Abandoned Railroad and World's Highest Wooden Railroad Trestle

[@davidsonsmith3951]

This is what remains of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern RR, San Diego's desire to have a direct connection to the east without having to go through LA. It later became part of the Southern Pacific, but was abandoned after a flood some time ago that wiped out a bunch of the line that was in Mexico. There have been several attempts over the past 20-30 years to revive the line as a tourist RR, but all have fallen through. Those passenger cars were bought for that. They look like the ones I rode in my years on Chicago on the Chicago and Northwestern. It is amazing how taggers can show up even in the middle of nowhere! The 7 trestles, including the high one, were called "The Seven Sisters". They are in the Carrizo Gorge, which is absolutely amazing. Great video milady!

[@BillTheHawk]

Picked Switch -A set of five (5) former Chicago Northwestern (CNW) commuter cars that were acquired by Chicago Metra (METX) and later sold as surplus lies derailed across the turnout at Dubbers Spur on the Carrizo Gorge Desert Line. These former Chicago Northwestern commuter cars were leased to Chicago Metra by Union Pacific, and are owned by the East County Dirt Works, the successor in interest to the Carrizo Gorge Railway who got them from UP. Seven of these cars were purchased sometime between 2002 and 2008, and along with the three "Societe de Transport de la Communaute Urbaine de Montreal" cars (located on Carrizo Gorge Siding) they were to be used to provide commuter service between Tijuana and Tecate in Mexico. In spite of the former Carrizo Gorge Railway Company clearing the collapsed tunnels and getting the line passible again, the commuter deal with the Government of the State of Baja California fell through and the cars where later stored along the line where they have been rotting away ever since. As of this date, the location of two of the seven Metra cars is unknown, since there are only five of them at Dubbers Spur. Goat Canyon trestle is is seven (7) track miles away and Dos Cabazas Station (on the other end of the gorge) is 13.7 track miles eastward. This railroad was embargoed in 2008 and there have been no trains running on this track since that time.

[@uptownsquirrel1846]

Sarah, when I go through feelings of depression, I watch as many of your videos as it takes to pull me out. You are one of the best KZbinrs on that platform.

[@kenhorn6489]

omg Val! im suffering with deppression also. and this is also what gets me through it. im just woundering if you are ok now.

[@gracieg7601]

That’s really cool thst her videos help you through the depression. I’m so glad. My DIL had bipolar disorder and in 2018 she took a bunch of medications poured vodka on top of it and hung herself in the closet. It was awful. Please don’t do that to your family.

[@gracieg7601]

Beautiful scenery!

[@clydeprather941]

Goat Creek Canyon sure beats Trainspotting@ Cajon Pass!Thank you Wonderhussy!

[@tracysweet3676]

I don't remember watching before, but I liked it. Watching it now with my hubby (you're our happy spot in watching random video's together) and had to jump in with a hug from hearing your story on your father's departure. We love you & love to watch your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. Take care and know that you are loved. Brightest Blessings

[@rileydog362]

It was interesting hearing the story of your dad. I am sorry for you and him. I was a locomotive engineer for 39 years and hit several people . It was difficult from my perspective too and I remember every one . I always felt bad for the victim and what brought them to that point. You are a tough chick and I really enjoyed this video for many reasons . Take care and looking forward to your other videos .

[@Mnrusty1]

Can’t begin to imagine the overwhelming shock and sadness losing your dad in that way. Am very sorry. He would be so proud of your adventurous spirit and your passion and talent in sharing it with others. Tremendous job on this video. Thank you.

[@edwardestes8038]

So years later Sarah...here i still am.This was the very first video i watched of yours and all the ones in between.....iv'e never watched a bad on.Always great and interesting content....and thank you for sharing your adventures with us people who hardly even venture out of our homes....let alone the chair in front of our pc.

[@justken4851]

Visited 4/2023. Attempted to bike this trail. Northbound gates on two of the tunnels were permanently locked. Dragging our bikes over the foot trail up and around each of those two mountains was a PITA. Scenery is fantastic! Plenty of spring wild flowers and greenery due to all the recent rains. 👍

[@martinedaniel5634]

Thank you Sara for your kind words for those of us who are suffering, and your videos have lifted my spirits and taken me on many adventures! Merci! If anyone really needs an escape watch Erwin Saunders searching for Pixies in the forests in England. Very entertaining. 😃

[@tom7601]

The Goat Canyon Trestle has a sprinkler system with a big tank on the hillside. The idea was to prevent fires back in the steam locomotive days. It was never used and is still in place as far as I know.

