Aqua Alta Canyon

[The Ghost]

[size=12]Interested in exploring Aqua Alta Canyon from the Martinez Canyon Trailhead. No overnites, just a long day hike.

Any beta or feedback is appreciated! And we do realize how rough it is out there.[/size]

[bluerail]

if youre going east to west and exiting at Cactus Springs I presume?, pay alot of attention when you think you are to the point where the "trail" climbs out of the canyon. It's a little hard to spot, but there are a couple of markers off the canyon floor, I would start early and don't screw around looking at stuff too much. It took us 13 or more hours to get from the east end of Martinez Cnyon up agua alta and back down into La Quinta....and I wouldnt count on any water back there right now....well, I definately wouldnt drink it.

[The Ghost]

Thanks for the feedback.

We probably will explore up to the Agua Alta Spring area as that trip over to LQ is a long hard day. About 15 miles is our limit for a day hike.

Questions are... Is it worth seeing and is the terrian just as rough as Martinez Canyon to Jack Miller Cabin.

[momphrare]

I feel like coming from hwy 74 is a rougher but more visual hike. Coming from 72nd Ave is about the same distance but your headed up a wash.

[Florian]

I feel like coming from hwy 74 is a rougher but more visual hike. Coming from 72nd Ave is about the same distance but your headed up a wash.

Interesting. I'd say the opposite. For me coming up from the desert side would be more interesting but a harder route. Coming in from Pinyon Flats seems less interesting but the easier hike.

-Florian

[bluerail]

going out and back is a hard call, I prefer moving uphill for many reasons, like Florian said, the change that you experience going from the desert floor to the upper elevations is nice to experience for me.


You may use less water if you come in from Cactus Springs, and it will be an easier trip.

The split before the cabin, where you climb out of the canyon, is a steep grade for a little while, but for me you get some of the feeling the original users of the route may have experienced as you come up to the plateau area above the desert floor...that area is magical to me.

[Ulysses]

I met the SBNF and the BLM rangers who work that area at an event this summer. I inquired about hiking and exploring Martinez Canyon as this one is on my to-do list. They advised me to carry pepper spray (or some other form of defense) and claimed that there are packs of feral dogs (Pit Bulls) in Martinez Canyon. Sounds crazy, and I haven't heard this from anyone else. Anybody encounter dogs out there?

[JN]

The cabin is also on my to-do list.

I wouldn't be surprised by the dogs; there are about 2 packs of abandoned dogs that roam around Thermal and the Salton Sea area. I have personally seen one which was mostly terrier breeds and had about 15 heads in it crossing Hwy 86 with no fear at 12pm in traffic.

However I would lean more towards a whistle then the Pepper Spray, you can pick them up at any pet store and it will affect the entire pack at once.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=3120584

It's probably also not a big deal and the odds of the dogs attacking you are probably very slim. But if they warned you then there is still a chance better safe than sorry.

p.s. before I scratch it off my list I'm buying a whistle!

[The Ghost]

I probably worded it wrong but am interested in Aqua Alta Canyon which is next to Martinez Canyon.

Have been in Martinez 6 times looking and finally finding the Miller Cabin, no dogs sighted. Have run into a few packs at the Van Buren turnoff however with no problems.

Also have done Cactus Springs to Aqua Alta Springs, plus the Guadalupe
so we are interested in something new... Aqua Alta Canyon.

Again any information or feedback is appreciated!

[Ulysses]

What would the water situation be like in the upper parts of Martinez Canyon this time of year? Would it be better to wait until we've had more precipitation? I'm interested in camping in the area where Cactus Springs trail (from hwy 74) drops down into Martinez Canyon. I wouldn't want to rely on Agua Alta spring based on what I've seen in the past.