Camino del Diablo

[kingmantraveler]

A friend and I traveled from Ajo to Papago Well last week. From that point, I walked in 10-mile segments through the Pinta sands, the lava bed, up to Tule Well, then past the Cabeza Prietas to the Tinajas Altas.
A couple beers, followed by the occasional shot of tequila were enjoyed each night.
Not one Illegal was seen, though I did find one human footprint and numerous pronghorn prints. I also found many many graves.
The BP drove by our camp several times each night
The USAF had a light show on the east side of the range the night before we got to the Tinajas, so all we experienced were the thumps and occasional flare.
I'm looking at walking from the Tinajas to Yuma, maybe next Spring, good lord willing and the creek don't rise.
That portion of the road is supposed to have been the most difficult part of the Camino.
Beautiful country out there, folks.

[yuccahead]

I'm impressed and a little envious. I'd love to hike some of El Camino one of these days. Sounds like you had a great time. Any photos?

[kingmantraveler]

I've got photos, but haven't looked closely at them yet.
Hopefully, some came out, but then I'll have to figure out how to put them up on this website.
. . .the ignorance of some of us geriatrics isn't pretty.

[SteveS]

Thanks for the update, I have been following along on your preparation posting. Good to hear the trip was the pleasure you where shooting for.

I need to get back into this area, since its must be getting close to 10 years since I’ve been on the roads in that area. I hear a lot has changed, especially with BP operations.

[GTIMANiac]

I have done El Camino twice, both in vehicles but did lots of day hiking on both trips. The trip I did last winter, we took the Polaris Ranger. I parked the tow vehicle at an RV Park south of Ajo and we did a 4 day round-trip camping 3 nights.

I love the Atlas mountains. We did a lot of scrambling through them.

[kingmantraveler]

Sounded like fun, GTI.
We'll be going down again, in April, so I can finish the walk. I'll start at the Tanks, and finish on Camino del Diablo street/boulevard (whatever) in Yuma.
Fascinating trip. I understand this part of the trail harvested the most lives. Maybe a lot of the 49ers missed the Tanks, and just kept on going, hoping to come across water.

[Ghost]

That sounds like a good walk Traveler, someday I'll get out and hoof it through the area. Thanks for the post!