Question about Hurley Flat and Halls Grade Road

[physicslord]

Cynthia's post reminded me of something. Throughout the 80s and well into the 90s, there was a push to create a national underground laboratory beneath San Jacinto. One of the arguments for it was the steepness of the face, and the fact that if you went horizontally you could get 10K feet deep pretty fast. Ultimately, nothing came of it, but I do know that some exploratory work was done in preparation. Not sure if that person with the helipad and the underground bunker had anything to do with. Just saying there may be a legit explanation.

[cynthia23]

Yep, I remember that whole thing. I was really disappointed when they didn't pick us. I think they ended up going to some mine in Kansas (or somewhere.) I'm pretty sure though they never got as far as drilling any holes. Actually there already is a tunnel that goes under the mountain (to carry water) which I think Huell Howser did an episode on one time (and I think that tunnel has been discussed here, sometime or the other.) I can't remember if that tunnel factored into the project.

But as far as the mountain cabin with the helipad and giant underground chamber and owner-hiding-out-in-Mexico--I think the "Occam's Razor" principle applies here. It was probably just a grow farm. They keep finding them in the Banning/Snow Creek area, probably because it is so close to the 10 freeway, which means you can transport product quickly. They found another one not long ago up in Whitewater.

[Hikin_Jim]

... a grow farm. They found another one not long ago up in Whitewater.

Ugh.

HJ

[cynthia23]

Yeah, I'm with you, HJ. Aside from the scariness of potentially running into armed men or booby-traps, these (outdoor) grow farms are very polluting. I know with the Whitewater one, it took the rangers forever to take out all the junk (pvc pipes, trash, blah blah) these jerks left behind, and of course they use pesticides and fertilizers that run into the water.

So, I guess the guy with the underground chamber was taking the more eco-conscious route?

[hvydrt]

I drove down to that area trying to find a way to Cabazon Peak. The gate to the camp (juvenile hall) was open so I drove in, ignoring all the signs, hoping there wouldnt be many people around so I could park in there and hike from there. There were too many cars and people around once I got near the main part of the camp. I saw a few people, gave a friendly wave and drove back out. From what I remember, you could probably park somewhere before the gate and not be seen or bothered hiking in the direction you want to go. Cabazon Peak is a little harder to access, but I have another way I want to try.