Goat Canyon Trestle Hiking & Biking Guide
Goat Canyon Trestle is a hidden gem deep in the desert, holding the title of the largest wooden trestle bridge in the world.
This massive structure stands 200 feet tall and 750 feet long, making it a prime destination for adventurous hikers and bikers. Located in the rugged terrain of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the trestle can be reached via two main routes, each offering its own challenges and rewards.
Goat Canyon Trestle is not a hike to take lightly, as it brings you deep into a rugged backcountry desert wilderness that can be unforgiving.
It is critical to be well prepared before attempting this hike, bringing appropriate gear, plenty of water (at least 3 liters), and doing your research. It is highly recommended to avoid this hike in the summer months, when temperatures can be extreme.
Trail Details
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Hard |
| Length | 6 miles (from Anza-Borrego) / 16 miles (from Jacumba) |
| Elevation Change | 600 feet (Jacumba route); 2500 feet (Anza-Borrego route) |
| Trailhead Coordinates | Varies (see details below) |
| Location | Near Ocotillo, CA / Jacumba Hot Springs, CA |
| Best Season | Fall through Spring (avoid hot months) |
Goat Canyon Trestle Trails
There are two main ways to reach the Goat Canyon Trestle: one route begins from within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, near Ocotillo Wells, and the other from Jacumba Hot Springs.
Here are overviews of both options:
Goat Canyon Trestle from Jacumba Hot Springs (16 miles roundtrip)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 32.6476972, -116.186401
- Access: This route begins from Jacumba Hot Springs, located off Interstate 8, near De Anza Spring Resort. There is parking along Carrizo Gorge Road and the old railroad track is just west of the road. This an out-and-back trail that covers approximately 16 miles round trip. The trail is a mix of dirt paths and old railway lines.
This route begins from Jacumba Hot Springs, located off Interstate 8 near De Anza Spring Resort. Parking is available along Carrizo Gorge Road, and the old railroad track is just west of the road.
The longer, 16-mile round-trip route from Jacumba follows the old railway bed, which is relatively flat and can be tackled on foot or bike. Before reaching Goat Canyon, you’ll follow the tracks through several tunnels, including the impressive Tunnel #15.
While the terrain is less steep than the Anza-Borrego route, it’s still rugged, and the length of the trail still makes it challenging. Be sure to bring plenty of water and prepare for a full day of hiking or biking. One thing nice about this route is that the tunnels offer some respite from the sun.
I have read that this route is technically trespassing, as the tracks are still owned by the railroad and there has been talk of reopening it.
Goat Canyon Trestle from Anza-Borrego/Ocotillo Wells (6 miles roundtrip)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 32.720294, -116.146850
- Access: To reach the trailhead, you will exit Highway S2 near Ocotillo (GPS: 32.753778925157306, -116.04878109459914) onto Dos Cabezas Road. Eventually, this road will bring you to train tracks, where you’ll turn right and follow the tracks until you come to an old railroad water tower and the site of the now-abandoned Dos Cabezas train station. Crossing the train tracks, you’ll follow an unnamed dirt road to the trailhead. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary to reach the trailhead, as the access road is rough and sandy. Once there, you’ll embark on a moderately challenging 6-mile out-and-back hike.
This shorter but much more difficult route offers a more direct approach to the trestle. After navigating the rough roads to the trailhead, the 6-mile round-trip trail takes you through a mix of rocky desert paths, boulder scrambles, and stunning canyon views.
This route presents a challenging elevation gain of 2500 feet as you approach the trestle. You’ll pass through dry creek beds and waterfalls. The final approach offers breathtaking views of the towering wooden structure of the Goat Canyon Trestle.
This is a trail for advanced hikers only. It is a very difficult 6 miles.
About Goat Canyon Trestle
The San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway, often called “The Impossible Railroad,” was an ambitious project that sought to connect San Diego, California, with the Imperial Valley and eventually link to the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona.
The railway was the brainchild of John D. Spreckels, a wealthy sugar magnate and businessman who saw it as a way to bolster San Diego’s economy by creating a direct rail connection with the East.
Construction on the SD&AE began in 1907, but the railroad’s completion was challenging. The 146-mile route had to navigate the rugged terrain of Southern California, crossing steep mountains, canyons, and desert landscapes, making it one of the most difficult railways to build in the United States.
To conquer these obstacles, engineers had to construct numerous bridges and tunnels, including the famous Goat Canyon Trestle and tunnels like Tunnel #15, which suffered frequent collapses due to earthquakes.
The railway was completed in 1919 at a staggering cost, both in terms of finances and labor. Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and seismic activity continually plagued the line, leading to numerous repairs and disruptions. Despite the challenges, the SD&AE played a key role in the region’s development, facilitating trade and the transport of goods between San Diego and points eastward.
In 1932, after a severe earthquake damaged part of the line, the Goat Canyon Trestle was constructed to bypass a damaged tunnel. At its completion, the trestle became the largest wooden railroad bridge in the world, standing 200 feet tall and 750 feet long. The trestle still stands today as an impressive testament to early 20th-century engineering, even though the railway ceased regular operation in the 1950s.
Today, the SD&AE line is mostly abandoned, with portions of the track used for tourism or as a scenic route for hikers and bikers seeking to explore the historic line and its stunning desert landscapes, including the Goat Canyon Trestle.
