El Camino Del Diablo?

[JeepCrawler98]

Thinking about doing a run through here with a few buddies over christmas break - I think such a long trail might be something cool to try out. However, aside from about 40 gps waypoints (mapped out and verified), I really know nothing about this trail. Judging by it's length, I'd say it'd make for a fun 2 day trip, maybe 3 day? I know you need permits for this trail (any person over 18) - what's the easiest way to get these, and how long does it take? Is it better to run from Welton from Ajo, or the other way around? Judging from it's isolation - is it safe to assume I should camp for below freezing temperatures during the night? (during winter). Are there any other activities aside from driving that I might enjoy, such as hiking, climbing, biking, etc (north of the border of course ;) ) Being so close to the border the whole illegals thing, is it something I should worry about? Naturally I'll be bringing my 12 ga. along (you'll never know for what you'll need it) - but are there any spots I should stay away from?

Any other past experiences, advice, tips, yadayada is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

David.

[BobnJeep]

I would bring more than a shotgun, and take shifts while sleeping overnight to ensure camp security. The "Coyotes" as they call them, bring illegals over the border and kill, rape and rob them. I wouldn't think the "non-citizens" have much more than the money thier family had saved to get them over the border, but apparently thats a sufficient amount to justify murder.

[Linda]

You can get the permits needed at the Cabeza Wildlife Refuge office in Ajo or at the Organ Pipe National Monument office south of there. Check with the Goldwater Gunnery Range (Marine Corps, Yuma) if you can get their hold-harmless permit at Cabeza or Organ pipe.

The Camino del Diablo is a beautiful trail. I have driven it twice. Both times we were out there for three days. I have really wanted to spend a week or so out there just to enjoy the isolation and check out some of the hiking trails. The last time we were out there we camped on the west side of the Tijanas Altas (sp?). There was a group of illegals picked up by the US Border Patrol within sight of our camp. We didn't find out until the next morning. That was about 7 years ago. Now days, the illegals being trafficked through that area are a little bolder and are probably carrying guns. There is a Mexican Hwy just south of the border in that area.

The Camino del Diablo has deep sand in places and a dry lake bed which can be really soft. You don't need 4-wheel drive for the trail, but it is a good thing to have just in case. If it has been raining, Cabeza will close the road.

You don't need GPS for this trail. It is well driven and well marked. Both times we drove it east to west. The first time we started at Bates Well Rd just south of Ajo and driven the trail west coming out at Welton. The other time we included the Organ Pipe western boundary road in the trip. The park ranger said this was an extreme 4x4 trail, but a minvan could have travelled it with no problems.

[Haulin]

sounds interesting :D let me know David when and if your going to do this

[RokNRich]

I ran it about this time last year, a little cool at night, but should be about the same as Phoenix (or Yuma) weatherwise.

I agree with everything else that was posted, though I have had some friends say they were a bit freaked about the smuggling in the area. We talked to the BP the first night we were camping as they were out on patrol, basically they said to try to avoid them and they will avoid you, I've not heard of any instances of civilians in altercations, has anyone else ?

Other than that, it's a nice isolated dirt road, feels kind of neat to be on an old road, but not much four wheelin' to be had (at least if you stay on the trail). I'd go again if I didn't have too many other things I wanted to do also.

We camped two nights, and then stayed the night in Yuma before driving back, could have easily cut a day off of the trip if we were in a hurry.

[DsrtJeeper]

My neighbor has a house in Ajo and we have been talking about doing this trail on the Cabeza. He informed me today that the border patrol squad has tripled and they now rarely see any illegals. He also said that they post no real threat as they don't care to draw attention to themselves.

A neat fact that may interest people is that the center of this area is the most isolated place in the U.S. I have a friend who runs this area yearly with a bunch of other 4 wheelers and they camp out for several nights. They actually bring along a chuck wagon of some sort. This trail is on my "To Do" list.

[AZDesertXJ]

Thinking about doing a run through here with a few buddies over christmas break - I think such a long trail might be something cool to try out. However, aside from about 40 gps waypoints (mapped out and verified), I really know nothing about this trail. Judging by it's length, I'd say it'd make for a fun 2 day trip, maybe 3 day?

This is a fun offroad trip that could take as little as 2 days, or longer than a week. I've travel it end-to-end more than 3 times, and have done many other shorter trips to specific areas over the years. I'd recommend starting in Ajo and ending in Wellton (or Yuma) as it is the historic direction of the road. If you're coming out at Wellton, Tule Well is a nice half-way point for camping. Another great place to camp is just south of the Tinajas Altas. There is a dead-end canyon with a old mining prospect that is secluded and makes a great launching point if you're going to bag a peak in the Tinajas Altas.

I know you need permits for this trail (any person over 18) - what's the easiest way to get these, and how long does it take?

The best thing to do is call the range office in Ajo and ask them. Depending on your schedule, you might be able to swing by there and get your permit as you begin your trip.

Are there any other activities aside from driving that I might enjoy, such as hiking, climbing, biking, etc (north of the border of course ;) )?

Since it is a wildlife refuge, any kind of biking is out. As for hiking, around Tule Well there are many old mine prospects and water tanks that you can use as destinations. If you want to bag some peaks, both Tinajas Altas peak and P2880 (Copper Mtns) are favorites of mine. For technical climbing, there are some routes (mostly 5.3-5.8) on the south wall next to the Tinajas Altas. And the high point of the Gila Mtns (Sheep) offers some technical moves with exposure.

Being so close to the border the whole illegals thing, is it something I should worry about? Naturally I'll be bringing my 12 ga. along (you'll never know for what you'll need it) - but are there any spots I should stay away from?

My experience has been that you'll find (see or hear) more movement the farther east you move in the refuge. For example, the area between Bates Well and Papago Well is a direct path for many on their way to Phoenix and has more activity than the western side. I personally wouldn't camp at Papago Well for the reason listed above and the fact that is isn't all that pretty. I haven't ever had any issues with illegal aliens, and apart from getting buzzed by the Border Patrol helicopter in the morning, haven't been alerted by their presence.

As for guns, take whatever precautions you need to feel safe. A word of advise though. You are on a national wildlife refuge, and guns are not allowed unless you are hunting. If a ranger or BP sees your weapon, it is within their discretion to take it and ticket you. That being said, a pistol in your tent at night or Jeep is not something they'll seek to find. Just be smart about it and you shouldn't have any problems.

If you have any more specific questions, just let me know.

Kent

[mbuckner]

Hello David,

Have you decided on the dates? Are you going to post this as a run?

Best regards,

Mike

[mbuckner]

Hello David,

Have you decided on the dates? Are you going to post this as a run?

Best regards,

Mike

[DsrtJeeper]

I just received the new issue of "Off-Road Adventures" magazine put out by 4 Wheel Parts. It has a nice article about this trail.

[JeepCrawler98]

Thanks for the reply guys - I have not set a date yet, but I'll probably look into running it in the spring possibly; maybe take spring break to run it. I just read through that article in "Off Road Adventures," makes it seem more interesting.

Anyways, I'll keep you all posted. The springtime shoudl welcome some warmer weather too - cuz we all know AZ is too cold :D

[DougB]

Thanks for the reply guys - I have not set a date yet, but I'll probably look into running it in the spring possibly; maybe take spring break to run it. I just read through that article in "Off Road Adventures," makes it seem more interesting.

Anyways, I'll keep you all posted. The springtime shoudl welcome some warmer weather too - cuz we all know AZ is too cold :D

In planning that run, just remember that they close the trail from 3/15 through 7/15, due to prong horn sheep lambing season.

It's a fantastic run...very different, very scenic.