The Impossible Railroad: Traversing the Trestle Catwalk

[@georgescott249]

thank you for being wise and not killing the animals,,you are very good to the animals,,great respect for that

[@mikeb.7589]

Like Ocotillo Outlaw below, I hiked from Jacumba to the loading area and water tank down near Dos Cabesas. We parked a car down below and drove up to Jacumba to start our hike. It was 1985 and I was with my brother and 3 friends. No graffiti, just two smaller trestles that had burned. My friend Chris and I walked the catwalk as far as we felt safe. One of the most awesome hikes I have ever made! I was so interested in the history that I became a docent at the San Diego Railroad museum in Campo, Ca. Did that for 10 years until I got married and had kids. Great history, great memories!

[@CarswithNash]

I love seeing these old structures and thinking about the way they were built and the tools that were used to build them and the men that built them.💪

[@BTWalsh55316]

when you got to the part of the catwalk without hand rails and only 1 board to walk on, my skin started tingling. This is AMAZING! what a fabulous piece of history! Thank you

[@ocotillooutlaws4101]

Great video! In 1976 I was able to hike this section from Jacumba to Ocotillo. There was no graffiti and there was still Coors beer cans down by the rail car and then hiked across the trestle before it burned and was rebuilt. I made a video of the locomotives that are abandoned on the section east of Ocotillo. What a great feat of engineering! Sad 😔 to see the amount of vandalism since my last adventure there... In the hills surrounding the area there are the remnants of the campsites and temporary homes of the workers that built the railroad. A lot of history in the area.

[@scotcoon1186]

So this trestle, or a different one, was rebuilt since 76?

[@rodsmith3911]

Thanks for an informative video. We've nothing on this scale in the UK though we did have a few wooden trestles mostly in the early years of the railways. I remember seeing quite a nice wooden trestle on a line at Eshwinning in County Durham but that was demolished after the line closed. I think it went in the 1960's. The route is now a cycle path but you descend the valley and climb out again nowadays and there are no remains at all of the structure, which is a real shame. I've looked with awe at photos of the massive structure you've crossed and am delighted to be able to see your film as at 75 yrs I doubt I'll ever be able to see it in real life. As a railway fireman in my youth and a steam breakdown crane driver and in later life a civil engineer I appreciate the work that went into building these enormous structures. Thanks again for the opportunity to see it at close quarters in real time. Just want h out for those rattles son! Enjoy your adventures, they'll last you a lifetime.

[@JohnCompton1]

That was some beautiful timbering in tunnel 15. Back in the day true craftsmanship could be found even in the places not meant to seen. Also it would've been boss to stand on that middle section when an old giant steam train was chugging above!

[@WesternMineDetective]

That's so true all the tunnels have their own unique features that inspire a sense of awe. And it definitely would've been awesome to see those old trains back in the day going across. Thanks for watching!

[@brycehale4725]

@@WesternMineDetective kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3LNZ4tvp7-Chas

[@brycehale4725]

@@WesternMineDetective That was probably filmed pre-1981

[@janblake9468]

I've watched several videos of that trestle iver the years, but you're the first to walk the lower catwalk. Good job.

[@Welzy79]

Same

[@chrisk28]

oh man! I literally felt vertigo up and down my legs that whole time you were walking along the cat walk. Thanks for being crazy for us!

[@sheilawhatley572]

Awesome video. Reminds me of my Dad who was a cautious but fearless explorer of all things desert. Thank you for this.

[@tedtaylor9689]

I always intended to make the hike myself and never got the time. Thanks for letting all of us tag along with you. Made my day.

[@777jones]

The men who built that tunnel would be thrilled to see it standing strong for 100 years still in good shape.

[@ccjensen4670]

The Yolo causeway trestles in Northern CA is built using Redwood Timbers..my father's job was to select or reject the timbers that came out of Pacific Lumber Co. In Scotia CA...my granddad was finish carpenter and cabinet maker for the workers home in Scotia..the Scotia Inn still stands and was open as of a few years ago...I love the Redwoods...

