Looking for the Ruins of Mountain Springs Station & the Old Wagon Roads

The mountains between San Diego and Imperial County in California were long considered impassable. Steep mountains and canyons covered in boulders with very few sources of water made direct wagon travel between San Diego and the east impossible. Then in the 1850s, a path began to form. The path wasn't easy going though, and a frequent saying from the time was that "only the courageous or the desperate try to cross the mountains between San Diego and the Colorado river."
With the opening of the wagon road, the portion of the route that descended into Mountain Springs Station became one of the steepest portions of the road. With a water source there, Mountain Springs Station became an important spot for sheepherders after the route was discovered, and by the 1860s a store was located there.
In the 1870s the stone store became a toll house and as the 1900s came around Mountain Springs Station became a water stop for early automobiles. The opening of a new road in 1913, and later Highway 80 and Interstate 8, cut off access to the Mountain Springs Station site, and for the last century it has sat there abandoned, the only visitors arriving on foot of by four-wheel-drive.
For more information on the history of Mountain Springs Station check out Joe Streetman's article for the San Diego History Center: sandiegohistor...
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[@johnbell877]

"And by discovered, I mean Native Americans who were long aware of the trail told him about it," delivered in a tone as dry as the landscape here. LOL, this is one of the reasons I love your videos Steve.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

I just hiked a trail across the cascade mountains in Canada. The Hudson Bay Company was desperate to find a route inland that stayed north of the new international border at the 49th parallel. It was the same with this trail, the local natives showed the surveyors the route they had used for thousands of years.

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

Knowing a bit about sheep, I’m fairly certain that the rock walls were built to keep the livestock from wandering away at night. They would have guardian dogs in there with them to run off the coyotes.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That's likely it. I'm pretty sure there are mountain lions in the area too. A lone sheep would be an easy meal.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Keeping sheep together at night does protect them better because the sheepherders can watch the entire flock and notice predators faster than if the sheep were spread out. Yes, I've had sheep, and I've known a few sheepherders in my day. Guardian dogs are a big help.

[@Blend-24]

Very informative video!! Thanks for posting. A northern route, (also a trail of native americans) used for years and years is a popular 4wd overland trail called “Mojave Road”.

[@comontoshi]

@@SidetrackAdventures “sheep” dogs . . . burros also packed the camp equipment and would kill coyotes . . . the burros were the “guardian dogs” . . . 😎

[@louisliu5638]

@@comontoshi love those videos with burros dealing with canines. also Basque sheepherders were being brought over in many USA sheep areas and probably brought guardian dogs with them??? Or Austrians with the Akbash or C. dogs as well. but yeh, coyotes could get those sheep real easy.

[@travelingtimothy]

You have one of the best KZbin channels regarding history and old ruins. Keep up the great work!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@Chris...66]

I agree 100%. Recently discover this channel and I am watching all the videos. I live in the Tucson area, and have driven I-8 many times to San Diego. I have seen this trail and always wondered what it was. Now I know.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

I feel for those horses. 30% grade is no joke when you're towing a stagecoach. I used to live in the mountains up in Northern California and there was a stage road over the pass with the same setup; a ranch in a meadow on each side of the pass where they would hook up some helper horses, or perhaps oxen. Thanks for sharing your little adventure, and drink a toast to the pioneers.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, that steep of a grade had to be a nightmare in both directions.

[@368fan4]

I actually dove semi big rig NO trailer loaded with K-rail up 18% Grade. No joke .... Scared the hell out of me 1st gear up/down the three thousand foot Mt. Told my Boss will not go back for the pickup,...

[@elizabethbogle3533]

Many times those animals died making that hard trip too.

[@freddymartin6911]

My great, great grandfather, joseph Swycaffer, drove the mule mail stagechoach between San Deigo and Yuma, AZ. He most likely stopped at the springs to water the mules. He homesteaded in Ballena, 9 miles out of Ramona towards Julian on the Old Julian Highway.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That's really cool. He would have stopped there for sure.

[@MarshallMcCrory]

​@@SidetrackAdventures I think it would be kind of cool if for short trips/distances someone could actually develop a stage line between towns.I know it's probably a logistical nightmare,but it would be kind of cool.

[@SpanishEclectic]

As a long-time San Diego native, this was so neat to see. I've studied a bit about transportation through that area, and out east toward Yuma. Even driving down that 6% grade with semi-trucks behind me is nerve-wracking...there is a reason for that runaway truck ramp. The old stagecoach routes were crazy, though most travel back then was a major challenge. I've been out to the Carizzo Stage station near Ocotillo many years ago. I love learning more about our local history, and really enjoy your 'boots on the ground' videos so I can explore these places secondhand.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@stevejordan2840]

I have driven down that grade many times in a truck. Yes it is nerve wracking.

[@uniquetoyz6215]

That’s pretty cool. Thank you Steve for the videos. I share them with my 91 year old uncle. I think his favorite is Mrs Orcuts driveway.

[@rickkaylor8554]

You always find the coolest places and describe the history so well. Yet another place on my bucket list to visit - but not in the summer.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Oh yeah. I've been waiting for it to cool down to go out here.

[@TheBlueBunnyKen]

Pretty much lived here my whole life and didn't realise how much history is in the mountains

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Same - born and raised in Imperial County, although I've lived in northern CA for almost 30 years now.

[@stevewixom9311]

A terrific video. I did a little research on the Army Officer that "discovered" the trail. Nathaniel Lyon was stationed near San Diego after the Mexican War. Later, in 1861 he led the Union forces at the Battle of Wilsons Creek, Mo. where he was killed.

[@AllyMcFancysp1xn]

Thank you for that. It's always great to have "footnotes" added. Nice!

[@rayworx]

Moved from the SD area in '79 (my family moved from LA to SD in '54 when I was 2 years old) and used to ride our motorcycles out I-80 past Desert Tower. Can't say how many times I climbed the tower for the desert view but enjoyed it every time. I never knew about the 'wagon trail' but can see why it was called impossible! Great video.... like always!!

[@shawnschneider2842]

Loving your background music rather than the older videos. Calming with a bring ya back mindset music kinda in keeping with your videos history theme.

[@ourv9603]

Back in the bad old days before the ridge route was built the only way to travel from the southland north into the Great Central Valley one had to transverse dozens of canyons to work your way into the valley. Once there, every traveler headed for the Kern river. At the river was a ranch with a kind owner. He always welcomed travelers to stop and pitch a tent. Graze their animals across the road in his field. Bathe in the river & replenish all their water barrels. It didnt take long for this mans kindness was known far & wide. Everyone made a point to stop at his camping field & recoop for the journey ahead. This ranchers name was Baker. And his camping field was known as Bakers Field. !

[@jlmplos]

Thank you.

[@HansCombee]

Nice! Stumbled on this beautiful story of American history. We stood at the exact same spot near the lookout tower when we were passing through on our 2017 holiday in the US. Can't wait for the next visit.

[@christopherrosing4473]

I really enjoyed the drone footage and how it worked so well to illustrate the history. Great video, thanks Steve!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@lorijohnson3620]

Loved this video as I own some property at Mountain Springs exit. My grandfather used to run the rock shop at the old water station and saloon. I would love to know more about that area. The spring was grandfathered for us to use. Not the one you showed but there is a smaller one just down the hillside there. It has huge palms but it is now just a seep. We also put in for a historical marker but the rock tower won. They cannot have two historical markers so close to each other so the water filling station and saloon arent mentioned. Knowing that stretch of road there is at least someone that goes over the guardrails about once a month.

[@richard1868]

Great stuff. I'm an 80 year old from Yuma and traveled the old Highway 80 in the 50s and knew nothing about this other historical stuff. Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stevejordan2840]

I driven up that grade on I8 a hundred times and never knew about this. I have seen the signs for Desert Spring but never thought much about it. Good stuff!

[@Jbennyho]

Great history presentation. One of your best. Those sheep herders probably had some good sheep dogs to protect their flocks, slept nearby, and were armed themselves. Thanks for the video. Love the old road history. You went to substantial effort to show us the old routes in person and with drone shots. Great job!

[@garyharrall4002]

I enjoy these videos. So much unknown history in this country. Especially out west. The people on the Interstates have no idea they're passing history. I've been on that highway as a truckdriver and had no idea any if this existed.

[@corralescruiser8957]

Just found your channel! I'm really enjoying your videos. When I was living in Santee back in the mid 80s I loved taking drives up into the mountains and the deserts. Watching your vids are bringing back memories! Now that I'm retired and in Vegas I have time to come down and explore!

[@miguelnavarro2571]

Another great video Steve! Love that you're bringing positive light to our beautiful state with so much bad publicity nowadays

[@wanaraz]

The state is absolutely the finest state in America but the politics is absolutely the worst in America. Whatever bad publicity California gets they have earned it and I am a Californian although I left in 2020. That really broke my heart because democrats have destroyed a great state.

