Smuggler's Cave (San Diego Area) date TBA [Archive]

calamaridog

12-16-2005, 09:59 AM

San Diego folks.

I've been wanting to get out to the Inkopah Mts. and the Smuggler's Cave area to look around. 8 east almost to Imperial County. Anyone up for a day trip out there? Maybe a short hike?

I'm always available on Tuesdays. I know, I'm reaching here, but maybe some other crazy person is off in the middle of the week.:xxrotflma

If not, a weekend will have to do:hehe: I'm off every other weekend so something will work.

I'm also free Dec. 20-23 and 27-28. Or we could go in Jan. 06. Or whenever.

+ d

12-16-2005, 04:19 PM

Tuesdays!? You are crazy!

I'd be into it, however I am going to be out of town the 25-10th and it's going to be hectic up until then I'm sure.
But the jeep deserves some dirt asap, so lets see what shakes out.

:shakin:

calamaridog

12-17-2005, 07:13 AM

We'll plan for sometime after you get back:jumping:

Boston Mangler

12-19-2005, 12:10 AM

We'll plan for sometime after you get back:jumping:

January 28th? Would work for me! :D

+ d

12-19-2005, 11:12 PM

January 28th? Would work for me! :D

i'd be down with the 28th too...

calamaridog

12-20-2005, 06:07 AM

I work Jan. 28 and 29, but I could do Feb. 4 or 5.

Or you two could go without me:wavey:

Boston Mangler

12-20-2005, 12:03 PM

I work Jan. 28 and 29, but I could do Feb. 4 or 5.

Or you two could go without me:wavey:

Feb 4 is ok with me

+ d

12-21-2005, 05:04 AM

Feb 4 is ok with me

me too!

calamaridog

12-23-2005, 08:23 AM

:jumping:

I propose we meet at the Carl's Jr. in Alpine at 7am. If that is too early then say so. Exit Tavern Rd. and go south. It's in the first shopping center on the east side of the street.

Look for the Land Cruiser;)

Bring your lunch. There is gas across the street too, so we should fill up.

I'll have FRS and CB. Let me know if you don't have a radio. I'll have some maps too.

Boston Mangler

12-30-2005, 02:45 AM

See ya there!

Are theyre any mild to moderate trail to explore? Isnt there an OHV park near there?

Thanks
Kevin

calamaridog

12-30-2005, 07:10 AM

Kevin,

I have not explored this particular area before. I know there used to be some moderate trails open nearby. I'm trying to figure out which ones are currently opened, etc. so I'll have more 411 later.

I have some maps and such and I am currently reviewing the information.

We will pass by an OHV area on the way out there called Corral Canyon and we will be near Ocotillo Wells too.

Boston Mangler

12-30-2005, 12:38 PM

calamaridog

12-31-2005, 02:10 AM

Corral Canyon is another trip:cool:

There are some harder trails there too:D

Boston Mangler

01-07-2006, 08:25 PM

Looks like i have some interest amoungst some friends and will bring them along if its ok?

Also, sounds like smugglers cave is #75 on the list of the worlds longest caves: http://www.pipeline.com/~caverbob/seacave.html

This sounds fun, lets make a day of it and do some exploring? Cool? I will bring a small bbq and some food if there is interest!

Lemme know!

Thanks for setting this up!

calamaridog

01-08-2006, 06:36 AM

Boston Mangler

01-08-2006, 01:39 PM

Kevin,

Bring whomever you want and we certainly have time for a long lunch break. Just make sure you have a fire extinguisher:campfire: :D
I am fairly certain that is a different cave, this one is more of a large rock that people can stand under. Hope you aren't too disappointed;)

Cool! I just ordered the "Smugglers Cave" offroad map: http://www.allthingsjeep.com/sid27116.html

Short hike sounds cool, hiking always sounds cool! :D

How many folks we got so far?

-Bryan
-Kevin

Scenic WonderRunner

01-09-2006, 04:28 AM

I have the date marked down......

