AREA 8: CARRIZO CREEK AND CARRIZO CANYON

Introduction

Carrizo Creek begins in the Inkopah Mountains, streaming down more than 40 miles—northward through Carrizo Gorge and Carrizo Canyon and northeast into the Carrizo Impact Area (previously a bombing site used by the U.S. Army and Navy that is strictly off limits to the public).

Carrizo Canyon is the gap existing between the Jacumba Mountains to the east and the Inkopah Mountains to the west. Venturing into the wide canyon allows views of old San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railroad train trestles to the east, high above the canyon floor. The spectacular trestles are sisters to one of the world’s highest wood trestles, built over Goat Canyon, farther south in Carrizo Gorge.

In this region, enjoy the long Carrizo Canyon route to see the trestles, or explore on the north side of County Route S2 by heading into Canyon Sin Nombre. On the outskirts of the Carrizo Badlands, Canyon Sin Nombre offers opportunities for side ventures into slot canyons. Finally, I’ve included one of my favorite day hikes: a long loop up South Carrizo Creek into Canyon Sin Nombre, then back across S2 into a peaceful stretch of little-used open desert.

On weekends in spring, Canyon Sin Nombre becomes a hot spot for casual camping. You’ll see people along the side of the canyon, often with tarps attached to the beds of their four-wheel drives as tents. Turnouts along South Carrizo Creek’s decent Jeep road are popular for RVs.

While in the area, you might stop at the Badlands Overlook off S2, adjacent to Canyon Sin Nombre. Especially in the afternoon, when long shadows interplay with the light of a sinking sun, the sculpted earthen folds are a magnificent sight.