[@larrychiea1049]

I think you are doing an amazing job at recording history. Its awesome to watch. As an archaeologist I love that you research each site. Keep doing it!

[@NYSteve]

excellent tour guide, great equipment, great speaking voice, good knowledge and research, thanks again!

[@Lizerator]

Just found your videos! I have always been intrigued by this area and find this very interesting.

[@parlance.electricco]

I loved every second of this. San Diego is my favorite SoCal city.

[@bomax5995]

Thank you for the video. Living west of Stockholm we have a "Roadmuseum" where you can see the road built in the late 1900 the 1800 road and the 1700 road built by russian prisoners of war. I can even take a walk on the 1600 road where everything and everyone coming in from the West of sweden had to use. History is facinating.

[@veetors]

I live in Japan now and I love watching your videos showing the desert and it’s history. The area between Jacumba and the S2 is especially beautiful.

[@TomG-zw9qb]

Oh my gosh...this is the channel we've been looking for dude ! Thanks 😊

[@littleSallyJo]

I am enjoying your exploration videos so much! Isn't it amazing how many of the original pathways are still visible, thanx to Google Earth and the perseverence of adventurers & explorers like yourself! Great work & thanx for sharing it all with us!!

[@justinfleming3551]

Yes, I agree and so enjoy these videos too! This man’s videos are the best. I love seeing these remote areas and it makes me want to explore some of them myself. Most of us have no idea how vast our country really is. I got a taste for how huge the land is when I helped move a friend to Tennessee from San Diego, CA and drove the entire 2,000 mile distance in 4 days!!! 😅 We started on the I-8 East and I loved when we reached the mountainous area. As the entire trip took only 4 days, it was a whirlwind journey, but I was fascinated by the geography. I love how the mountains lead to the deserts and how quiet the backcountry is. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I grew up pretty provincial, but I have the exploration bug in me lol. I want to see new things and places that were abandoned long ago. Somehow it gives me a sense of nostalgia for the long forgotten past. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. 😊

[@martyjoseph9507]

Great videos, everything just flows together and you really know how to show off the topic. I love the original roads and since one can't get to them all, I'll look forward to watching your adventures to places I've been in the past, and places I'll not make it to or never heard of.

[@davidmann6034]

Can't get out much anymore, thankful how I can travel with you makes a good Saturday for me KEEP on truckin 👍

[@mrfixitman75]

THANK YOU! Some of my next trips are planned because of you! Thank you for clean fun and awesome knowledge you are sending out!

[@ChrisW-17]

Great video Steve! As soon as your video started I wondered if you'd be able to find any structure(s) out there. That area is so forlorn, yet beautiful. Some great behind the scenes info and photos! I apreciate all the research you must do for an adventure like this.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@Laffy1969]

I love your videos bro. So well narrated, researched and edited. So great that you make these and post them for everyone to enjoy. Thank you so much!

[@susanherman3707]

Love watching your videos. I learn alot from them. I have traveled that section of I-8 many times and have been to the tower a few times, but I was very interested in learning about the old roads. Thank you!

[@dougtodd305]

I love history, and historical transportation,l never lived in so. Cal,but love traveling those areas . Cant get enough of the desert.thanks for what you do!

[@davidostermann8377]

Thank You! We were talking about exploring these roads. Now we know what they are all about

[@robertfritz9916]

We enjoy your videos. We lived in Poway for 40 years before moving to Idaho, though we spend the winter months in Canebrake. Some of your adventures we have shared, many we have not. Thanks for doing them as at 75 years old I'm not as agile as I once was so some places are out of my practical reach.

[@jacquecaeser9078]

Wonderful tale of history. Thank you.

[@BamaPhill]

Very fascinating seeing the history of your area and the Southwest. Living in the world we now have, it's really hard to imagine the long and extremely difficult work put into creating these roads and structures. Really amazing if you think about it. Thanks for posting these videos.

[@laurants]

I used to work a ranch in Campo. Driving the 8 freeway I wold always see these cut outs and wonder when that old road was made in the hillside. Now I finally know, like 20 years later. Thanks.

[@maiyaborchard6589]

hahaha - Me too! more years than 20 though! :)

[@stevewhalen6973]

Thanks!

[@4wdboss230]

Lived in Imperial county all my life. Never seen those ruins, heck, never been in the view tower. Definitely gonna check out these sites when I retire. Thanks for sharing.