If I'm free that day.........I would like to join you.

~Mark

calamaridog

01-09-2006, 06:36 AM

Kevin,

So far, we have:

+D (David)
Boston Mangler (Kevin) + friends
Calamaridog (Bryan)
Wifesaysimadumbass (Mikey)
Phalanx
Deathrunner
Eric
Mark

Possibles:

Scenic (Mark)
JackSilb (Jack)
Blue Trooper (Roy)

I'm hoping to have less than 10 total vehicles so things don't become too slow:) This thing actually grew a bit larger than I thought, which is ok, as long as it doesn't get huge.

This thread was cross posted on Yotatech and here: http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/default.aspx?f=9&m=27609&p=1

Boston Mangler

01-09-2006, 12:53 PM

Cool!

This will be fun!

Scenic WonderRunner

01-09-2006, 03:22 PM

If it gets too big......

How about breaking into two groups (for the trails, spread out 30 min. apart/or)......then have a meet up point (the cave and other spots later in the day/have radios on) at the end of the trail or somewhere inbetween. I wouldn't want to sit in traffic either.

I'm sure there are ways to work it out.

calamaridog

01-09-2006, 10:40 PM

I think with 10 or less we will move along fine. More than that becomes a mess.

Some of the guys from Yotatech may want to go find something harder in the afternoon and some may need to leave earlier than others.

Boston Mangler

01-09-2006, 10:49 PM

If i do happen to bring friends, they will ALL be in my truck!

How much of this is trail driving?

calamaridog

01-10-2006, 01:33 AM

Mostly trails, short walks.

Scenic WonderRunner

01-14-2006, 02:27 AM

Kevin...........

Great map you found!

Please have "calamaridog" add me to the list. .......I would love to join you all.....and it looks like I'm free that weekend!

I've been all the way to the Elliot Mine. It gets real steep and way off camber up near the mine. I actually parked and walked the last few 100+ Yards.

calamaridog

01-14-2006, 02:57 AM

Kevin,

That is one of the maps I have also. I've run into problems with the publisher in the past regarding using his maps on forums. He doesn't want them posted on websites or forums. I would take it down soon so Scott doesn't get any complaints.

I was planning on making some copies of maps for eveyone who shows up so they will have something.

As far as other routes, I was thinking we would head towards the Carrizo Overlook (towards #34) after we check out Smugglar's Cave. There seem to be many side roads to check out if we want to also.

There is one person who may come up from LA area and he was thinking about camping.

I'll looking forward to this trip:jump:

+ d

01-15-2006, 04:43 PM

after the carrizo overlook it looks possible to drop down into the De Anza Springs Campground (via 32 on the map above) and access the 8 from there...

both of these areas are in the charles wells book as well, though the sidekick map shows a bit more detail.

i'm looking forward to this trip too...now i better get busy, i've got some xmas presents to install before the 4th!

:elkgrin:

calamaridog

01-15-2006, 11:40 PM

David,

The campground is private property and it is gated. I don't know if the owner allows access through there or not. Maybe for his guests?

+ d

01-16-2006, 08:04 PM

ahh, interesting, that's probably why the charles wells book doesn't show that trail at all.

calamaridog

01-17-2006, 11:52 AM

So I was looking at the DeAnza Springs Resort and I just realized it is a nudist campground:shakin: :Wow1:

I think I will just drive around:eek:

calamaridog

01-20-2006, 04:45 AM

Just a note:

I know this was a day trip but there is a possibility some people may want to camp overnight. There is a small chance I may camp overnight too, just won't know for a while.

There are supposed to be some unimproved camp sites on some of the side canyons up towards Table Top Mt. and towards the Carrizo Gorge overlook.

Just a thought in case someone was really wanting to camp overnight:camping:

Scenic WonderRunner

01-22-2006, 03:45 AM

Bryan............