[@human1time]

Thanks for taking me along again. I always enjoy your hikes. I didn’t realize you had lost your dad. I’m sorry he had to experience so much pain and that your family had to share in it.

[@garysprandel1817]

Wonderhussy those are former Chicago area commuter cars. Vast majority of those smooth side coaches were of Chicago & Northwestern and Rock Island heritage and were in service until about 10 years ago when our RTA Metra surplused them out to other commuter services,museums and private owners. Did not see one in the line but in service they would have a rear car with a cab do the train could operate with the locomotive on one end in pull service and then return the locomotive would push and be controlled from the cab car. The correct term for the " gaskets " between the cars is diaphragm and in proper installation you could pass between cars while moving. History or Science channel covered this line and the trestle and the geology of that area doomed the line and iirc the area where you saw the second bore was where they had a derailment ( the car and debris in the canyon) due to a rockslide and the second bore was to bypass the rotten cliffside when the rest of the mountain came down and the San Diego & Arizona Eastern just cut their losses and eventually folded.

[@88billythekid8]

Very touching for you to share that story about your father. I'm glad you have found joy in your life, that is something I certainly need to improve upon. Your videos are quite an inspiration, thank you

[@malcolmmcclintick6787]

Sarah, you may not have vertigo, but I do, and my knees actually got weak watching you on that high trestle! As usual, great video.

[@AlEtreum781]

Wonder Hussy all through the video I had that song you were singing stuck in my head! I always feel like somebody’s waatching meeee! I love watching your videos specially with you a beautiful women in them!! Sorry about your dad passing away....

[@williamhickstein685]

It's a local commuter train, same as we use today when going from the suburbs to Chicago. The last car is just a Flat Car with a wooden addition. My family worked for the railroad since the late 1800's and my father was the last one who retired in 1981, but I worked as a designer and machinist for Electro-Motive Div. of G.M. and we built Diesel Locomotives in LaGrange, Illinois.

[@ignatswilliams]

The Tamarack surf crew just talked about this trestle near Sandy Eggo. This is it. You are amazing. The longest or deepest train trestle ever. You are the land surfer of all time. Kelly Slater of exploring......I only surf on alternate Tuesdays.

[@garyhallmann4376]

Thanks again for another great video on the land out side of the Chicago snow covered squirrel watching suburbs.

[@TheRootsMan]

Hello Wonderhussy - I have recently stumbled across your videos and thought to thank you for visiting and sharing your adventures out in all these interesting, secluded and/or abandoned places out in the desert. I live in New York City and very seriously doubt that I'll ever have an opportunity to check these beautiful places out for myself, you know - to actually, physically be there and to take a look around for myself and get the feel of each place . . . So anyway, I just wanted to pause for a moment and give you a genuine heartfelt thanks. My eyes have been opened to many new and interesting places because of your consistently good-natured interest in sharing these fascinating desert adventures - and for that I Sincerely Thank You!

[@tgrif04]

I really enjoyed this video. My Dad worked as a brakeman on the railroad when we lived in Oklahoma. Then, when I was stationed in Alaska, every year we would load up all of our motorized equipment and troops and move them from Ft Richardson (Anchorage) to Ft Wainwright (Fairbanks). That was a beautiful ride.

[@samalcala6823]

that's so sad and awful about your dad but know we love you can't be without your ventures your dad would love your explorations we love Wonder hussy ♥️

[@mikenolan4871]

I did that hike a few years ago, but in the summer. The tunnels were blessedly cool! And dark, as I had no flashlight. The trains didn't have all that graffitti on them at that time. I remember seeing Montreal Municipal written on the pair farther down the tracks, though Quebec is the same province I believe. Great hike! Worth doing again!

[@maryp1759]

You are my favorite explorer. Thanks to you and your Sister/friends. Very informational & your personality keeps it so upbeat. May your Dad be at peace sweetie. So sorry for your family’s loss💐

[@snackman2005]

You are officially the queen of deserted places! Just when I think you have run out of places to explore. You find a train. Really enjoyed the video!