[@corycasey]

Local SD native here. Cool video man, keep it up.

[@jamoore144]

Thank you for your awesome film of the old trails and spring. I love learning a bit about old roads, trails and their history.

[@JP-su8bp]

Solid tour, thank you. We appreciate you hazarding the snakes for us!

[@williamlovely450]

love every thing you do

[@alextheis1123]

Enjoying your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you!

[@joshuabarber5272]

Another awesome and informative video!! Cant wait for the next one. Thanks

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Last_one_before_I_go]

I really enjoy your work, thanks so much for bringing this to us all.

[@marciodossantosmanganelli2542]

Minha iimaginação flutua no Tempo e me transporta para uma época que nunca vivi ! Homens e mulheres de coragem e determinação! A História americana sempre me fascinou! Vídeo excelente! 😊👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Obrigada!

[@bryan565656]

I love old wagon Road! Everything those men did back in those days was amazing.

[@jb6027]

The sheep pens were designed to keep the sheep together in a specific area in order to make it much easier for the herders to guard them. Otherwise, they'd be all up and down the hills and arroyos and spread out all over the area and thus easy pickin's for predators.

[@sailingaeolus]

I'm an old dude and first saw that area in 1987. Absolutely gorgeous. As an FYI, there was a rest stop a ways down I-8 and opposite side from the tower where one could get a nice view of the desert cities. Many thanks for sharing.

[@serg-67kvon74]

thanks, very informative! Definitely a must see for anyone interested in American history!

[@johnluck1923]

Thanks Steve for doing the hard work so we can view.

[@andrewwebb17]

Well Documented Steve Job well done

[@joewenzel5142]

Reading that plaque. They did something similar through the Avawatz Mountain Pass that goes through the northern (live fire) training area at Ft Irwin. Cave Springs had water and they set up a little trading post selling water to those passing through the hot desert. Someone that trained there during WWII painted his initials and last name (for some reason back then they didn't use just their first name) and the year 1942. Other years were 1896 and the like. Cave Spring is what the name describes, a spring inside a cave. This location in California's Mojave Desert has served humans (and animals) over a long period of time. An Indian War Chief named Walkara used it as a base from which to raid wagon trains on the Old Spanish Trail. Later, caves near the spring were expanded and used to house a store and gas station (this was at one time a main road over the Avawatz Mountains to the Barstow-Daggett area). There is a lead/silver vein in the rock face on the West side of the arroyo just South of the spring location. At some point, a well was dug close to the cave and spring, and a Cottonwood or Poplar tree was planted next to the well.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I was actually near that area before. When I was in the Army we did some training at Ft. Irwin and there was a mout village off the Avawatz Pass road. Unfortunately we didn't go far enough to see Cave Spring though, but I remember the road.

[@joewenzel5142]

@@SidetrackAdventures I was an Observer Controller there for 3 1/2 years and we would break away from the unit, when we were up in the live fire training area, we were covering and go off and visit that place - it was actually forbidden to go there but we went anyway. One time as we were going up the narrow dirt road to it, two Infantry OCs were coming the other way and I think they wanted to stop us and let us know it was forbidden to keep going but we floored it and blew them off. Ain't got no time for any Karens. Wild burrows visit that place for the water, too.

[@siegfriedschudel7024]

Thank you for this very special adventure we could enjoy with you 👍

[@joewenzel5142]

Good job finding it.

[@donalddodson7365]

Great graphics weaving together the various routes down to Ocotillo Wells. Thank you.

[@suziperret468]

Beautiful landscape and the old station and stone walls delicately dot the surface.

[@jelipe54]

I watch your videos frequently and I think you've inspired me to visit other places, especially in California

[@dougsmuaythai]

Great content. I have explored the area since I was a kid in the 70s. Just a magical area.

[@matthewgauthier7251]

Great. Thank you. Really pleased with your vids of San Diego back country.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@jeffreynieboer4549]

Been up and down that grade many times and know that spot very well. Never stopped to check it out though. Thanks for the history lesson! Very interesting.

[@1bobbylarue]

Awesome production of this video... Thank You!

[@charleshaggard4341]

Great video. I really like what you are doing with the history and locations.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@craig0769]

This area is pretty awesome. Lots of recent and ancient history through here.

[@kevincordell9539]

Steve, I find your videos very interesting and informative. Keep up the good work and making great content. I grew up in Southern California and always loved the desert and mountains.

