Goat Canyon Trestle Hike: The Largest Wooden Train Trestle in the World

From the Author: Even though 6 miles sounds easy on paper, this is a hard hike. Why? It requires route-finding skills and scrambling up boulders. It’s also remote. You could be the only one hiking here. If all that sounds good, read on. My last advice is to carry a lot of water; you’ll be in the California desert. Don’t try this hike in the summer. There is no shade on this hike. None.

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Wondering about the Goat Canyon Trestle Hike or the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge? We have all you need to know about hiking it, and getting there.

You’ve come to the right place. I live in California, and the Goat Canyon Trestle hike is one of the most unique hikes in Southern California because it includes the largest wooden train trestle in the world.

Getting There: Goat Canyon Trestle Hike

Getting to the trailhead of the Goat Canyon Trestle hike is easy with GPS.

I recommend downloading a hike map from Alltrails before you go.

Below are driving directions north and south of the trailhead.

From the Los Angeles:

Turn left onto San Felipe Rd
Turn right onto CA-78 W.
Continue on the Great Southern Overland Stage Route.
Take Sweeny Pass Rd to Jojobacnyn

From San Diego:

Take CA-94 E
Take I-8 E to County Rte S2/Imperial Hwy in Ocotillo
Exit from I-8 E
Continue on County Rte S2/Imperial Hwy
Take Dos Cabezas Rd to Mortero Canyon Rd in San Diego County

You’ll pass the Dos Cabezas train station – a very rusty water tower will indicate you are in the right spot.

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Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge via Mortero Palms Hike Trailhead

There are two options to get to the Mortero Palms trailhead off Highway S-2.

The first is 5 miles from the town of Ocotillo. The second is about 8 miles from Octotillo further north. GPS will take you there.

At the trailhead, take the north canyon to Mortero Pams instead of the south. The path is flat at first, with a mountain of boulders ahead.

Scramble up those boulders.

The trail is faint at this point, but it is a trail. Hike up a steep incline for about a mile and a half (around 500 in elevation). Head to the furthest saddle you can see at this point.

You’ll need to use your best judgment at this stage. Depending on the season, the trail may look a bit different from when I went in the winter.

Some sections have cairns, but as an avid hiker, you know those are not totally reliable.

Once over the saddle, you’ll head down into Goat Canyon. At this point, the trail looks like a trail along a ridgeline and is well-defined.

Now, it’s time for the descent into the Goat Canyon.

Please watch your step; it can be slippery and unpredictable. You’ll be on the decline for about half of a mile until you reach the top of a dry waterfall.

You’ll have to do some rock scrambling at this point. Be careful here; it’s a bit dicey, and please don’t attempt to climb down the waterfall area; it’s too steep.

Take the path of least resistance. On this hike, anyway, it’s the safest.

At this point, you should see the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge. Head towards it. Remember that the distance you just came is the distance and effort you need to get back.

Take in the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

Not that you’ve made it take in this historic bridge. It is well intact and in good shape. There are tunnels to peek into and spots to have a snack. Take photos, hydrate, and prepare for the trek back up the steep incline.

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History of the Famous Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

Construction on the trestle began in 1932 and was completed in 1933.

The trestle is a remarkable feat of engineering, standing as one of the largest wooden trestle bridges in the world. It’s around 200 feet tall and 600 feet long, towering over the rocky terrain.

The railway was primarily built to connect San Diego, California, with Yuma, Arizona, providing a direct route for goods and passengers.

However, due to the challenging terrain and financial difficulties during the Great Depression, the construction faced numerous setbacks and challenges.

The railway was finally completed in the mid-20th century, but the route saw limited use due to its steep grades, sharp curves, and the construction of alternative, more accessible routes.

Over time, the railway fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned in the 1980s.

Today, the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge remains as a historical landmark and a point of interest for hikers and railroad enthusiasts.

The area around the bridge has become a part of hiking trails. It is accessible to adventurers looking to explore this engineering marvel in the remote desert landscape near the border.

Goat Canyon Trestle Hike Photos

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