Martinez Canyon Adventure

[halhiker]

Went on a little adventure in Martinez Canyon on Monday. I love this area of the Santa Rosas. There is so much to explore down there. I just wish I had more time.

http://hikingintoshape.blogspot.com/201 ... tains.html

[bluerail]

Nice Hal, We ran into grinding areas even on all the little "shelves" that are just in the canyon bottom along the wash. It's amazing how busy that canyon must have been.

[Ellen]

Howdy Hal

I love your trip reports and pictures -- thanks so much

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[scottmac]

Hal,

Do you access the canyon from 72nd off the 86?

Thanks.

[halhiker]

Hal,

Do you access the canyon from 72nd off the 86?

Thanks.

I access it from Avenue 66 where it intersects with Van Buren

[WOLFDOG]

I took that old indian trail, back when my dad owned 400 acres in Martinez. The trail can be found again as it skirts down the right side of that bluff plateau and eventually hits the draw. Take this slot canyon where it eventually has a small fork branching off to the left. Take that left fork and you eventually hit the Dumbell Mine. Just a real short adit tunnel with an old rusted wheelbarrel in it. But I did here that if you head further up the main slot canyon, you will come upon an old Cahuilla emcampment near the top of the divide.


Jon Braginton

[halhiker]

I took that old indian trail, back when my dad owned 400 acres in Martinez. The trail can be found again as it skirts down the right side of that bluff plateau and eventually hits the draw. Take this slot canyon where it eventually has a small fork branching off to the left. Take that left fork and you eventually hit the Dumbell Mine. Just a real short adit tunnel with an old rusted wheelbarrel in it. But I did here that if you head further up the main slot canyon, you will come upon an old Cahuilla emcampment near the top of the divide.


Jon Braginton

Cool. I can't wait to get back out there. There's so much to explore. I just need to get a time when I have more than 3 hours.

[bluerail]

That area is gonna require sleeping bags to really see it good. It's wonderful back there.

I drank the water too...it's fine, and theres lots of it.

so....before the snakes come out........

John, you grew up back in that area ?

[msugarpants]

Looks like yet another Martinez adventure has yeilded ancient treasures. The old books say Martinez and Rockhouse were the two last spots of the Cahuilla. They stayed there into the early 1900's. Wolfdog, thanks for that info. Did you do a lot of exploring there as a kid?

[guest]

Looks intriguing Hal, lots to check out, like Mad Woman springs area.
That cholla looks like it went in a bit, they always seem to hurt more comin out!

ss