[@c103110a]

I like how you combine the video and still photos. Great job!

[@pourindiesel]

You're doing the lords work documenting that trestle. Thank you!

[@aj-2savage896]

The inside of those cars reminds me of the thriving Portland art scene.

[@rogersmith7396]

Not enough bums.

[@iispjhanna]

Oh Good Lord young man. An outstanding demonstration of bravery with some 'nutso' thrown in. While I have little fear of heights, I have a massive fear of falling. I can visualize myself clutching the handrail, refusing to move onward or backward. A great video. Thanks for showing that as it is something I would never see otherwise. Special meaning on the term 'tread lightly' and stay safe.

[@groupersti]

I'm not crazy bout heights myself..But you know what they say..The fall is never the problem...It's that sudden stop at the bottom that gets to ya everytime..😞

[@milla698]

Yes beautiful craftsmanship something that people took pride in doing back then. Now everything is build with a disposal date

[@rogersmith7396]

It was completely engineered. They used to build them by the hundreds. Lots built in the Civil War. Slap it together, move on to the next one.

[@marinegunny826]

Gotta hand it to you! You've got some cool nerves. I've repelled out of helicopters but I sure as hell wouldn't trust walking on near ninety year old planks. 😄 Glad you did it, though. Excellent shots of views not many people would have the courage to get. Something to be proud of. Glad I came across this video. Would love to hike this trail.

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Wow, I got dizzy watching that! Thank you for the great video!👍

[@NaomisAdventures]

The tunnels are really neat. The views are amazing. Awesome catwalk

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Thank you so much for sharing this incredible journey to this amazing trestle! If I could’ve, I would’ve held my breath the entire time that you were walking on and inside of that incredible piece of engineering! To think that steam locomotives and millions of pounds of freight used to travels these rails in the middle of nowhere to cross the Mojave desert to the west coast of Califonia!

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Jerith, that first tunnel had some beautiful timber work, they really knew how to build with wood back in the day. Jeez those rattlesnakes get pissy really quick, just glad you didn't get bit by either of them. That trestle is just so amazing to see, I can't believe you walked back using the catwalk, it really shows off how well it was all put together though. Thank you for making & sharing, much love. xx 💕

[@libbywoodson1378]

Thanks for the tag along!! I don't have a fear of heights but I do have a fear of rotten boards!!

[@wraith0127]

Just WATCHING you walk across that trestle gave me vertigo, I can't imagine what it felt like to be there. Amazing views though! I love these old abandoned railroads!

[@Gr8thxAlot]

Agree, this is insane just watching.

[@d2sfavs]

thanks for leaving the snake alone they usually dont back down when a threat is nearby thats one amazing place even the geology is neat

[@workonitm8]

Loved the trestle, I can just imagine what it was like when it was in daily use. 👍👍👍👍👍😊

[@scofab]

You got balls of solid steel... amazing journey there. Thanks for taking us along.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Haha appreciate that! I know alot of people have mentioned that, not sure if it's the balls of steel or nerves of steel. In any case, I do stuff most wouldn't even consider. Thanks for watching!

[@Mark_The_Magnificent]

OMG that is a truly spectacular mind blowing structure!!! Thank you for the best video ever!!! I would not be brave enough to do that for sure. So glad you shared this awesome footage.. I wish I could give you 10 thumbs up!

[@340MAGNUM8]

The older I get the worse that looks. Two bad things, heights and rattle snakes. Good Job.

[@TheNorthernTsar]

Good work. I was getting vertigo merely watching some of your Death-defying antics traversing that catwalk! I recommend a good pair of leather working gloves because catching wooden slivers is a very real and painful possibility. That, and a Snake-bite kit!!

[@dombutler7685]

Great to see this again, though not so great to see all the vandalism. That catwalk view was amazing!