[@jefflogue4884]

That trestle is magnificent. A beautiful work of art.

[@chromabotia]

Don't suppose you have time to read all these comments, but here are some random notes. So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and the manner of his passing. That's a rough one. Mono or Bi depression is very bad and I have wrestled with it - called for some judicious self medication. Runs in my family, runs in many families. Appreciated your segment where we walk out of the dark, fearsome tunnel into the bright light - I'll play that back along with your good rendition of "Happy Days". Sarah you have a great singing voice - I remember one of your adventures where you found a lonely abandoned house right by the Santa Fe main line - you really cut loose with some great songs. Keep singing and keep talking, your narrations are a BIG plus to your whole channel. Oh, and the orange seats in the first batch of cars is orange Naugahyde circa late 50's - early 60's. And thanks as always...

[@roundmidnightsuttree]

Looks like the Train To Nowhere. Thanks for the story about your Dad. You are loved.

[@Shalako1946]

Thank you for the journey to the BEST wooden trestle in the United States....if not the world. Being born and raised in San Diego I've wanted to go there to view it, just haven't made it...yet. Didn't know there were abandoned passenger cars along the way, now I can add them to my model railroad. Again, many thanks for your video.

[@raymondcline8194]

That brought back some great memories, I worked for the transportation system in Philly before I retired and I can tell you that was a great video... thanks wonder hussy as always a great video.

[@henrylewis1256]

Wonderhussy Adventures What a Nice find of this Abandoned Railroad and all these Passenger cars, Just wondering how many years these cars have been sitting there, And that old Wooden Trestles..Very Awesome video And all the Amazing scenery, thanks for sharing.. I just Subscribed to your channel Since I am also a rail fanner I do quite a lot of filming of FEC Freight trains and Brightline/Virgin Trains USA where I live In Dania Beach Florida... Have a Wonderful evening.. Big Thumbs Up.. 👍

[@denaredford6701]

I really like trains . 🚞 Thanks for the happy days Sarah . You always come through with a positive out come . 👍🏻

[@lookingupwards8652]

I love your words of encouragement for those feeling discouraging times. I constantly encourage others it’s how I’m wired. I wish everyone would take the time and reach out to others in a uplifting manner. By the way I enjoy your videos and admire your personality and drive, :)

[@100inthewind]

I think it's the highest CURVED trestle. Your videos are always great. But what makes them super great is that your in them!

[@doskraut]

I've been exploring the deserts for 45 years and it's a treat to see a young lady enjoy exploring as much as I.

[@melissasueh.]

The flat car with the platform on it was used for maintenance inside the tunnel. It is a lot older than the passenger cars. The line was last used in 2003-2006 to move sand from the desert to Campo where the San Diego concrete companies picked it up to take down to the city. The train museum in Campo has a lot more information on the line if anyone is interested.

[@12ar34sw]

I loved that video. The track on the west side of the tunnel is still classified as active. The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, in Campo, CA (www.psrm.org/) maintains the track. They occasionally will send speeders to the trestle. The museum is a great. They maintain live rolling stock and are open on weekends. There are train rides heading west out of Campo, heading to the Mexican border. The trip is about 12 miles one way. If you are in that area, the trip is worth it. The ride is beautiful and educational. You can walk the train yard and see all of the different trains and cars. There are several nice buildings with a lot of restored equipment.

[@barbaraann7664]

Wow! The landscape, the trains, the tunnels and trestles, what a great video!

[@virtualcardshoppetraveland3655]

Thank you for sharing your personal story, recently a member of my family also passed away from depression. Your story helps. Keep on keeping on.😍😍😍

[@glamper-jan]

That was an awesome hike Sarah! You and your sister did a good job!

[@vondumozze738]

Great job! I've seen other videos of this trek, each with a bit more insight. Sorry about your dad; I've lived with depression for decades, but don't suffer from it. I have helped and been helped. Nice voice, and I like the way you just break out in song.

[@johndiaz7240]

You are the best! Thanks,love your commentary. We were in Death Valley and found the road that overlooks Saline Valley (Cerro Gordo) thanks to you.

