Devil Canyon to Goat Canyon Trestle

The 21-mile out-and-back trail from Devil Canyon to Goat Canyon Trestle offers an unforgettable hike through one of the most scenic and remote sections of Southern California's desert landscape. This route weaves through rugged canyon terrain, crosses dry washes, and leads to the famous Goat Canyon Trestle—one of the tallest railway trestles in the world. Hikers can expect a challenging trek with dramatic views, fascinating geology, and the opportunity to experience the wild beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Key Features:

• Distance: 18.1 miles (out and back)

• Elevation Gain: Moderate to challenging

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

• Terrain: Rugged canyon, desert washes, rocky paths, and railroad trestle

• Best Time to Hike: Fall to spring, avoiding the extreme heat of summer

DESCRIPTION

The hike begins in Devil Canyon, a narrow desert canyon framed by jagged cliffs and boulder-strewn landscapes. The trail follows a dry wash, with a mix of sandy stretches and rocky terrain that requires some scrambling over boulders and navigating uneven surfaces. As you venture deeper into the canyon, you’ll experience the rugged beauty of the desert, with minimal signs of human presence, offering a true sense of solitude.

As the trail progresses, the canyon widens, revealing expansive views of the surrounding desert. You’ll cross dry washes and pass through patches of desert scrub, with rock formations and cliff faces unfolding the history of this unique desert environment.

The final stretch leads to the Goat Canyon Trestle, where the terrain shifts to open desert. The towering trestle looms overhead, offering a striking contrast to the natural surroundings. Once there, take time to explore the area, enjoy the panoramic views, and appreciate the engineering marvel of the trestle. The canyon and desert provide a breathtaking backdrop for photos.

Desert Flora and Fauna: Along the way, you'll pass through diverse desert ecosystems, from the lush vegetation of the canyon floor to the sparse, windswept expanses near the trestle. You may encounter species like ocotillo, barrel cacti, and creosote, as well as desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and desert tortoises.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Goat Canyon Trestle: The highlight of this hike is the Goat Canyon Trestle, a historic railway trestle that spans the vast desert floor, towering above the canyon below. At over 180 feet tall and 600 feet long, it is a monumental structure that is both a feat of engineering and a striking visual landmark. Standing beneath or looking out from the trestle offers sweeping views of the canyon and surrounding desert.

SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Carry plenty of water—there are no reliable water sources along the trail.

• Prepare for rocky and uneven terrain.

• Be prepared for varying temperatures. It can be hot during the day but cool in the evening, especially in the higher desert elevations.

• Make sure to have a map or GPS, as the trail can be difficult to follow in some sections.

• Be mindful of wildlife and respect the environment—desert creatures, including snakes, may be encountered along the trail.

This is a demanding but rewarding hike that provides a unique opportunity to explore one of Southern California's most scenic and remote desert landscapes. Enjoy the solitude and the incredible views!