I can show you some of the best "View" campsites you have ever seen up there!!!!!!!!!!!:Wow1:

calamaridog

01-22-2006, 07:56 AM

You are not refering to the nudist camp are you:shakin:

Boston Mangler

01-22-2006, 06:27 PM

I know this was a day trip but there is a possibility some people may want to camp overnight. There is a small chance I may camp overnight too, just won't know for a while.

I would be interested in doing an overnight too! Looks like we will be around 4000ft so it might be pretty darn cold! Woo Hoo! Sounds like fun!

calamaridog

01-22-2006, 06:51 PM

I can't commit to overnight till next week:rolleyes:

Boston Mangler

01-22-2006, 06:53 PM

No Sweat!

Are we going to have your lift installed by then?

calamaridog

01-22-2006, 07:18 PM

No Sweat!

Are we going to have your lift installed by then?

I doubt it. I have to replace the O2 sensors tomorrow and install my new cb.

Then I work Wed-Sun this week, so I'm not sure when I'd get to it.

:rolleyes:

Scenic WonderRunner

01-22-2006, 07:45 PM

You are not refering to the nudist camp are you:shakin:

.....hehe....nope.

I'm talking about the eastern edge of Table Mtn. just before starting the downgrade (for a camping site) I did on Sat. The views are to die for!..........oh!.....and you could if you are not careful!

Boston Mangler

01-22-2006, 08:21 PM

I doubt it. I have to replace the O2 sensors tomorrow and install my new cb.

Then I work Wed-Sun this week, so I'm not sure when I'd get to it.

:rolleyes:

Gotcha! Let me know when you ready and we can do it here as discussed!

calamaridog

01-22-2006, 11:11 PM

Thanks:bowdown:

+ d

01-23-2006, 12:42 AM

...and install my new cb...

i just installed mine today! should be good to have for the trip...now i gotta figure out that whole SWR thing...

Scenic WonderRunner

01-23-2006, 02:47 AM

Did somebody say............."SWR".........hehe:elkgrin:

Boston Mangler

01-23-2006, 03:40 AM

i just installed mine today! should be good to have for the trip...now i gotta figure out that whole SWR thing...

where ya at? i am in clairemont and have a SWR meter. i need to do mine too! lemme know if you want to have an SWR party! LOL

calamaridog

01-23-2006, 09:03 AM

where ya at? i am in clairemont and have a SWR meter. i need to do mine too! lemme know if you want to have an SWR party! LOL

A SWR party? Wait for me! I'll have mine installed in a few days:jumping:

Boston Mangler

01-23-2006, 12:13 PM

A SWR party? Wait for me! I'll have mine installed in a few days:jumping:

This Saturday AM? @ My place in Clairmont? Does anyone have a long length of cable that goes from the CB to the Antenna?

calamaridog

01-23-2006, 03:23 PM

This Saturday AM? @ My place in Clairmont? Does anyone have a long length of cable that goes from the CB to the Antenna?

I'm supposed to be at work but maybe I can get off. Maybe we could install my OME too;)

+ d

01-23-2006, 08:07 PM

This Saturday AM? @ My place in Clairmont? Does anyone have a long length of cable that goes from the CB to the Antenna?

woohoo..b.y.o.cb!

i'm just downtown so clairmont is close, and i think saturday morning will work for me if others are available too...

unfortunately i don't have an extra cable like that...

+ d

01-23-2006, 08:08 PM

Did somebody say............."SWR".........hehe:elkgrin:

why is it always about you!?

(insert internet sarcasm here ;) )

Boston Mangler

01-24-2006, 11:28 AM

If you guys would like to come over Sat AM to do the tuning, hit me up with a PM. I am busy later in the day, but i am free in the AM. Sat around 8-11am or so

Boston Mangler

01-27-2006, 09:27 PM

Hey Guys

David and i are having a SWR Party @ My place in Clairemont this Saturday @ 1pm. Hit me with an email for directions if your interested!

speicher@san.rr.com

Thanks
Kevin

+ d

01-27-2006, 09:29 PM

10-4 good buddy!