[@stfrsc]

Another great one, WH! So sorry to hear about your father. That track through Carrizo Gorge was active as recently as a few years ago. Just search "Carrizo Gorge" on KZbin to find the eastbound and westbound videos. Silent screen actress Louise Brooks filmed a movie with Wallace Beery around Jacumba and up the gorge on the train in the late 1920s. She was a ballsy broad who made her own way and reminds me of you quite a bit. Anyway, I highly recommend her biography "Lulu in Hollywood" which discusses that adventure in a very entertaining way. The movie, Beggars of Life", was available on KZbin the last time I checked.

[@paulcalhoun6339]

Keeping going east on I-8 about 40/50 miles to my home area, the Imperial Valley, specifically Calipatria. Love the vids

[@dereckmcmahon1404]

You have peeked my interest . I would swear that here in B C on the K V R railway we have deeper canyons spanned by taller tressels that are hundreds of feet high . I'll look into it .

[@buddy8225]

As a fan of railroads, I really enjoyed this video. I'll have to put this on my vacation list of places to visit.

[@markromero5331]

Thanks for sharing the journey, really enjoyed it. And sorry to hear about your Father. He would be Proud of You, sharing your experiences to the world. 😆

[@ErnestoG3]

I was just there a few days ago! Great hike. Scary tunnels when alone though.

[@stevensprinkle-jones9438]

Where is this at? I want to go

[@jeffreygreer]

@@stevensprinkle-jones9438 southeast of san diego near the border in the sonoran high desert

[@TheAdventuresofMrMrsB]

What a great adventure. Loved both of the trestles and the tunnels. 14 miles round trip. Awesome.

[@mikehevalow261]

I really enjoy going on these adventures with you. I learn so much and the beautiful scenery is awesome. I am sorry about your father... God Bless, sister, keep on keepin' on.

[@genewest7690]

great video Sarah! back in the mid- seventies, we used to hop the train in Campo,and ride through the Corrizo gorge and get off in Seely,California... 22 trestles and tunnels...it was awesome

[@whywidehide]

Wanderhussy, gosh you are such an interesting explorer. I always look forward to your adventures. I will research that train route, it is very interesting. I still think the travel channel would be lucky to work a series around your explorations. Be very careful in remote places like that.

[@wallacewood2126]

That type of car is still used on the Chicago area Metra commuter lines. They are roughly 30 - 40 years old. Two different batches were built. The newer batch has larger windows. The cars in service are being rebuilt right now. The RR was the San Diego and Arizona. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_and_Arizona_Railway

[@mobiltec]

If I remember right that trestle is 350 feet at it's highest. Believe it or not, I know every inch of that track intimately. I built a 4 passenger car that I rode up and down those tracks before they were rebuilt all the way up almost to the top of Mt. Jacumba. We did that back in the mid to late 70s. The car went 35 mph and held up to 4 people. That long tunnel you were in is where we once came across 3 female hikers doing what you were doing. We had lights on our train and we scared the bejesus out of these girls in the middle of the tunnel. They thought a real train was coming and didn't know if there was enough room to be safe. If you want to hear the rest of the story and see photos PM me. I'll be glad to share.

[@garbage854]

Cool :)

[@mentallyilldarkjeroid5378]

It would be droll to build a dolly that rolls on rails, then tie it up under a railroad car that has the highest underbelly clearance, like a tanker car. The dolly would ride between the wheel trucks of that car as the train starts rolling along but if the ropes ever came untied, I guess it would keep rolling by inertia but as it slowed, the car's rear wheel trucks would be catching up to it. What a horrible landscape though. People need to buy up my "Impact" a James Grider ebook on Amazon and linked in my videos so I can afford to buy a house and move out of a desert place like that where I live now into a forested place since a forest gives a lot more privacy and shelter.

[@mobiltec]

When we looked up the history back in the 70s BEFORE GOOGLE we found information telling us that the trestle I am talking about was 350 feet at it's highest. I may have this trestle mixed up with another one up the ways a bit but they all look much alike and much of the infrastructure has been upgraded since we rode those tracks. The thing about it is this though. When we were riding our little cart over those trestles, a few of them were not there any longer and only the tracks tied together with the ties still went across. NO TRESTLE... Washed out by floods years earlier. The tracks sagged in the middle and you had to have a running start coming out of one tunnel in order to make it all the way across and up the other side into another tunnel. It was a gas man.

