Rockhouse Valley

A repeat of the trip last spring. Park at the trailhead which is he end of Rockhouse Canyon Road. Head for the old Santa Rosa Indian village for the night. Then to the upper rock houses. Gary wanted to return via Buck Ridge and Jackass Flats. A storm was building as we left San Diego Friday morning and how it was going to present itself in the desert is always unpredictable. As it turned out we were extremely lucky. We saw lightning over the Cuyamaca Mountains Friday night and had mist Saturday evening but no storm. On Sunday I split from the rest of the crew and returned via the wash rather than take the additional climb over Buck Ridge. This allowed me to spend Sunday night alone at the lower rock houses which was an interesting counter point to the many years I day hiked to them and then had to rush back before dark to the trail head where I would be camped with a vehicle. This also allowed me to pick my own pace, stop and enjoy the view and once take off my boots and dry my socks and relax in the shade. In the 4 days we were out there there was no indication that anyone else was there. Gary, Randy and Jackie were my hiking companions on this trip.

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Rest stop at the wall. About 1/2 way through  the canyon to the valley.

Indications of the storm

Another rest stop.

Leaving the canyon and into the valley

Searching for Cottonwood Springs (trail start)

Morning at Cowboy Springs. We didn't make it old ruins so spent the night here.

Sleeping arrangements.

Rest stop at the Santa Rosa Indian village

View from above. Buck Ridge in the distance.

Several ruins.

Bighorn sheep horn has been left in one of the ruins.

Another view.

I found some party balloons in the vicinity.

Pushing on to the upper rock houses. Buck Ridge a bit farther away now!

Gary attends to his bi-yearly tree trimming chores.

Lounging under the Cottonwood tree

Leaving the next morning. Notice the distant low clouds.

Descending into Nicholai Canyon

J, G, & R off on a side hike

I head down canyon and pop up on the flat.

Alder Canyon on the right

Back down in the wash, Cottonwood remains.

Look back to Toro Peak.

End of Nicholias Canyon. Had to lower pack down by rope and the climb down 3 different 8' to 12' steps

Juncture of Alder and Nicholias Canyon

All downhill from here.

Twisted old Juniper skeleton.

Rock cliff

Bighorn sheep tracks

Look back to Toro Peak

Flash flood sculpture

At the lower rock houses

Toro Peak again

I set up camp outside the north rock house. To many rodent droppings in the rock houses.

Looking south

Heating water up for dinner. The stove is on a 'slick rock'. A stone the Indians wore smooth with food preparation.

Morning Mess!

Somehow it all fits.

Blurry self portrait

This is zig zag hill. See January 06 backpack

Above the 20' dry waterfall. Inscription reads: Sand Buggies 8 VW's 1969

Perfunctory picture of my adopted rock.

Van at the trail head.