A Journey to the Colorado River Ghost Town of Picacho, California

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In the late 1800s, Picacho, California was a thriving gold mining town of 2,500 people located on the Colorado River. But, by the early 1900s, mining slowed down, the steamboats were no more, then due to increased dams on the river, the water began to rise. Now, the townsite of Picacho is located on Picacho State Recreation Area, one of the most remote and least visited state parks in California.
Located north of Yuma, Arizona, on the California side of the Colorado River, Picacho State Recreation Area is accessed by boat on the Colorado River or by one of two dirt roads through the desert. In this video we took the 18 mile Picacho Road to access the park, passing by Picacho Peak (California's Picacho Peak, not the more famous one in Arizona) and the Picacho Gold Mine.
After arriving at the park, we hiked to the townsite, talking about the town's history and exploring the sites, such as the Picacho town jail, located in a cave, before exploring the ruins of two 1800s stamp mills.
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1 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 322

@heyoldman2003 6 месяцев назад

Again … thank you Steve for taking us along . i love to see the warm desert and these remote places. take care 👍🏼

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

My pleasure!

@chuckw1021 6 месяцев назад

Picacho . One of my favorite places to go. Friends and family have been going there since the 70's. It can get real hot in the summer but the river gives some relief. The trails and the dock for the boats are a great place to hang out. I assume you didn't camp there, Steve. Nighttime is another adventure to enjoy.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

I did not camp there. I really wasn't sure how many people would be out there and if there would be campgrounds available. There were plenty available to say the least.

@ATLANTABOY527 6 месяцев назад

Great memories had the opportunity to camp about every holiday weekend from 69 to 74 3 or 4 camopsites filled with family and friends the shear beauty and remoteness I really can't think of the words to describe it

@michaeltaylor4984 5 месяцев назад

Spent 4 years in Yuma. Picacho was a great place to recreate.

@tato4612 День назад

I agree....Picacho is an absolute gem!

@cecilboatwright3555 3 месяца назад

I lived about 20 years in Southern California, and I used to visit many of the places you go!! THANKS FOR SHARING your trips with us!! It makes me miss the desert SO MUCH!!

@yzenynot 6 месяцев назад

"Nobody calls it that." 🤣Great video, as always.

@TheStuport 6 месяцев назад

🤣🤣🤣 That was such a fun opening!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

She heard me call it that for at least three days at that point haha

@wmjohns881 6 месяцев назад

Of all the travel channels, this is my favorite. Not only are the topics historical and interesting, Steve’s presentations are very easy to understand. His voice is not rushed and he dos not have an accent to filter through.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Wow, thank you!

@fallbrkgrl 6 месяцев назад

Found this on my friends Facebook page. My mom and dad lived in Winterhaven CA, but not actually in the town (about a mile north of I8, off of Sidewinder Rd). As soon as you said the name "Jose Mendevall" i ran into the house to tell my mom, and asked her if he was related to an old friend of hers, named Ernie Mendevall, and she said yes, that Jose was Ernie's grandfather. Ernie is still alive and kicking, and has some land out by my mom's old property, where his friends, and family have camping gatherings. I also own land in the same area. Was going to be my retirement home for me and my mom. Unfortunately couldn't find contractors, or a well driller, so ended up buying a home in the Yuma Foothills. Anyway...loved the video. I didn't even know about the ghost town, despite having been to Picacho. Have sub'd to your channel, and looking forward to more of your travels. ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈🐕🐎

@williamschoemann4209 6 месяцев назад

Thank you. It was fun visiting PSRA with you. I camped there with friends during a couple of Easter Breaks from SDSU, probably '69 and '70. We were the only folks there. The campground was right by the river. It was quite pleasant, even magic. There were no fences, chain link or picket. Keep on exploring.

@TheStuport 6 месяцев назад

Best Opening Ever Steve! Your wife chiming in on cue about "Yuma being called The Rome Of The Desert" 🤣 You nailed it Steve when you showed that first view of The Colorado River @ 7:10 and it really did up the value of the scenery! I'm one of those morbid Souls who enjoy a good Cemetery up close whether it is a Huge Spread of a simple resting place! The Drone shots really showcase the vastness of that area! The Jail Cell was crazy to see and was surprised no names were carved into the walls from jailed visitors! And in keeping with Murphey's Law, it's no surprise that you and your wife saw all those Burros as you were leaving! They wanted their Own Premier on The Sidetrack Adventure Reel! Thanks & Cheers From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO 🙏

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thanks! I think she was tired of hearing me call it that. .

