EC 125

Trail Overview

EC 125 is a 2.7-mile point-to-point trail rated 4 of 10 in Imperial County. EC 125 is a BLM seasonal trail open from 1 July to 31 December and closed the remainder of the year to protect lambing of Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. The trail runs along the central ridgeline of the Painted Gorge Area. The trail has numerous hill climbs and descents with roughly 18 switchbacks. The track ends at the recommended turnaround point for EC 125. Beyond this point, the BLM does not recommend travel due to very poor trail conditions. The views from the turnaround point to the north include the Carrizo Badlands and the Navy's Loom Lobby bombing range (inactive). Cell phone service is unavailable along the route. The nearest services are in El Centro to the east.

Photos of EC 125

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

The trail consists of loose rocks, dirt, and sand with some slickrock surfaces. There is some erosion, including washes, gulches, and rock steps no higher than 18 inches. Tall tires (33+ inches) and limited slip are a plus. 4WD is required. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are helpful. Good driving skills are also a plus.

History

The Painted Gorge area is a place of contradictions. Now a desert, 450 million years ago this part of North America was under the sea. The area does not lend itself to conventional agriculture. Viewed by some as a wasteland, from 1942 to 1959, the area just to the north, the Carrizo Impact Area, was used as a bombing range to test and train during World War II and the primary part of the Korean War. The region's history as a major route is multi-cultural. The Kumeyaay moved back and forth from desert to coast, explorer Juan Baptista de Anza crossed the region, and the Butterfield Overland Stage route crosses just to the north of Painted Gorge.

Technical Rating