[@kiheirc3195]

Thank you for the additional information enjoyed your little story about it very cool buddy

[@obtomSD]

I found this info. --- The Carizzo Gorge Railroad was once known as "The Impossible Railroad". It was built in 1919, cost a whopping $18 million to construct and took 12 years to finish! It was called the Impossible Railroad largely due to the fact that it required 17 tunnels and multiple trestles in order to run. Spanning from Yuma, AZ to San Diego

[@BillHawkins0318]

I love your narration. The video was very interesting. Very good camera work. I felt like I was there. The second set of cars was certainly older than the first. I also took German when I was in high school. That half mile tunnel was amazing. So sorry to hear about you father.

[@MrSpongie1]

Wow Wonder Hussy that was one hell of vid. I love how you mentioned the light at the end of the tunnel at the time marker 19:33.... I too like your father have Bi-polar and it's not easy to live with. I hope to some day check this place out before it gets blocked off from being able to get there. Thanks again for the video I love Trains and Art work~!

[@dekcgi7891]

..... Like your smile..... Love your style.....Park your train and stay a while.....!!

[@steve94044]

I remember seeing parts of this railroad on Hewell Howser’s California’s Gold series on Public Television. I think the episode of this is on KZbin. Hewell said at one time this railroad went across the border to a town in Mexico. Maybe Tecate’? Thanks for your visit to the train. I didn’t see it on TV.

[@paulmanson253]

Good footage and continuous narrative by a cheerful extrovert. Very nice. Thanks girls.

[@johnholcomn8560]

Amazing journey once again.

[@retiredrenegadeadventures6911]

Ok girl, I am impressed. We both explore and YOU are finding the coolest stuff in my own backyard! GREAT JOB AS USUAL!

[@leehurley8358]

This was the greatest adventure yet! It had everything. Great job.

[@jimmyjames5514]

Jeez....is my neck of the woods! Love your show!

[@terrysantamaria6069]

Great job thank you for sharing. There’s actually a video on history or discovery about how the railroad built it.

[@Allen-in6de]

Ok Wow what a trip!! I've watched all of your videos some more than once but I think this might be my favorite it's got everything trains,tunnels,desert,views unbelievable nice job. Keep exploring and be safe.

[@karlfonner7589]

Thank you for this video! To Sydney right out of my depression! Made me realize how important life is

[@cindyhatch5062]

I've been diagnosed with Severe Depressive Disorder & suffered from debilitating PTSD in the past I live for my daughter! Sara binge watched lots older vids last night & u always entertain.✌

[@bryanveihl5273]

I love all your videos interesting and I share them with friends and family when out West myself. After watching your videos for the first time and I loved it

[@shanesmaineshop]

Abandon stuff is cool, thanks for sharing.

[@highlonesomerob5053]

Super cool! One of my favorite Wonder Hussy adventures yet!

[@LeopoldMidas]

This is one of your best ever videos wonderhussy!

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

Very interesting hike. The scenery is really beautiful.

[@dianeobrocki9548]

Cool Video. Keep up the adventures. I love to watch you and the wonderful outwest adventures. I keep wanting to go on a vacation out there hopefully soon.

[@randym.5140]

Thanks for sharing about your loss...we have something in common, my Dad was depressed as well and took his life as well. I guess I 'm not alone...peace to u.

[@jenclark3021]

Randy M. Sorry for your loss my dad too took his life in 08.

[@danmarkis3785]

Thank you very much for that, I am a huge rail fan.I like most of your stuff.

[@adamfrbs9259]

Come to Wi if ya wanna check out the longest bike trail tunnel, old tracks, now like a 1.5 mile tunnel or so and then another right after.

[@jwelk1023]

The bilevels are ex-METRA, Chicago. There are a lot of them out there, many were bought secondhand for investments in case some city wanted a cheap commuter train. Nashville and Salt Lake City use them. The single levels are Canadian Pacific Railway 800s, about the last open-window coaches in use in the US and Canada. They were used on the Montreal Dorion-Rigaud commuter line in Montreal until about 2002 or so. They were also good investments since they don't have a costly HVAC system to maintain. Perfect for sightseeing railroads. The seats are bus seats.

[@jimmeroliver4213]

Awesome video love that hike an abandon train cars

[@CChapin831]

That's a good long hike. Great video.

[@offandrunning8771]

So glad you made it back safely WH. Nice desert scenery, and enjoyed the singing too.

[@kenbritton6782]

Amazes me how much time and labor some of these abandoned places took.