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah it's definitely a shame to see the vandalism. But I'm glad that the trestle itself and much of the surrounding area is pretty much untouched. The views were to die for, literally 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@dianthis]

I didn’t think the first vid was boring. I do like seeing the old photos and a little history on the bridge in this one though. Very interesting!

[@dougberry1011]

I don’t think I would be walking out there alone. One bad step and you get bit by a rattlesnake of that size and it’s game over. He was lucky. Same goes if he fell fetén on the catwalk. Great video though and the engineering of the bridge, tunnels and rail Ed was great.

[@scottnyc6572]

First time viewer and new subscriber here.The railroad trestles are a marvelous engineering feat.Im sure many workers encountered and were struck by those rattlers back then.I couldn’t walk through those dark tunnels knowing that those snakes are lurking in and around the trails and tracks.I believe they can strike their own overall length.So if there’s a five footer coiled up they can basically strike that distance.You were very lucky not getting bit.Thanks for this fascinating tour.

[@joesrustshop4509]

I've heard the same about striking distance. I would have ran back a lot further. As for poking with a stick ?? Maybe a 20 foot stick

[@rogersmith7396]

Some in S. America can throw themselves off the ground. They say its difficult to outrun them at full speed and they are very aggressive. Some live in trees and drop onto their prey. The ones I have seen in glass cases are evil looking. Malevolent.

[@joesrustshop4509]

@@rogersmith7396 I was at the zoo, and was looking at one close up behind the glass, it was asleep,...and still scary looking. Knowing what a bite from one of those can do to You.

[@rogersmith7396]

@@joesrustshop4509 Snakes can hiss loudly too which would probably surprise most people. Rattlesnakes have hemotoxin. It kills tissue. Amputations are not uncommon. Neuro toxic snakes can kill in a few minutes.

[@canastasiou68]

That was really interesting, thanks for sharing. Cheers from Australia

[@davidmaggard2796]

Thank you for sharing such a amazing place great video as always keep up the great work . that rattle snake even scared me 👍👍👍👍

[@bboomer1948]

An amazing video. Kudos to you to traverse that magnificent structure. Huell Howser, the late, great PBS videographer, gave us some insight to this old RR on California Gold. He did not, however, walk across the bridge, just a few yards out. Me? I wouldn't be caught dead on that thing...Lol.

[@rogersmith7396]

It can hold a loaded train. As far as I know its about ready to go. I think they have speed limits.

[@zerofox7347]

Great video buddy. You’re scaring me half to death with those rattlers though I’m sure you’re getting with in striking distance of them. Be careful it’s a jungle out there….. well, ok a Desert then. 😉

[@markbowles2382]

Incredible content ... did you have to double back once you got to that 80 ft. down ladder or was there catwalk remaining to carry you on? Im an old wore out surveyor who loves ancient infrastructure, in my younger days I could go on it seemed forever, sadly bodies wear out, and memories start to fade, so thanks for this adventure from someone who dearly enjoys it - rattlesnakes and all ! You definitely made the right call with the down ladder - even the ghosts of the termites had moved out of that thing - keep exploring and having adventures and live life healthy and strong - good luck and god bless.

[@WesternMineDetective]

I realized I had passed it, I recorded that on the way back. The clip before that I pretty much made it to the other end was probably only 20 feet from the end of the walk. That ladder and all the rungs would have quickly fallen down 100+ feet, along with me if I wanted to put my whole weight on it. I live life quite differently than most people, but glad I made the right choice on that one. Thanks for watching and God bless!

[@B1900pilot]

Flown over that area numerous times...Always wanted to explore it...Great video!

[@Jake-yx7ct]

This was my second time watching. OMG that was a close encounter with those snakes!!! The catwalk portion was in my opinion the best part. Showed crazy courage on your part with blind faith in those timbers. Thanks for sharing your explore.

[@bigkiwimike]

2:28 I’m pretty sure the fittings you have here are for stopping the rails from “creeping” or moving longitudinally on the sleepers. The hook part fits on the outside of the foot of the rail and it sits up against the sleeper and driven on with a hammer. They are usually placed either side of the sleeper. I have seen rails move upwards of 12” longitudinally without the use of these fittings. Great video.