Scenic WonderRunner

01-29-2006, 05:35 PM

Hey Guys

David and i are having a SWR Party @ My place in Clairemont this Saturday @ 1pm. Hit me with an email for directions if your interested!

speicher@san.rr.com

Thanks
Kevin

So Kevin.............

How did the SWR party go? Sorry "SWR" didn't make it to the SWR party. I think I'm pretty dialed in though.

How about somebody pick out and post a CB channel for the Smugglers Cave trip? That way if anybody shows up late, or can't meet in Alpine, they can still find the group.

Yesterday, just for the heck of it.....I took a 170 mile tour of the SD County backcountry. I explored the area that got hit by the Cedar Fire. I took the back trail that takes you from Pine Hills all the way to Descanso. Then I headed out east on the I-8 and did more exploring around Table Mountain. Fun day.....not as clear as last weekend, but nice to get out.

Boston Mangler

01-29-2006, 05:53 PM

So Kevin.............

How did the SWR party go? Sorry "SWR" didn't make it to the SWR party. I think I'm pretty dialed in though.

How about somebody pick out and post a CB channel for the Smugglers Cave trip? That way if anybody shows up late, or can't meet in Alpine, they can still find the group..

Eh, SWR party went ok. We got Davids down to 1.5 which is pretty good (but it can still get better)! I have never even seen or adjusted an antenna by "Cutting" it, so that was new to me!

My Wilson adjustable wasnt cutting the Mustard so i went down to Mud Shack per Davids recommendation and got a new antenna and stud mount (which is what the old timer there said was my problem) then the old timer proceded to hook up my junk to his fancy smancy digital tools, rip apart my antenna, pull something out of it hook everything back up and got it down to 0.5. All this cost me $35 (including parts and labor)! I highly recommend this guy!

How about CHANNEL 4 for the smugglers trip? Seems to be a common channel for offroad trips!

calamaridog

01-29-2006, 08:34 PM

Channel 4 it is!

Still at work:rolleyes:

Looking forward to some :sunny: next weekend:campfire:

Boston Mangler

01-29-2006, 08:42 PM

Cool

Did the "Boss" ok camping? :D

calamaridog

01-30-2006, 12:02 AM

Cool

Did the "Boss" ok camping? :D

I haven't finialized that yet:elkgrin:

Shouldn't be an issue;)

Boston Mangler

01-30-2006, 12:52 PM

Cool

Let me know when its finallyized!

It looks like if we are going to camp and want a fire (which we will since it will be cold out) that we need a permit

Thanks

Scenic WonderRunner

01-30-2006, 05:27 PM

Cool

Let me know when its finallyized!

It looks like if we are going to camp and want a fire (which we will since it will be cold out) that we need a permit

Thanks

Kevin,

Doing a fire would be questionable. When I was there on Sat. there were constant 35+ mph winds (I would not do a fire in these kind of winds...when I got home, my ears were wind burned for hours!) Unless it's an extremely calm day.....the wind is either racing toward the desert or racing toward the ocean. You will also need to bring your own wood. It's not like a forest up there.....nothing but scrub (I'm sure you know that already).

I guess what I am saying is.........have other options available to keep you warm just in case.

I have a campfire permit.

I'm considering camping also. I have a friend who is going to either meet me out there on Sunday afternoon or meet me at my house if I drive home Sat. night. Playing it by ear for now.....waiting to see what my son decides too.

We plan on camping Sunday night at Table Mtn. then Monday night in Anza~Borrego. I still need to decide if I need 3 nights of camping in a row so close to home!:rolleyes:

~Mark

calamaridog

02-01-2006, 03:54 PM

Ok, I'm officially camping.

I will have my dog with me, she is friendly and gets along with other dogs too.

Sorry for the long delay in answering that final question but there were some family things going on this weekend and I'm officially NOT involved in any of them.

I will bring my DVD player and propane heater so worst case scenario we can retreat to a large tent! Or sit in the Cruiser and enjoy the heated seats:shakin:

If the wind is going to be a problem, maybe we can find a nice canyon to camp in?

