Looking for the Ruins of Mountain Springs Station & the Old Wagon Roads

Рет қаралды 218,488

Жыл бұрын

The mountains between San Diego and Imperial County in California were long considered impassable. Steep mountains and canyons covered in boulders with very few sources of water made direct wagon travel between San Diego and the east impossible. Then in the 1850s, a path began to form. The path wasn't easy going though, and a frequent saying from the time was that "only the courageous or the desperate try to cross the mountains between San Diego and the Colorado river."
With the opening of the wagon road, the portion of the route that descended into Mountain Springs Station became one of the steepest portions of the road. With a water source there, Mountain Springs Station became an important spot for sheepherders after the route was discovered, and by the 1860s a store was located there.
In the 1870s the stone store became a toll house and as the 1900s came around Mountain Springs Station became a water stop for early automobiles. The opening of a new road in 1913, and later Highway 80 and Interstate 8, cut off access to the Mountain Springs Station site, and for the last century it has sat there abandoned, the only visitors arriving on foot of by four-wheel-drive.
For more information on the history of Mountain Springs Station check out Joe Streetman's article for the San Diego History Center: sandiegohistory.org/wp-conten...
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Пікірлер: 389

@johnbell877 Жыл бұрын

"And by discovered, I mean Native Americans who were long aware of the trail told him about it," delivered in a tone as dry as the landscape here. LOL, this is one of the reasons I love your videos Steve.

@freddymartin6911 Жыл бұрын

My great, great grandfather, joseph Swycaffer, drove the mule mail stagechoach between San Deigo and Yuma, AZ. He most likely stopped at the springs to water the mules. He homesteaded in Ballena, 9 miles out of Ramona towards Julian on the Old Julian Highway.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

That's really cool. He would have stopped there for sure.

@travelingtimothy Жыл бұрын

You have one of the best KZfaq channels regarding history and old ruins. Keep up the great work!

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate it.

@Chris...66 Ай бұрын

I agree 100%. Recently discover this channel and I am watching all the videos. I live in the Tucson area, and have driven I-8 many times to San Diego. I have seen this trail and always wondered what it was. Now I know.

@DovieRuthAuthor Жыл бұрын

Knowing a bit about sheep, I’m fairly certain that the rock walls were built to keep the livestock from wandering away at night. They would have guardian dogs in there with them to run off the coyotes.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

That's likely it. I'm pretty sure there are mountain lions in the area too. A lone sheep would be an easy meal.

@conniewojahn6445 Жыл бұрын

Keeping sheep together at night does protect them better because the sheepherders can watch the entire flock and notice predators faster than if the sheep were spread out. Yes, I've had sheep, and I've known a few sheepherders in my day. Guardian dogs are a big help.

@Blend-24 Жыл бұрын

Very informative video!! Thanks for posting. A northern route, (also a trail of native americans) used for years and years is a popular 4wd overland trail called “Mojave Road”.

@comontoshi Жыл бұрын

@@SidetrackAdventures “sheep” dogs . . . burros also packed the camp equipment and would kill coyotes . . . the burros were the “guardian dogs” . . . 😎

@louisliu5638 Жыл бұрын

@@comontoshi love those videos with burros dealing with canines. also Basque sheepherders were being brought over in many USA sheep areas and probably brought guardian dogs with them??? Or Austrians with the Akbash or C. dogs as well. but yeh, coyotes could get those sheep real easy.

@SkateClipsAndTips Жыл бұрын

Pretty much lived here my whole life and didn't realise how much history is in the mountains

@DinsdalePiranha67 4 күн бұрын

Same - born and raised in Imperial County, although I've lived in northern CA for almost 30 years now.

@uniquetoyz6215 4 ай бұрын

That’s pretty cool. Thank you Steve for the videos. I share them with my 91 year old uncle. I think his favorite is Mrs Orcuts driveway.

@stevewixom9311 7 ай бұрын

A terrific video. I did a little research on the Army Officer that "discovered" the trail. Nathaniel Lyon was stationed near San Diego after the Mexican War. Later, in 1861 he led the Union forces at the Battle of Wilsons Creek, Mo. where he was killed.

@AllyMcFancysp1xn 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for that. It's always great to have "footnotes" added. Nice!

