were really easy to follow and in good shape and others were undetectable. You just hiked where you thought it might be.

Any info on this map about the Schiller Hack trail? Not positive about the spelling but this is another old trail in the area of the West Fork of Palm Canyon.

[magikwalt]

Hi Hal,

There is nothing on the map showing anything near Schiller Hack trail. I do have a line on a few other older maps so I'll be sure to check them as well.

I'm guessing the map is from the 50s. Shown on it are Hwy 99 which ceased being called out as of 1965. Also shown are The Dunes Club in Cat City, the Desert Inn, Oasis, O'Donnel's GC, Airport, Deep Well Ranch, Tahquitz Estates (I think they were built sometime around 1949.) Merito Vista, the old Rodeo Grounds and El Mirador hotel.

As soon as I get a decent single page copy Hal I'll drop you a line.

Walt

[guest]

Hi Walt,

Per our talk a while back, and as Hal mentioned, these little left of this trail. It would be great to resurrect it, but it would be a hugh undertaking.

The brush between 4 & 7k is the bitch, and the last section before Caramba is steep & precarious.

I was at Maynard Mine yesterday, looking up at this area, it looks so tempting, but to stay outta the brush (especially Manzanita, Ribbonwood ain't so bad).

North facing always seems thicker, as evidenced by the Shadyslope on Skyline.

Hal, what I remember about the Schiller Hack, it goes from approx the crossing of West Frok (where Jo Pond officially starts, climbs maybe 1k or more, then heads west but for how long?

There was a trail that started to get built about the high point (maybe 2,600 ft.) on N West Fork / Pelton, heading up west. It may have eventually headed over to Murray Cyn, (this is what Art Smith wanted me to get involved with).

It would have made a great trail, as I was just there yesterday, but there's a wicked north facing 1k ft high ridge dropping into Murray.
(Lots of deer & probably bighorn).

ss