In 1540, eighty years before the Mayflower arrived at Plymouth
Rock, Spanish explorers traveled El Camino Del Diablo. During the
1690's, it was being used by those traveling between missions. By
1800, settlers were using it as a shortcut to connect points in
Mexico and points in California. During the 49ers gold rush,
would-be prospectors charged into its summer heat in a dash for
California riches. Many of them were unprepared for what the
called, a trip through hell. An estimated 400 graves soon lined the
narrow dusty path.
The El Camino Del Diablo trail is currently 113 miles long. It
crosses the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Gunnery Range, on the
western end, the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in the
middle, and the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on the eastern
end.
This cache is rated a 5, not because the cache is hard to find,
but because it is difficult to get to. A separate permit is
required for each adult traveling any portion of the trail. A 4WD
vehicle is required to obtain a permit (although not always
necessary to drive the trail). Each adult will also be required to
sign a "Hold Harmless" agreement, which informs you of the many
dangers you are likely to encounter and absolves the military of
any responsibility. In addition, before each visit, you must call a
toll-free number and provide them with information on your travels,
permits, vehicles, and members traveling.
This is a very remote portion of Arizona. You may not see
another person for many days. There are 4 authorized entry points
to "El Camino Del Diablo", with the cache being located near the
middle of the trail. When the cache was hidden, the eastern
entry/exit point through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was
closed.
Information on range permits can be obtained from the following
places:
- Luke Air Force Base, Gila Bend Auxiliary Field, Gila Bend, AZ -
(520) 683-6272
- Range Management Dept, Yuma Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, AZ
- (520) 0341-3402
- Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Field Office, Yuma, AZ - (520)
317-3200
- Bureau of Land Management, Phoenix Field Office, Phoenix, AZ -
(602) 580-5500
- Cabeza Preita National Wildlife Refuge, Ajo, AZ - (520)
387-5226