Carrizo Gorge Railway Grade
Ghost railroad through impossible desert terrain.
The old San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway grade cuts through some of Southern California’s most brutal desert terrain, where trains once hauled freight through seventeen tunnels and over impossible wooden trestles. This forgotten railroad bed runs from Dos Cabezas to the Goat Canyon Trestle, passing collapsed tunnel portals and rusted rail hardware scattered across creosote flats. The Goat Canyon Trestle itself—a 600-foot wooden lattice bridge—still spans the gorge like a ghost from railroad’s golden age.
Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance 4WD for the rocky washes and steep grades that broke locomotives a century ago. Best tackled October through April when desert heat won’t cook you in your cab. Bring serious water—this is Anza-Borrego backcountry where summer temps hit 120°F. No permits needed, but tell someone your route. You’ll earn some of the most unique railroad history in the Southwest, plus killer photo ops at the trestle if you hike the final mile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Jacumba, CA |
| Land manager | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Carrizo Gorge Railway Grade?
Yes, but you'll need high clearance 4WD and careful line choice through the rocky washes. Stock clearance is marginal in a few spots where the old grade has eroded.
Is Carrizo Gorge Railway Grade open year-round?
The trail is accessible year-round, but summer temperatures exceed 110°F with zero shade. October through April offers the best conditions for safe travel.
Do I need permits to drive the Carrizo Gorge Railway Grade?
No permits required, but you must stay on designated routes within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Camping requires self-registration at trailheads.
What's the hardest part of the Carrizo Gorge trail?
The rocky wash crossings near the old trestle sites where flash flood damage has left loose boulders and deep ruts. Take your time picking lines through these sections.
How much water should I bring for Carrizo Gorge Railway Grade?
Bring at least 2 gallons per person for the day trip, plus extra for your vehicle. There's no water available along the entire route and cell service is nonexistent for emergencies.