[@Swaggerlot]

I'll concur with that.

[@bigkiwimike]

@@Stevie-J It does have a mind of its own.

[@alwhalen3488]

Not surprisingly the actual railroad term for those fittings is a 'rail anchor'. Federal track standards require them in various places, but not everywhere on a track. There are machines that put them on as well as a method to put them on by hand (with a big hammer)

[@dkaustin98]

Hey, great video! Your focus with the camera was good too. I heard you talking about that rattler and 3 feet. I want you to know that even though most rattlers want to avoid people, they can strike from a coiled position up to six feet. You were too close for comfort. That second one did try to strike, but the rail blocked the strike. Did you have a snake bite kit with you? You were too far out for a rescue. Next time stay back at least 7 feet from those rattlers. I would hate to hear you got bit by one.

[@tinytattoomike7943]

7’ you bumped your head stop spreading lies they can strike 1/2 their length so a 6’ snake will strike 3 ‘

[@StumpfsCurse]

As someone with severe fear of heights, that trestle catwalk is nightmare fuel. 😳

[@ExploringWithBonnie13]

Great video. Can't say I would have walked that catwalk. Nice tunnels. Thanks for sharing.

[@MegaSnow121]

Wow! Held my breath a great many times while you walked on that catwalk. Fascinating, amazing trestle. We have a large one - though nothing like this one - not far from where I live, though it is still in use by short freight trains a few times a month. So, no going over it.

[@chuckotto7021]

Thank you for an opportunity to see something so rare!

[@Hidden_Destinations]

Your videos are amazing. I just discovered your channel. You are also very knowledgeable. You have a new sub here!

[@cjuice9039]

The infrastructure seems to be in decent condition. Do the run excursion trains down this line? If they dont somebody should, such a beautiful bridge.

[@derrick_builds]

What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing .

[@stevepowell6896]

Great video, watch out for the rattle snakes. This is such a cool piece of history. Greetings from SE Kansas.

[@felipericketts]

I have been out there and ridden my bike down to the desert flats and back several times and I never saw a single rattler. Maybe I wasn't looking close enough! :-) Cool video and really nice to see the vintage pictures. Too bad about the vandalism and tagging.

[@rogersmith7396]

They are temperature dependent. His were sunning themselves. If they get too hot they go to shade. Like rail road tunnels.

[@felipericketts]

@@rogersmith7396 Scary thought: they may have been closer than I thought!

[@peterburgess5974]

Awesome. It's great to see such a bridge intact. I live in England's Lake District and nearby at Belah used to be one of England's tallest trestle bridges. Sadly all that remains are the abutments. Thanks for showing us all. Power to you!

[@JackBWatkins]

I would never be able to make a hike like that because of balance issues. So thanks for the video.

[@ABANDONED_UNDERGROUND]

That's an amazing place! I gotta hand it to ya, you've got some balls going down that old wooden ladder on the trestle!

[@scottfabel7492]

I biked that trestle while holding a Go Pro with one hand. It's a nice trek all the way out to the trestle and back. You need to do it in the morning and spring time due to the heat.

[@llEverydayCarnivorell]

My fav video you’ve done so far! Thanks!

[@kevinb9327]

Thanks for taking me on a fascinating walk. You're more brave than me! 🐍

[@N-Scale]

Thanks for this journey and sharing !!

[@Peter_S_]

Snakes see by heat. When you find one with a walking stick, twist the stick into the ground a little like you're starting a fire with a stick. That friction will heat the end up and turn it into a target if the snake strikes.

[@HollywoodGraham]

That area always intrigued me, I would love to have a rail bike to ride on the trestle. Looks like the Navy is doing you well.

[@jackierandall2230]

Spectacular video.fantastic tunnels.trestle is OMG beautiful..

