Trail Overview
This section of trail runs along the San Diego and Eastern Arizona Railway Tracks. It's a fun blast that parallels the tracks and shortcuts out a few of the longer loops if you are short in time heading out or back from the area. There are a few enjoyable washed-out sections with short steep hill climbs to test your articulation. There are also some nice rhythm sections where the trail has been whooped out. Tons of jackrabbits, small ground squirrels, and lizards rush out along your path for the entirety of the route. The turnkey vultures circle above in the sky, looking for their next meal. The abandoned tracks are interesting and beautiful, with wildflowers growing through them as the desert slowly reclaims the land. The old rail station has a decrepit water tower, loading dock, and small concrete guard shack-looking structure at the northern end. There's interesting graffiti about to explore and enjoy if that's your thing. There's one bar of Verizon LTE that fades in and out. This is a high-traffic area for illegal border activity. Be sure to report any suspicious activity to Homeland Security/Border Patrol and use caution when traveling in the area.
Difficulty
This trail is generally easy, with some short steep hill climbs and washout crossings. Some deep ruts may be deeper with each passing storm. There are also some short sandy sections that may be difficult with a vehicle that is not aired down. Keep in mind that all vehicles that enter the Anza Burrego wilderness must be street-legal and plated.
History
The San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway Company is a short-line Railroad founded in 1906 as the San Diego and Arizona Railway. (SD&A) by sugar magnate, developer, and entrepreneur John D. Spreckles. Dubbed "The Impossible Railroad" by many engineers of its day due to the immense logistical challenges involved, the line was established in part to provide San Diego with a direct rail link to the east by connecting with the Southern Pacific Railroad lines in El Centro, CA. SD&AE took over the SD&A's operations in 1933 after financial troubles led Spreckels' descendants to sell their interests in the railroad to the Southern Pacific. Through the years, natural disasters and vandalism rendered sections of the line unserviceable, and portions of the line have been sold to various interests. As a result, the majority of the line in this part of the desert is closed to public access.
