Located in the arid desert of Anza-Borrego and only 15 miles from the Mexican border, the Goat Canyon Trestle is a marvel of engineering…and a haunting reminder of the power of nature. This dramatic railroad bridge has stood abandoned for 40 years, but intrepid adventurers can still take in knee-knocking views near this incredible site.
The Goat Canyon Trestle is the largest wooden railroad trestle in the world.
Yelp/Stephanie P.
The bridge is made of redwood beams, and is over 600 feet long and 186 feet high.
Flickr/urban archaeology
It is part of the Carrizo Gorge Track, which was called the “impossible railroad” during its construction in 1919.
Yelp/Stephanie P. Why so impossible? The track required that 17 tunnels and numerous trestles be carved and stretched over the forbidding landscape of Anza Borrego.
However, nature was not kind to this bridge. It suffered a good deal fire and flood damage over the years.
Flickr/el-toro
When hurricane Kathleen tore through the area in 1976, many tunnels and trestle beams collapsed. The Southern Pacific Railroad abandoned the line.
Yelp/Doris W.
The drama of this spot isn’t limited to the bridge itself. Abandoned rail cars lie scattered across the canyon below.
Flickr/el-toro
You can explore all around the trestle, including old train cars, tunnels and old railroad machinery.
Flickr/el-toro
This hike isn’t for the faint of heart or foot. There isn’t a shred of shade for the duration of the journey, and temperatures can get pretty steamy.
Flickr/el-toro
The hike to this bridge and back is about 6 miles roundtrip. The trek is of moderate difficulty for an experienced hiker, though the terrain is pretty uneven and you will have to do some scrambling.
Flickr/el-toro
If you’re going to hike this trail, you’ll need a GPS, lots of water, appropriate equipment and a bit of patience.
Flickr/el-toro
Explorers be warned: some of the boards aren’t in great condition. If you do attempt to cross the trestle, it is important to be aware of your footing and proceed with caution.
Flickr/el cajon yacht club
The Goat Canyon Trestle is one of the most magnificent abandoned structures in the region, and well worth a trek through the desert.
Flickr/el cajon yacht club
A note: while this trestle is abandoned and unused, it is still considered railroad property. This spot is a popular hiking destination and many explorers do venture out over the tracks, but it is recommended that you keep a distance of 100 feet from the trestle if you wish to avoid any possible citations. There are plans to renovate and possibly reopen the railroad in 2018.
Yelp/Stephanie P.
Flickr/urban archaeology
Yelp/Stephanie P.
Why so impossible? The track required that 17 tunnels and numerous trestles be carved and stretched over the forbidding landscape of Anza Borrego.
Flickr/el-toro
Yelp/Doris W.
Flickr/el cajon yacht club
The Goat Canyon Trestle can be found at Carrizo Gorge Road, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA.
Check out an awesome guide to the trestle hike below, including amazing aerial footage of the bridge. Thanks to YouTube channel “California Through My Lens.”
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