@bomax5995 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. Living west of Stockholm we have a "Roadmuseum" where you can see the road built in the late 1900 the 1800 road and the 1700 road built by russian prisoners of war. I can even take a walk on the 1600 road where everything and everyone coming in from the West of sweden had to use. History is facinating.

@skydiverclassc2031 Жыл бұрын

I feel for those horses. 30% grade is no joke when you're towing a stagecoach. I used to live in the mountains up in Northern California and there was a stage road over the pass with the same setup; a ranch in a meadow on each side of the pass where they would hook up some helper horses, or perhaps oxen. Thanks for sharing your little adventure, and drink a toast to the pioneers.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that steep of a grade had to be a nightmare in both directions.

@368fan4 Жыл бұрын

I actually dove semi big rig NO trailer loaded with K-rail up 18% Grade. No joke .... Scared the hell out of me 1st gear up/down the three thousand foot Mt. Told my Boss will not go back for the pickup,...

@elizabethbogle3533 Жыл бұрын

Many times those animals died making that hard trip too.

@shawnschneider2842 Жыл бұрын

Loving your background music rather than the older videos. Calming with a bring ya back mindset music kinda in keeping with your videos history theme.

@SpanishEclectic Жыл бұрын

As a long-time San Diego native, this was so neat to see. I've studied a bit about transportation through that area, and out east toward Yuma. Even driving down that 6% grade with semi-trucks behind me is nerve-wracking...there is a reason for that runaway truck ramp. The old stagecoach routes were crazy, though most travel back then was a major challenge. I've been out to the Carizzo Stage station near Ocotillo many years ago. I love learning more about our local history, and really enjoy your 'boots on the ground' videos so I can explore these places secondhand.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate it.

@stevejordan2840 Жыл бұрын

I have driven down that grade many times in a truck. Yes it is nerve wracking.

@ourv9603 Жыл бұрын

Back in the bad old days before the ridge route was built the only way to travel from the southland north into the Great Central Valley one had to transverse dozens of canyons to work your way into the valley. Once there, every traveler headed for the Kern river. At the river was a ranch with a kind owner. He always welcomed travelers to stop and pitch a tent. Graze their animals across the road in his field. Bathe in the river & replenish all their water barrels. It didnt take long for this mans kindness was known far & wide. Everyone made a point to stop at his camping field & recoop for the journey ahead. This ranchers name was Baker. And his camping field was known as Bakers Field. !

@jlmplos Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@HansCombee 5 ай бұрын

Nice! Stumbled on this beautiful story of American history. We stood at the exact same spot near the lookout tower when we were passing through on our 2017 holiday in the US. Can't wait for the next visit.

@rayworx Жыл бұрын

Moved from the SD area in '79 (my family moved from LA to SD in '54 when I was 2 years old) and used to ride our motorcycles out I-80 past Desert Tower. Can't say how many times I climbed the tower for the desert view but enjoyed it every time. I never knew about the 'wagon trail' but can see why it was called impossible! Great video.... like always!!

@rickkaylor8554 Жыл бұрын

You always find the coolest places and describe the history so well. Yet another place on my bucket list to visit - but not in the summer.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Oh yeah. I've been waiting for it to cool down to go out here.

@NYSteve 6 ай бұрын

excellent tour guide, great equipment, great speaking voice, good knowledge and research, thanks again!

@lorijohnson3620 Жыл бұрын

Loved this video as I own some property at Mountain Springs exit. My grandfather used to run the rock shop at the old water station and saloon. I would love to know more about that area. The spring was grandfathered for us to use. Not the one you showed but there is a smaller one just down the hillside there. It has huge palms but it is now just a seep. We also put in for a historical marker but the rock tower won. They cannot have two historical markers so close to each other so the water filling station and saloon arent mentioned. Knowing that stretch of road there is at least someone that goes over the guardrails about once a month.

@christopherrosing4473 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the drone footage and how it worked so well to illustrate the history. Great video, thanks Steve!

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@TomG-zw9qb 4 ай бұрын

Oh my gosh...this is the channel we've been looking for dude ! Thanks 😊

@corralescruiser8957 Жыл бұрын

Just found your channel! I'm really enjoying your videos. When I was living in Santee back in the mid 80s I loved taking drives up into the mountains and the deserts. Watching your vids are bringing back memories! Now that I'm retired and in Vegas I have time to come down and explore!

