WHALE PEAK MASSIF (LONGITUDINAL TRAVERSE	13 Feb. 1972	Wes Shelberg
The Vallecito Mountains in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are configured as a gigantic horseshoe with westward pointing prongs. The Whale Peak Massif comprises the west end of the southern prong, and supports Whale Peak itself which is on the HPS Peaks List. This pattern can be seen on the combined Whale Peak and Harper Valley Topo Maps (7.5 Min.). A one-way solo traverse of the entire Whale Peak Massif back in 1972 revealed broad, desert-ridge summits of high quality. Enjoyed were: mountain sheep, habitat ranging from badland to pinyon pine type, awesome views of a desolate land, and absolute loneliness. The one-way traverse required a full day (sunrise-sunset) and a one-man, 54 mile vehicle shuttle. (You are now wondering how one does a solo vehicle shuttle). At that time I carried a Yamaha 175 motorcycle (trail bike) mounted on the rear of a full-size station wagon, a practice that ultimately busted the rear axle on a jeep road (so I had to give it up). The traverse proceeded from Sandstone Canyon in the east to the petroglyphs at Little Blair Valley in the west. The terminus was purposely made the station wagon at the Little Blair Valley petroglyphs since, in contradistinction to the eastern route-head, there would be more winter visitors to the general area if assistance were needed for any reason. It is always preferable to return to a car rather than a motorcycle (even though the bike is hidden and/or chained to something) because bikes are too easily stolen. If one does plan on returning to a motorcycle in an isolated desert area, he should always hide a couple of gallons of water nearby by burying them. I have drawn the exact route on three 7.5 Min. topo maps (Arroyo Tapiado, Agua Caliente Springs, and Whale Peak). This cannot be reproduced herein because there is just too much map. Furthermore, a detailed verbal description is impossible because some of the badland topography is too intricate. However a general map description of the exact route follows, and this requires reference to and perusal of the topo maps: 1. (AAA San Diego County Map; Arroyo Tapiado Quadrangle). In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, take the Fish Creek road through Split Mountain and proceed to Sandstone Canyon. Go up Sandstone Canyon as far as your vehicle can go and park at some spot where you will not block the very narrow canyon. You should probably leave a note in the window stating that you will be back the next day. This is a popular winter route so you will probably not be isolated out in the middle of nowhere. Road conditions can be good or bad depending upon recent weather and the extent of recent use. At times It can very sandy (especially around the mouth of Sandstone Canyon) although passenger cars frequently negotiate the route when winter use has established good tire tracks. Road status can be checked by telephoning Park Rangers. If possible, use four wheel drive and forget road condition. In any event, If you have never seen the Fish Creek drainage, you should. 2. (Agua Tapiado Quadrangle). My hiking started 1.1 miles up Sandstone Can- yon near the letter T in the word TRAIL. I could have gone farther with my bike, and on other trips with four wheel drive I have been able to drive much farther. In any event, proceed up Sandstone Canyon to the Agua Caliente Springs Quadrangle bearing to the left at major drainage confluences at 1680 ft. and 1880 ft. elevations.

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