[@timothyharrison8953]

I'm just trying to focus on not dying. Wise words my friend. Fear of heights, fear of hitting the ground is more likely

[@theoldempressrv6193]

Love the vid...love the history....amazing....watching here in the UK.

[@llewdis]

What is fun is when a rattler starts up and you hear others start that you had no idea were around as well...

[@rogersmith7396]

They say the first hiker wakes them up and the second hiker takes the strike.

[@AC-tq3ri]

Mann watching you walk that catwalk. I can almost smell all that old wood. Excellent video tho!!! Good job! Stay Safe out and about on your future adventures and explorations.

[@bentrail]

That was awesome 👏👏👏 what a great adventure. Thanks for sharing

[@realmickmanning]

Awesome tour ma man. Glad you took us all along with you.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Thanks Mick! Was definitely a pleasure. Great to see you in the comments again. Thanks for watching.

[@Thepuffingyank]

i don't know if you noticed this, someone went in and did restructuring at some point. some of the catwalk boards are modern pressure treated

[@WesternMineDetective]

Now that you mention it I did notice some of the boards looked more modern. Nice catch, thanks for watching!

[@rael5469]

You shouldn't hike out there alone. Your viewers care about your safety. Please be safe my friend.

[@elbobo3251]

fr this man going to walk into one of those tunnels and never be seen again

[@hamsterman2008]

I've never seen a video of the underbelly of that beast . You're number one . Woderhussy was there at the train .

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

*This is the Largest 'CURVED' Trestle in the U.S.* *Made out of Redwood.* *Redwood is considered a Hard Wood that Resists Rotting and Bugs.* *This one is still in remarkably good condition.*

[@sierrashere6957]

That happened to me once, also, almost stepped on a large rattlesnake while hiking at a pretty good clip along some old railroad tracks/trail in Tuolumne County. I think a guardian angel must stopped my body from flying forward right on to the snake cuz I had stopped so abruptly. Yeah did that one shake me up good !!!

[@daffyduk77]

I'd have been crawling on all fours on the catwalk w/o side-grip. Made me queazy just watching.

[@twstf8905]

How that entire structure didn't collapse under the sheer weight of your GINORMOUS cajones lol is _beyond_ me! 😅👍

[@misternewoutlook5437]

When you see one rattlesnake (or hear one) on a trail, it really upsets your nerves. After the encounter, you are constantly on edge.

[@MarkH10]

2 things to consider for your safety. Partner, and a Sat phone. I recall an explorer channel who got out about 50 miles from civilization years ago and was stuck after dark out there WITH his sat phone, and as a last resort had to call the local Sheriff, who came way out to get him. I hope you had a med kit as well.

[@jeremywills9303]

Thanks for sharing. There is no way I'd be able to do any of this. I hate snakes and I hate heights so count me out. Glad you didn't get hurt doing this.

[@additudeobx]

That was totally awesome. And a coupla big rattlers as well. Especially that second one. I'm surprised "he" didn't feel you coming. I'd love to take a pack tent/bag and camp stove for an overnighter up there.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yeah I was surprised how big both rattlers were they were both at least 3 feet long. I've contemplated doing that maybe one day. Thanks for watching!

[@additudeobx]

@@WesternMineDetective - Yeah, hard to tell length on that first one, all coiled up ready to "Fang", which BTW I thought you got close enough to be just inside of striking distance. But camera angles, f-stop of the lens, probably changed the viewing perception. But the majority of snake bites happen from people literally stepping on the snake. Second most is from harassment of the snake. That's interesting reading in itself.

[@mrjeff2396]

Enjoyed the hike, thanks!

[@tomt9543]

Never seen your channel before, but I’m hooked! What a neat place to explore! Your serpent friends seem to love it too! Being a lifelong train lover and retired railroad employee, I have a keen interest in these once grand places that are now basically forgotten. Thanks for an outstanding video! Now, to research exactly where this is! I’m not real well versed on the western rail lines!