@stevejordan2840 Жыл бұрын

I driven up that grade on I8 a hundred times and never knew about this. I have seen the signs for Desert Spring but never thought much about it. Good stuff!

@miguelnavarro2571 Жыл бұрын

Another great video Steve! Love that you're bringing positive light to our beautiful state with so much bad publicity nowadays

@wanaraz Жыл бұрын

The state is absolutely the finest state in America but the politics is absolutely the worst in America. Whatever bad publicity California gets they have earned it and I am a Californian although I left in 2020. That really broke my heart because democrats have destroyed a great state.

@larrychiea1049 Жыл бұрын

I think you are doing an amazing job at recording history. Its awesome to watch. As an archaeologist I love that you research each site. Keep doing it!

@garyharrall4002 7 ай бұрын

I enjoy these videos. So much unknown history in this country. Especially out west. The people on the Interstates have no idea they're passing history. I've been on that highway as a truckdriver and had no idea any if this existed.

@davidmann6034 Жыл бұрын

Can't get out much anymore, thankful how I can travel with you makes a good Saturday for me KEEP on truckin 👍

@richard1868 Жыл бұрын

Great stuff. I'm an 80 year old from Yuma and traveled the old Highway 80 in the 50s and knew nothing about this other historical stuff. Thanks!

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

@davidostermann8377 Жыл бұрын

Thank You! We were talking about exploring these roads. Now we know what they are all about

@Lizerator Жыл бұрын

Just found your videos! I have always been intrigued by this area and find this very interesting.

@mrfixitman75 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU! Some of my next trips are planned because of you! Thank you for clean fun and awesome knowledge you are sending out!

@Jbennyho 9 ай бұрын

Great history presentation. One of your best. Those sheep herders probably had some good sheep dogs to protect their flocks, slept nearby, and were armed themselves. Thanks for the video. Love the old road history. You went to substantial effort to show us the old routes in person and with drone shots. Great job!

@corycasey Жыл бұрын

Local SD native here. Cool video man, keep it up.

@littleSallyJo Жыл бұрын

I am enjoying your exploration videos so much! Isn't it amazing how many of the original pathways are still visible, thanx to Google Earth and the perseverence of adventurers & explorers like yourself! Great work & thanx for sharing it all with us!!

@justinfleming3551 8 ай бұрын

Yes, I agree and so enjoy these videos too! This man’s videos are the best. I love seeing these remote areas and it makes me want to explore some of them myself. Most of us have no idea how vast our country really is. I got a taste for how huge the land is when I helped move a friend to Tennessee from San Diego, CA and drove the entire 2,000 mile distance in 4 days!!! 😅 We started on the I-8 East and I loved when we reached the mountainous area. As the entire trip took only 4 days, it was a whirlwind journey, but I was fascinated by the geography. I love how the mountains lead to the deserts and how quiet the backcountry is. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I grew up pretty provincial, but I have the exploration bug in me lol. I want to see new things and places that were abandoned long ago. Somehow it gives me a sense of nostalgia for the long forgotten past. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. 😊

@scoturan5054 Жыл бұрын

My great grandfather used to run freight up that pass he would have 8 horses pulling the wagon

@stephenmiller5023 Жыл бұрын

As A San Diego native ( El Cajon for 30 years) and at 62-1/2 yers old now , I myself have traveled all over our “ Back county areas “ but I have yet to hike to where this video was made. There’s a great book on How “ Places got their names “ that I purchased years ago from the old Campo Museum that has some very cool long forgotten ( or at least seldom talked about these days anymore ) history behind them. I have hiked down the “ Lassiter hay Wagon trail “ down backside of Mount Laguna to down by Butterfield stage station “ , visited the Ruins of old John Mc Cain cattle cabins used by him & his “ Cattle crews” and climbed up to see the remains out in Blair valley On the top of the mountain where the Artist / poet lived for many years with his wife Tanya and their 2 children ( yet another interesting story you may or may not have covered or documented 😉). As a new follower now I look forward to seeing your next videos. Stay safe & go check out Goat Canyon Trestle & the “ Impossible railroad “ 👍👍. Enjoy your travels … 😊

@veetors Жыл бұрын

I live in Japan now and I love watching your videos showing the desert and it’s history. The area between Jacumba and the S2 is especially beautiful.

