Historic Route. The location of
the crossing of the Colorado River and the subsequent route of the expedition
down the river is not accurately defined because of changes in the river
channel over the past 200 years. The Anza party did generally follow the
Colorado River south into what is now Mexico. The expedition remained south
of the present border for several days before crossing back into the U.S.
today southwest of El Centro. The route then continues north through BLM
and Navy administered lands for about 35 miles to San Sebastian Marsh,
then turns west, following San Felipe Creek into San Diego County.
Federal Components
Camp #42, Pilot Knob (BLM)
Camp # 47, Yuha Well (BLM)
Camp #49, San Sebastian Marsh/San Felipe
Creek (BLM)
High Potential Route Segments
BLM proposes to mark the Anza Trail on
or parallel to the historic corridor; diversions from the historic route
avoid areas of military activity (El Centro Naval Air Facility) and private
lands.
Interpretive Sites
Site of Mission Purísima Conception
Anza Monument Overlook (BLM)
Camp # 48, north of Plaster City
Recreational Trail
The portion of eastern Imperial County
traversed by the Anza group is a mixture of American Indian reservation
and private lands in intensive agricultural use. Because of these land
uses, and the extended portion of the route below the border, recreational
trail continuity between Yuma and the route's reentry into the U.S. would
require an international agreement or the use of a route removed from the
historic alignment. During the Bicentennial reenactment, the service roads
of the All American Canal were used between the Yuma vicinity and El Centro.
This canal, and others in the area, may offer a potential for an off-highway
recreational route.
Should an international trail become a
reality, the historic route can be retraced more accurately.
Auto Route (marked)
Interstate 8 to State 98 roughly parallels
the historic route from Yuma through Calexico to Mt. Signal and the intersection
with the Anza Trail in the Yuha area. State Highway 86 could be followed
north although it is several miles east of the historic corridor. As 86
turns west and joins State Highway 78, it again approximates the historic
route.
Approved routes of travel provide 4-wheel
drive vehicle access across several segments of the historic corridor on
BLM land.
Agency/Organization Coordination
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
City of El Centro
El Centro Naval Air Facility
Fort Yuma Quechan Tribal Council
Imperial County
• Planning Department
• Parks & Recreation Department
State of California
• Caltrans
• Department of Fish and Game
• Native American Heritage Commission
• Office of Historic Preservation
• Office of Tourism
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Gypsum Corporation |