[@johnhallford239]

I appreciate the research you do and love these adventures. Another great video. Thank ya' sir for sharing.

[@Coltbreath]

This was Great it gives me some ideas for the family trip to SD! Thank You

[@jackbodenmann7379]

Hello My Friends Very cool video Steve. Them cats were a different kind of tough back then. I was just thinking about the work that went into the stone walls when you mentioned it. Jack🚂

[@GramsMusick158]

Went through that area yesterday on highway 8. Saw the Mountain Springs exit. Love hearing the history. I am much too afraid of snakes to take a hike like this. Happy to see this through your camera lense!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

If keep an eye out you can see the corrals as you drive by on the 8, but if you blink you'll miss them.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

You can get gaiters to protect your legs.

[@heavenlycrystalsandcandles3609]

Love your videos it’s awesome seeing these old roads and historical sites

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Thanks Steve, as usual a pristine presentation!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@triggerMB]

Just love the desert scenery!!! Keep up the great work.

[@wb8802]

Thank you for a very informative excellent presentation 👍

[@stephenmiller5023]

As A San Diego native ( El Cajon for 30 years) and at 62-1/2 yers old now , I myself have traveled all over our “ Back county areas “ but I have yet to hike to where this video was made. There’s a great book on How “ Places got their names “ that I purchased years ago from the old Campo Museum that has some very cool long forgotten ( or at least seldom talked about these days anymore ) history behind them. I have hiked down the “ Lassiter hay Wagon trail “ down backside of Mount Laguna to down by Butterfield stage station “ , visited the Ruins of old John Mc Cain cattle cabins used by him & his “ Cattle crews” and climbed up to see the remains out in Blair valley On the top of the mountain where the Artist / poet lived for many years with his wife Tanya and their 2 children ( yet another interesting story you may or may not have covered or documented 😉). As a new follower now I look forward to seeing your next videos. Stay safe & go check out Goat Canyon Trestle & the “ Impossible railroad “ 👍👍. Enjoy your travels … 😊

[@CarsandCats]

Great video! I can't even imagine trying to climb a 30% grade. No wonder they said those mountains were impassable.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

When walking down I was thinking about how hard it would have been to stop those wagons from losing control.

[@1984xlx]

Thanks Steve, for another fascinating look into the past.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you liked it.

[@doctorwhodj]

I drove from san diego to Imperial, almost daily fir a few months last year 2022. Super interesting that it was not just old highway 80 alongside on some parts along the 8 but an OLD native trail good for mules and horseback trail turned wagon trail. Interesting love your channel of exploring

[@samuelg3586]

What a great channel. My brother and I used to explore and look for places like this all the time. Lately I've been working too much, I think it's time to start doing these adventures again

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Nothing is funner! Anyone can go to the easy to get to places.

[@bglrj]

This is a terrific video, as are all you post.

[@HM2SGT]

Hey, I've seen that place before. I remember it was a landmark when you were looking for the site of a restaurant.😺👍

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I think it was on that video when the plaque mentioning how the ruins weren't accessible caught my eye.

[@SigmaSheepdog]

Awesome video, keep up the great work!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thanks a ton!

[@garyschultz7768]

Good history & Well presented..... Thank You kindly

[@1suitcasesal]

This is very interesting history. Thanks for showing us this.

[@thadjaszek]

Maybe not actually inaccessible today, but: as an East Coast guy who visits his San Diego in-laws regularly and has bummed around a bit along the 8 corridor, I appreciate the effort it took for you to get there. I got tired just thinking about it. Cool video, great explanation. You keep giving me ideas of things to check out next time I'm in town!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, the historical marker is somewhat misleading. But, reading it awhile ago is what got me looking into how to get out there.

[@leighsayers2628]

Fabulous history and vision ..great video .

[@gomezadams9900]

Very interesting bit of history. Thanks, good job

[@arturoglez7542]

I found your history videos very amusing and soothing at bed time , great work 💯 , you got my sub 👌

[@Howoldareweanywayyipes]

You have some real history in you sir.. great videos all of them...

[@shirleyrichards2514]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your videos. ❤😊

[@rustypugh123]

I really enjoy your videos. Nicely done.

[@cheycasters]

This was a cool video and very interesting. Me LOVES the old ways!🎸🎸🎸

[@rainemarsh8409]

Another winner!!! Thanks.

[@tomharding2742]

Thanks for researching and sharing such a cool piece of history.

[@jeromemorris2700]

Pretty desolate area. Quite the trail! Thanks Steve.