Does anyone have a small propane bbq? Mine moved to Utah with my brother last summer (along with the cooler I lent him:D )

Scenic WonderRunner

02-01-2006, 06:35 PM

Brian,

Yes there are lower canyon type areas farther out north then west at the Table Mtn. area (out past the radio/microwave towers:mad: ). At Least I think Tbl. Mtn. is where you guys mentioned ending the day and camping. One trail down (heading west/right near the 2nd radio tower area, bear left at that tower) is extremely steep, and since I have no lockers, I didn't want to try it last Sat. when I was out there again alone. There are a couple other easier trails to get down lower though. The views are just awesome! I am really surprised that I am hardly seeing any tire tracks on the trails out there.....for having such great views. I think it's kind of a little undiscovered gem!

I continued pretty far on the north bound trail (with the desert to my right) until I got to an off camber part with no tire marks on the trail......this trail continues north farther than I could see and drops down on the east side of the mtn. putting the top of mtn overhead at your west side. This area would shoot an eastbound wind over your head and still give you desert views.

Hope that helped some.

~Mark

............By the way...........I AM a Definate for Sat. I will bring my camping gear and can decide later Sat. if I want to camp.

calamaridog

02-01-2006, 07:09 PM

Mark,

Since I'm not familiar with the area I figured to play it as it comes, unless someone chimes in with the "I know a perfect spot" line:confused:

awalter

02-01-2006, 09:36 PM

I don't have the perfect spot, but you used to be able to camp around the "Valley of the Moon" which is just south of Smugglers Cave.

calamaridog

02-01-2006, 10:13 PM

I don't have the perfect spot, but you used to be able to camp around the "Valley of the Moon" which is just south of Smugglers Cave.

Too close to the border:Wow1:

I hear there are some great sites over there but my Border Patrol friends in that area and told me to stick to the North side of the fwy.

Boston Mangler

02-01-2006, 11:35 PM

Ok, I'm officially camping.

Cool! Me too!

Does anyone have a small propane bbq? Mine moved to Utah with my brother last summer (along with the cooler I lent him:D )

Yes, i will bring my propane BBQ and 2 cans of propane! Who is bringing stuff for the BBQ? :D Bring the food, i will cook it! its a win win! :D

This is going to be a blast!

Still meeting @ 7am at Carls Jr in Alpine? Its the one RIGHT OFF of the freeway right?

I will also be bringing my detailed map of the area so we can go exploring!

Woo Hoo!

calamaridog

02-02-2006, 12:09 AM

Yes, it's right off the fwy. Time and date are the same. I'll have some food for the BBQ. You bringing side dishes:beer: :lurk: :elkgrin: :eatchicke :chowtime:

:jump:

Boston Mangler

02-02-2006, 02:27 AM

Yes, it's right off the fwy. Time and date are the same. I'll have some food for the BBQ. You bringing side dishes:beer: :lurk: :elkgrin: :eatchicke :chowtime:

:jump:

I will see what i can come up with! House is stocked for a huge superbowl party, so i will try to smuggle some stuff out!

What rig are you taking? I got a friend with a 2wd Tundra that is interested but i think the trails may be too tough. Your thoughts?

Also, i will have my huge Power Inverter hooked up as well!

calamaridog

02-02-2006, 05:43 AM

I'm taking the Land Cruiser, the Jeep is a mall cruiser only for snowy roads.

2wd would be a definite no-no I think. You've got 4 seats right;)

Boston Mangler

02-04-2006, 12:39 AM

Ok, so who is actually going?

I will be at the Carls in Alpine @ 7am meeting Bryan. Anyone else?

What i am bringing

-Truck
-Water
-Propane BBQ
-3 Cans Of Propane
-Lantern
-Personal Camping Gear
-Spatula
-Some Cups
-Some Napkins
-Snacks for me
-Some Burgers

Anyone else?

You bring the food, i cook it on the BBQ! :D