@martyjoseph9507 Жыл бұрын

Great videos, everything just flows together and you really know how to show off the topic. I love the original roads and since one can't get to them all, I'll look forward to watching your adventures to places I've been in the past, and places I'll not make it to or never heard of.

@jacquecaeser9078 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful tale of history. Thank you.

@chuckw1021 Жыл бұрын

A few years ago on my way to El Centro I got off the the 8 at Mountain Springs exit just to check it out. As I sat down on a rock a highway patrol guy drove up to me and said there's a lot of thieves and bad stuff going on there and I better move on. I was like," Hugh? I always wondered about the history of that spot.

@kennethdoughty644 6 ай бұрын

Yuppers! . Desperados in a Desperate Land !!!

@ChrisW-17 Жыл бұрын

Great video Steve! As soon as your video started I wondered if you'd be able to find any structure(s) out there. That area is so forlorn, yet beautiful. Some great behind the scenes info and photos! I apreciate all the research you must do for an adventure like this.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@yeahyeahyeahyeahwhatever Жыл бұрын

I loved every second of this. San Diego is my favorite SoCal city.

@fokkerd3red618 Жыл бұрын

Great tour. Thank you so much

@tomharding2742 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for researching and sharing such a cool piece of history.

@williamlovely450 Жыл бұрын

love every thing you do

@heavenlycrystalsandcandles3609 Жыл бұрын

Love your videos it’s awesome seeing these old roads and historical sites

@johnhallford239 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the research you do and love these adventures. Another great video. Thank ya' sir for sharing.

@user-je8no8xq4p 3 ай бұрын

fascinating thank you for doing all this. it is important.

@1suitcasesal Жыл бұрын

This is very interesting history. Thanks for showing us this.

@Last_one_before_I_go Жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your work, thanks so much for bringing this to us all.

@gomezadams9900 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting bit of history. Thanks, good job

@johnluck1923 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve for doing the hard work so we can view.

@skcyclist Жыл бұрын

Fascinating and well done.

@shirleyrichards2514 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your videos. ❤😊

@joewenzel5142 Жыл бұрын

Good job finding it.

@1bobbylarue Жыл бұрын

Awesome production of this video... Thank You!

@Howoldareweanywayyipes Жыл бұрын

You have some real history in you sir.. great videos all of them...

@leighsayers2628 8 ай бұрын

Fabulous history and vision ..great video .

@garyschlagel995 Жыл бұрын

GREAT HISTORY, THANK YOU!

@siegfriedschudel7024 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this very special adventure we could enjoy with you 👍

@jamoore144 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for your awesome film of the old trails and spring. I love learning a bit about old roads, trails and their history.

@garyschultz7768 Жыл бұрын

Good history & Well presented..... Thank You kindly

@JP-su8bp Жыл бұрын

Solid tour, thank you. We appreciate you hazarding the snakes for us!

@jeffreynieboer4549 Жыл бұрын

Been up and down that grade many times and know that spot very well. Never stopped to check it out though. Thanks for the history lesson! Very interesting.

@triggerMB 6 ай бұрын

Just love the desert scenery!!! Keep up the great work.

@Coltbreath Жыл бұрын

This was Great it gives me some ideas for the family trip to SD! Thank You

@andrewwebb17 Жыл бұрын

Well Documented Steve Job well done

@donalddodson7365 Жыл бұрын

Great graphics weaving together the various routes down to Ocotillo Wells. Thank you.

@suziperret468 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful landscape and the old station and stone walls delicately dot the surface.

@valeriegoode9762 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@CJinsoo Жыл бұрын

love the explanation of “discovered” great video.

@susanherman3707 Жыл бұрын

Love watching your videos. I learn alot from them. I have traveled that section of I-8 many times and have been to the tower a few times, but I was very interested in learning about the old roads. Thank you!

@rustypugh123 6 ай бұрын

I really enjoy your videos. Nicely done.

