EC 214

Trail Overview

EC 214 is a 3.5-mile point-to-point trail rated 4 of 10 in Imperial County. EC 214 forms part of the northern boundary of the Coyote Mountain Wilderness Area. EC 214 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 starts within sandy washes and slowly climbs toward the mountains 1.7 miles to the west. The trail continues for 1.8 miles across mountain ridges and fingers to intersect with EC 125. There are several switchbacks along a shelf road that narrows to a single-vehicle width. Approximately 1 mile after starting the climb onto the mountain section, an unnamed trail runs to the south. This trail traverses the Painted Gorge Area. Cell phone service is unavailable along the route. The nearest services are in El Centro to the east.

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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