[@rmason9842]

Wow girl ! Love your sense of adventure, your excitement and explanations! Just saw this video for the first time 5/24/20 and this is on my bucket list. Damn, where were girls like you when I was 30yrs younger. Never lose your curiosity!

[@artfraner4318]

That tressle reminds me of “Stand by me”. Yikes. You , young lady , are braver than I Keep up the awesome videos. I love em.

[@morelanmn]

I know you love your sister but Some of us would like to see more of her and hear her talk. Ask her for me to get more involved.. She will also go down in history.

[@BlankBrain]

The tracks originally went up the canyon further before crossing and coming back down. The geology was so unstable that they had to build the trestle and abandon the old line. The curved design helps withstand the wind. I have the Mother of Pearl (crackled ice) laminate in my bathroom (grey) and kitchen (red). It's pretty amazing that the 1952 counters and cabinets have survived. I'm keeping the MCM look, and was able to buy a like-new '60s DaCor double oven at Restore for $75. I'm planning to "build it in" without damaging anything original. The plastic laminate is $450 per sheet, and it's nowhere as good as the original. I should have bought a bunch of Formica Red Ellipse when it was available!

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Wow, thanks for another great adventure in the desert.

[@HUNGUSind]

The “mystery tunnel” in your video at 17:00 was the first / original tunnel, but due to cave-ins during construction, the tunnel was abandoned and another tunnel was constructed. I’m only sharing this with you because you’re so wonderful! :)

[@madddog7]

Much of the desert in east county, san diego is super rough. Your video showed that quite well. Don't get lost in that country !

[@donaldgilbert6739]

Two things I love together, Trains and Wonderhussy!

[@PhillipJames100]

Excellent adventure, keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@cfinstr]

The tracks were closed down after the remnants of a hurricane cam up the Pacific Ocean and made a hard RIGHT TURN over the Coastal range between San Diego and Ocotillo California. The resulting flood waters washed out the rail line and destroyed half of Interstate 8. (I do not remember if it was the West Bound or the East Bound route of I-8 ). That was The Tropical Depression of Hurricane Kathleen in Mid September 1976. 6 people in Ocotillo drowned as a result of the flood. Ocotillo is the South-Westernmost town in Imperial Valley, California. I grew up in that Valley/County.

[@joeMW284]

The first set of train cars you showed was used for Metra commuter service in Chicago.

[@RalphGuest]

So sorry to hear how you lost your dad, my deepest condolences to you and your family

[@spongehead1354]

Wow that rebar and all the metal there is a small fortune there! You include the train cars and the train rails and it's a big fortune! Must be nice just to throw a fortune away!

[@quietlike]

Thats awesome. You gotta come up with a book or something with all the places youve been! I totally wanna hit up so many of these places youve been. keep moving!

[@bendeleted9155]

I love it! It looks like they shot a movie with it. Deliberately threw the switch between trucks on the last car, it would appear. Wild ass guess through. I think Huell Howser did an episode of California's Gold on the tall trestle and the derailment, but I don't think he covered the rolling stock on the tracks. Thanks WH 😎

[@Millenniumforce]

Tracks went out of service about a decade ago and is now being restored for future trains to run through there. They just moved the passenger cars out of the way for it. We have made some comedy videos there

[@mobiltec]

Not the first attempt at this. They keep trying to save those tracks and floods and earthquakes keep taking them out.

[@joshuaherpolsheimer3541]

Where did they move the cars to?

[@kabrogan1]

LMAO!! I thoroughly enjoy your enthusiastic narrative and the high-energy tenacious descriptiveness. Chicks crack me up!! ;-)

[@bukasb]

The 3 train cars on the Trustle are around the 70s 80s and early 90s.They were once AMT Commuter Rail Coaches from Canada. Great Catch and Great Vid

[@erictaylor5462]

The guy who owned Scotty's Castle in Death Valley got a huge number of railroad ties to use as firewood, but then he found out the ties had been treated chemically so they wouldn't burn. They are still up there if you want to explore over there. Ask the park service about it. I think you'd enjoy Death Valley (in winter, it's too damn hot in the summer). There are tons and tons of old abandoned mining towns around there. I liked "Skidoo 22". That's the town where a bar tender with the same name as my Brother in law was murdered, and the hung the killer twice.