@dougtodd305 Жыл бұрын

I love history, and historical transportation,l never lived in so. Cal,but love traveling those areas . Cant get enough of the desert.thanks for what you do!

@craig0769 Жыл бұрын

This area is pretty awesome. Lots of recent and ancient history through here.

@1984xlx Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, for another fascinating look into the past.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it.

@bglrj Жыл бұрын

This is a terrific video, as are all you post.

@warrenjansen7096 Жыл бұрын

Very nice! Thank you.

@HM2SGT Жыл бұрын

Hey, I've seen that place before. I remember it was a landmark when you were looking for the site of a restaurant.😺👍

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

I think it was on that video when the plaque mentioning how the ruins weren't accessible caught my eye.

@joshuabarber5272 Жыл бұрын

Another awesome and informative video!! Cant wait for the next one. Thanks

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@eileenirwin2778 Жыл бұрын

Another great and informative video. Thanks for sharing, Steve.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

@serg-67kvon74 Жыл бұрын

thanks, very informative! Definitely a must see for anyone interested in American history!

@XJ_Crochet Жыл бұрын

We’ve been here a few times, really fun Jeep trail

@mawi1172 Жыл бұрын

This was so funny to see. Vegas has funny photos of PRE AUTO America too. Driving thru boulders here! Scary! Its funny seeing just before we had real roads anywhere. ❤️

@kevincordell9539 8 ай бұрын

Steve, I find your videos very interesting and informative. Keep up the good work and making great content. I grew up in Southern California and always loved the desert and mountains.

@ridealongwithrandy Жыл бұрын

I'm really enjoying your videos! Cheers!

@michaelsonleitner5724 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, as usual a pristine presentation!

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@matthewgauthier7251 Жыл бұрын

Great. Thank you. Really pleased with your vids of San Diego back country.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@jelipe54 9 ай бұрын

I watch your videos frequently and I think you've inspired me to visit other places, especially in California

@charleshaggard4341 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I really like what you are doing with the history and locations.

@SidetrackAdventures Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@BamaPhill Жыл бұрын

Very fascinating seeing the history of your area and the Southwest. Living in the world we now have, it's really hard to imagine the long and extremely difficult work put into creating these roads and structures. Really amazing if you think about it. Thanks for posting these videos.

@4wdboss230 Жыл бұрын

Lived in Imperial county all my life. Never seen those ruins, heck, never been in the view tower. Definitely gonna check out these sites when I retire. Thanks for sharing.

@doctorwhodj Жыл бұрын

I drove from san diego to Imperial, almost daily fir a few months last year 2022. Super interesting that it was not just old highway 80 alongside on some parts along the 8 but an OLD native trail good for mules and horseback trail turned wagon trail. Interesting love your channel of exploring

@anthonybaransky137 9 ай бұрын

I like your style and the music is calming. Thank you I subbed🙂

@robertfritz9916 Жыл бұрын

We enjoy your videos. We lived in Poway for 40 years before moving to Idaho, though we spend the winter months in Canebrake. Some of your adventures we have shared, many we have not. Thanks for doing them as at 75 years old I'm not as agile as I once was so some places are out of my practical reach.

@guardgilbert Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video.

@echo1257 Жыл бұрын

Thanks ive just found your channel and have subscribed. Im so happy to share in your hobby you're doing such a fantastic job and what an experience you share. Truly appreciate your time and effort you've shown in creating such a wonderful channel 💜

@williamd4707 Жыл бұрын

Great presentations on all episodes. I live in So. Ca. and am always amazed the history that is still out there to be found. This is materials that is not found in textbooks and only made available by your hard work. But, you probably enjoy the searches and these presentations. Thank you.

@garymills562 Жыл бұрын

As a truck driver, I do I 8 taking freight into San Diego. You can see these old roads and the tower now I know...

@laurants Жыл бұрын

I used to work a ranch in Campo. Driving the 8 freeway I wold always see these cut outs and wonder when that old road was made in the hillside. Now I finally know, like 20 years later. Thanks.

@jlmplos Жыл бұрын

Thank you for these videos. My history teacher told us that some of the roads here in the LA area that end in "nga" were meant as (people of or from) for example topanga "people of topan" apparently the Spaniards couldn’t pronounce gna and instead did nga. (Topan-gna) There is also Cahuen-gna.