The Mysteries of The World's Largest All-wood Trestle Bridge - The Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge

Tucked away in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is the world's largest all-wood trestle bridge, known as The Goat Canyon Trestle bridge. An engineering marvel, still standing today, after almost a hundred years.

00:00 Intro
00:40 Day Before The Hike
01:50 Goat Canyon Hike Trailhead
02:43 Start of Hike
05:36 Abandoned Rail Cars
08:04 Tunnel Bypass Route
16:27 Mountain Lions
19:34 Tunnel 9
25:49 Tunnel 15 Collapse and Mysterious Sounds
29:53 Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
36:43 Drone Views of Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge
44:20 Young & Crook’s Camp
45:16 Post Hike Review and Suggestions

Join us on an exhilarating hiking adventure to one of the most iconic and remote landmarks in Southern California—the Goat Canyon Trestle Bridge. This scenic trek begins at the DeAnza Springs Resort, taking us on a journey through rugged desert terrain, across multiple wooden bridges, and through several dark, eerie tunnels carved through the mountainside. As we make our way deeper into the wilderness, we’ll explore the history and challenges of the railroad that once connected San Diego to the eastern U.S., and how the Goat Canyon Trestle, an engineering marvel, has withstood the test of time and nature’s fury.

Throughout the hike, we’ll traverse over several historic wooden trestles, each offering a glimpse into the past of the now-defunct railroad. The real highlight, of course, is the Goat Canyon Trestle itself, a towering masterpiece that rises 200 feet above the canyon floor and stretches an impressive 750 feet across a deep ravine. The Goat Canyon Trestle is the largest wooden trestle in the world and the tallest bridge along the former San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway, known as the "Impossible Railroad."

The History of the Goat Canyon Trestle: Originally completed in 1932, the bridge was part of a 148-mile route designed to connect the city of San Diego with the rest of the nation, bypassing the treacherous mountain range to the north. However, the route was plagued by natural disasters and extreme weather events. Over the decades, the trestle has been damaged by:

Storms: Frequent heavy rains, floods, and mudslides have taken their toll on the wooden structure.

Fires: Wildfires have ravaged parts of the surrounding desert, posing a constant threat to the integrity of the bridge.

Landslides: The steep terrain and shifting earth have often buried parts of the railway, requiring extensive repairs.

Earthquakes: As with much of California, seismic activity has shaken the region, damaging the tracks and necessitating reconstruction.

Despite these challenges, the Goat Canyon Trestle has remained standing as a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineers and the resilience of the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway. Over the years, the bridge has survived both the ravages of nature and the decline of the railroad itself, which ceased operations in the 1970s.

Today, the Goat Canyon Trestle stands as a hidden gem for adventurous hikers, history enthusiasts, and railroad aficionados alike. In this video, we’ll not only take you on the hike, but also delve into the rich history of the bridge and the railway, showing you how this once-vital transportation route shaped the region and survived despite numerous obstacles.

Statistics on Goat Canyon Trestle:

Height: 200 feet (61 meters)
Length: 750 feet (229 meters)
Construction Date: Completed in 1932
Material: Primarily wood, supported by steel beams at critical points
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Southern California
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a history buff, this video offers a deep dive into one of the most unique and resilient structures in the American West. Hit the trail with us, discover the secrets of the past, and witness the breathtaking views along the way to the mighty Goat Canyon Trestle! #GoatCanyonTrestle #GoatcanyonTrestleBridge #DesertLine #hike #california #adventure #history #bridge #trestlebridge #mountainlions #railway #railcar #railroad #train