Adventure Hike: Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle
A Challenging Desert Trek to a Historic Engineering Marvel
Kick off winter with a thrilling 5.9-mile journey through Carrizo Gorge to the legendary Goat Canyon Trestle. This strenuous but rewarding trek combines stunning desert scenery, fascinating history, and an unforgettable experience for seasoned hikers.
What to Expect:
- A 5.8-mile strenuous round-trip hike with 2,421 feet of elevation gain
- Rock scrambling, bouldering, and steep terrain
- A scenic walk-through desert landscapes and a peaceful palm grove where you can see morteros (grinding holes) left by the Kumeyaay people
- Visit to the Goat Canyon Trestle — the largest wooden trestle in the world
- Breathtaking views and historical insights along the “Impossible Railroad”
Who Should Attend:
- Experienced hikers looking for a physical and rewarding challenge
- History buffs interested in early 20th-century railroad engineering
- Nature lovers eager to explore one of Southern California’s most iconic trails
- Adventurers ready for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience
REGISTER TODAY!
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Time: 6:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (end time is approximate)
Location: Meet at the Mortero Wash Parking Area. We’ll then carpool/caravan to the trailhead.
Cost:
ABF Members: $38 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-members: $45
Students: $23
What Previous Attendees Are Saying:
“I so enjoyed getting “off trail” and exploring with the Anza Borrego Foundation. The camaraderie, physical challenge, and education around Anza Borrego was beyond my expectations. I so admire the volunteers for giving back to their parks and leading these hikes. I am happy to pay for another experience and give back in my own way!”
“That is a great opportunity for us. We don’t have a 4WD and we wouldn’t try to do this hike by ourselves because we would be afraid to get lost.”
“Expertise was great. cohesiveness of group was good. location excellent…Overall, I loved the education department’s expertise and the opportunity to participate on this amazing hike.”
Hike Leader: Matt Nagy is a San Diego native who had the unique experience of growing up across the world. Before graduating high school, he lived in five different countries, including the USA. His global travels have given him the opportunity to see much of the planet, but without a doubt, San Diego County (especially Anza Borrego) remains his favorite place. In his free time, Matt enjoys long hikes, bike rides, and live music. When he has a few weeks off, he embarks on extended adventures such as river trips, bikepacking, or backpacking. Having spent many months under the stars, Matt is always planning his next adventure. He is excited to explore and appreciate the wonders of Anza Borrego with others, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Trail Rating System:
