Guadalupe Trail

[climbant]

I'm looking for current info and any tips for the Guadalupe trail. My buddy and I will be doing the trail in the near future from La Quinta Cove to the Cactus Spring TH. From what I've read here and other sites it seams like this trail varies in it's follow-ability (is that a word??), some make it sound like a well defined trail to others indicating serious route finding. I have good topo maps for it and have already been working out the courses on paper. Any pointers or current (ish) conditions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Anthony

[halhiker]

All I can say is the trail is easy to follow…until it's not. You shouldn't have much difficulty and if you find yourself off the trail, just go back because it probably made a turn you missed. I've known numerous people who have done this trail without mishap. A topo will do some good but since the trail isn't on the topo it'll only matter for general route finding.

I know it's not much help but you shouldn't worry too much. I haven't heard of anyone dying out there unlike other local trails.

[Ulysses]

I'm curious about the water flow in Horsethief Creek. Please post a trip report after your hike.

[climbant]

Thanks for the help Hal. Ulysses, I will do so but it will probably be after the kids get back to school, so a few more weeks.

[DavidMoneyHarris]

The Guadalupe Trail is faint in places and requires directions or excellent route finding skills or both. Afoot and Afield Inland Empire has a detailed description of the trip, but a decent sense of direction is still important.

For GPS users, tracks and waypoints for all trips in the book, including nearly every trail in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, can be downloaded for free from

www.afootafieldie.com

Happy trails,

David

[halhiker]

David,
That's a great resource!
Thank you.
Hal

[bluerail]

My copy is barely held together with duct tape.. ive used that book to destruction.

just like to take this opportunity to say thanks for the book David

[climbant]

Had a great hike today, a bit warmer than expected but a cool breeze was with us most of the way. A gentleman that was having a snack pointed us in the right direction to get on the Guadalupe from the Boo Hoff, once pointed out I felt like a dummy as I was pretty much standing on it. Much thanks to him though. The rest of the trail was fairly easy to find as the trail markers were abundant as were the footsteps. At around a 3000' elevation saw one large Big Horn Sheep about a short distance across a draw. He gracefully pranced around all awhile staring us down, we new who's territory we were in. The cowboy camp was neat and in pretty good shape. I must say the horse thief creek area I underestimated, I think I was so focused on the Guadalupe section I glossed over that part. We were not expecting the steep up and downs but we prevailed. Ulysses, I've added a pic of the water and can say the water was fairly clear, several inches deep (maybe 8 or so at it's deepest) and flowing lazily. Fill bottles all day, yes; swim and splash, probably disappointing. OK, never mind on the pic as I don't have any photo sharing. If you want the pic PM me with your email and I'll send it that way.

-Anthony

[Ulysses]

Hi Anthony. Thanks for the Horsethief Creek water report. I love that area. Surprised to hear there is water there now considering how dry it is everywhere else.

[climbant]

Yup everything was bone dry, felt dry. When we started down into the creek we felt the moisture in the air increase and heard the soothing flow of water. Very welcoming.