Refueling / Water sources along stagecoach 400 route between Anza - Nobel Canyon

[isignay]

Trying to get some information on the stagecoach route for the stretch between Anza and Nobel Canyon / Mt. Laguna.  I know after Idyllwild you can resupply at Anza which will get you to Borrego Springs.  I'm assuming at Borrego Springs you can resupply with food and water.  But there appears to be a long 100+ mile stretch of nothing, is this just a stretch you have to cover as much ground as possible while avoiding the mid afternoon heat or are there places to stop and refuel and get some food?

[Buttermilk]

Full up in borrego for the push through fish creek to a resupply at stagecoach (9-5) spiket on north of building if after hours. Have a couple hundred ounces if you will stay over night. Long sandy climb. From there fill up for the ride to descanso. If you have a water filter there is a small creek in the aspens just before you climb oriflame to top off. 

[isignay]

Thanks!!!!

[forest_on_bike]

I've seen a number of people mention Descanso as a place to get water/food. I've studied Google maps, but it's not clear to me where people are getting resupplied in Descanso.

Could someone please tell me exactly where to get water/food in Descanso?

I'm going to do an ITT on April 9th, so any info is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Forest

[Buttermilk]

It's on the corner where you turn right to go up Viejas Grade rd., easy to spot. By the post office. Have fun, I just finished it a week ago... nice route.

[GerryL]

There is also a well/spigot at the Noble Canyon trailhead for the section between Stagecoach and Descanso. Look for it on the right behind the trail map. 

[trebor]

right here, Forest: http://goo.gl/maps/3VTil

[forest_on_bike]

Trebor - awesome! Thanks for the waypoint.

Gerry - thanks for pointing out the spigot behind the trail map. I was studying Google map street view trying to find it. Does the route actually go on the trail that the spigot is right next to (that is, does the route go up the Noble Canyon trailhead)? Or do I need to keep my eye out for the trailhead and briefly hop off the route to grab water from the spigot?

Thanks for all of your help!

Forest

[trebor]

The spigot at Noble is on the trail, at the trail head, as soon as you turn off the pavement. Easy to find.

[GerryL]

Thousand Trails campground is also another water/snack spot on the 79 before you get to Descanso. It will be on the left as you descend pavement. The campground store is well stocked.

The big gaps in food/water for me were between Borrego and Stagecoach (Fish Creek took a lot longer than I thought to climb) and again from Escondido back to Sunrise Market if the PCT store isn't open.

Good luck on the ITT!

[Buttermilk]

FYI regarding the Noble Cyn. spigot, it was not on last week when I tried to get water. Also, the campground store was closed (it was early afternoon when i rode by) but the Descanso Mkt is not too far past.

I agree with GerryL regarding the big gaps in water. Fish Creek to me longer than expected too...my favorite combo...uphill in sand with a headwind!! yeehaa!!

[forest_on_bike]

The info about the spigot being off is key! I didn't know that would be a possibility. I won't count on it.

Thanks!

Forest

[Jon Cal]

I just checked out the Noble Canyon trailhead- the spigot is still off.  Thinking of calling the ranger station and finding out if they have a date in which that'll be up and running. 

There was a good deal of water running at the Indian Creek crossing- prolly will still be going strong in three weeks.  Also, Granite Springs has a working spigot.  Both of these would need a filter though.  Indian Creek is about 2-3 miles past Noble's trailhead.  Granite is past the Indian Creek segment at the interior start of East Mesa- prolly another 3-4 miles past Indian. 

[forest_on_bike]

Thanks for posting an update on the spigot. I'm heading out on my ITT tomorrow morning, so I definitely won't count on that water source.

Thanks!

Forest