[@KubotaManDan]

you must see the cab ride it is truly excellent kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmeZoZl_asuop7s

[@DaiElsan]

Amazing Trestle.

[@ScratchGlass9]

Thanks for the precarious trek !! What a blast ! Subscribed from Detroit.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

It's so upsetting that people have to destroy everything they find!. would be so nice if people would just leave it as they found it.who operated this line

[@michaeltroster9059]

I’m not fond of heights and your video gave me the willies, but in a fun way. Not fond of rattle snakes either.

[@seanbatiz6620]

I wonder (without “googling”) just exactly how many board-feet of raw lumber was employed in constructing just ‘this’ one entire project back then, including all tunnels, trestles &, whatever out-buildings were once standing alongside that stretch of rail, for whatever rail use… this said, I wonder even more, what possesses some factions of peeps to be willing to take on such a long, arduous trek out into some of the most remote locations known, WITH STUPID SPRAY PAINT, just to ‘tag’ & vandalize the crap out of whatever???!?!!! I mean, if I were wanting to advertise myself, doing so in what’s arguably the middle of nowhere, would NOT reach the portion of humanity such forms of self-promotion, could actually reach… insanity! Other then that, once again FANTASTIC videography & stills of yet again, a true gem spectacle of yesteryears’ human ingenuity skills! Even though long defunct/abandoned, had the engineers behind this project, actually employed some forms of rudimentary seismic protective measures within its design construction, that would’ve sadly caused the opposite effect of that landscape, in that, that region would’ve been HEAVILY traversed to this day, by MILLIONS of folks ‘to this day’, having left way more scars along the natural landscape of that path. Them Coors branded product packaging remains would definitely be impossible to distinguish from hundreds of tons of other garbage that would’ve otherwise accumulated there over the decades

[@Ricky40369]

You are so correct. Some civilizations are better than others. We have become a shit country.

[@chickenwing111]

@NameIs JOHNSON - @Sean Batiz is correct. why do assholes need to go out and spray paint their shit on property that does not belong to them? your argument justifying the actions of the taggers make no sense.

[@rogersmith7396]

@@chickenwing111 Yes. Many other youtubers have been there. This is the first I have seen of the fires. Are the wooden tunnels next?

[@rogersmith7396]

You could hope they would meet up with the rattlesnakes to go along with their rattle cans. Long slow trip out to an emergency room.

[@hj8607]

Most people that do shit like this think they are the center of the Universe no matter where they are .

[@royo1450]

Awesome video Thanks for sharing it with us

[@FATHERSOFBASS]

Loved it brother great video I love these kinds of explorings

[@sarasotasage6135]

That is really some rugged, inhospitable looking landscape! Kudos to you my man! You can keep your pets though!

[@FoulMoodFighter]

So that Catwalk is original and not one squeak or creak? WOW!!! Those are some high-quality planks of wood well as the nails and other fasteners.

[@WesternMineDetective]

Yep! All original from its construction back in 1932

[@greggd2027]

GREAT vid! I'm scared to death of heights.. the shots of the catwalk - my toes were tingling! Before I got too far into the vid I was thinking - looks like rattler country 🐍

[@fuzzwack1]

Man, I broke out into a sweat when he was walking on that catwalk!

[@tommybokelman5565]

Cool video man thanks. Some of that wood looks newer some look pressure treated

[@rogersmith7396]

I would expect the tunnels would be full of snakes when it gets hot.

[@tsmgguy]

Fascinating, thanks! I love the American West.

[@robertsnyder5149]

Weyerhauser Timber company had a curved tunnel bigger than this one across Baird creek . Schaffer Bros. Logging had a curved trestle that was over a mile long near camp 3 on Lincoln creek

[@StuartOliver83]

Thanks for sharing this with us buddy

[@carlosrosales1712]

Great 👍 good to see you back, hope all is well

[@peanut9125]

Thank you for uploading!

[@jeremybarker7577]

The patent (3168245) on the rail anchor was only granted in 1962 so it can't be older than that.