@TheStuport 6 месяцев назад

@@SidetrackAdventures 🤣🤣🤣

@ceciliavillasenor9130 6 месяцев назад

I'm from the Imperial Valley never knew! Greeting from TX

@TheStuport 6 месяцев назад

@@ceciliavillasenor9130 Salute! 👋

@SwiftyTravels 6 месяцев назад

Thanks for bringing the history of this unknown area to us! I can only imagine how beautiful it must’ve been to ride a steamboat up that river!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Yeah, before the dams you could take a steamboat from Yuma to just outside the Grand Canyon. Now you can walk across the river in Yuma though.

@jcorsaro 6 месяцев назад

Tumco is a historic gold Ghost town that’s very close by to Picacho state park off Ogilby Road in Winterhaven. It’s worth a visit and has hiking trails around the ruins. I have enjoyed and explored the south east corner of California for many years, and still make several trips from San Diego every year. Thanks for the great videos!

@bruce2keys270 6 месяцев назад

Great adventure / showing the history of this area. You always have fascinating and interesting content to watch ! Thanks !

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@usaturnuranus 4 месяца назад

I grew up in the far west, back in the 50s and 60s. I miss the terrain and history so much - thanks for allowing me to revisit and/or discover new facets of this amazing region from home my young friend.

@timburleson5171 6 месяцев назад

Steve, my dad and I spent about ten years visiting this site. We fished the Colorado in our tri hull boat every July. We learned the hard way to camp downstream and head upstream in our boat to fish. Pacacho became that camping spot for about ten summers. When we fished, it was for perch or bluegill during the day. Then, at night, these fish became our bait for 10 plus pound channel catfish, using a rock cod pole and rig. Often, blue catfish. The stories I could tell about Pacacho. I saw the Mine Grave site. Not so many fences, then. The laborers were Chinese, and the Graves were 4 foot long or shorter. It was an adventure getting our boat on a trailer to this campground. There used to be a small store near the launch ramp.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

They seemed to have construction near the ramp so I didn't get too close, so I can't tell you if there was still a store. Seems like an amazing place to camp and probably extremely peaceful.

@TheGrinddcore 6 месяцев назад

Yeah that store has been gone for about 10 years now it was just one guy running it. He told me he was going to move his store to either Salton Sea or somewhere nearby that.

@user-qf1it8jc9y 6 месяцев назад

Thank you Steve! As a So. Cal. native, I have enjoyed local and away travel videos. Some places are new to me, some I have been to, and some that I have driven right past but didn't even know about. I enjoy the history that you include with all of your productions. Keep up the great work!

@erniegutierrez2288 6 месяцев назад

Wow never would have guessed Picacho was once a town, but then we shouldnt be surprised due to the abundance of resources in our state. Also love the cave jail. Probably the most cost effective jail ever made! "Like"

@barbaraconklin4976 6 месяцев назад

Great way to binge on a cold western NY Saturday. Very informational videos and well narrated. ❤️

@robertreynolds1044 6 месяцев назад

I came into Picacho from the west about 25 years ago, a very rough, class3+,with blowsand, in a Honda civic hatchback! My name is Bicycle Bob and I approved this message.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

They say that road from the west is much rougher than the one I took.

@robertreynolds1044 6 месяцев назад

@SidetrackAdventures that's what class 3 roads, high clearance and preferably four wheel drive. I had lifted my hatchback over an inch and have good driving skills, but the hundred yards of blow sand was the trickiest. You should check out Kelso, me and my girlfriend go there and walk the wash that parallels the railroad tracks, we find lots of goodies.

@davidvandyken5762 28 дней назад

When I was a kid my boy scout troop did an annual 2 day canoe trip down the Colorado River. The campground at Picacho is where we would spend our first night. It's been over 30 years since I've been out there. Thanks for the video!

@Porsche996driver 6 месяцев назад

Nice one Steve! Appreciate you rate the dirt road as well. That Picacho Cemetary is a trip. Dia de Los Muertos for sure ha. 🎃

@SpanishEclectic 6 месяцев назад

Oh my goodness! I've been curious about this place for a number of years, since I researched it (online) as a setting for the opening scenes of a (as yet, unfinished) historical novel! Not sure of how to pronounce the name at the time, it was Peak-a-Cho in my head, lol. Thank you so much for the great info, and some leads where I can find out more about what was going on in the area in 1861. I'm also fascinated by the Chocolate Mountains nearby (now a Military range, off limits), and curious about early trails, perhaps Indian Pass, that would lead to the area now occupied by the Salton Sea. Strange I never found anything about the mining town, though now the name Paymaster Landing makes more sense. I've driven through the general area on the 78, through Glamis to Palo Verde. Your channel is so great for us locals who have passed by these places with no idea what was there. Also love your choice of music. I'm sure I'll be viewing this one again. :)

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

I heard Indian Pass is in rougher shape, but I'd love to take that road.

@IndridCool54 6 месяцев назад

It’s really amazing to me that steam boats used to ply the Colorado. What a time that must have been. 👍🏼

@theytoobpromotescommies 6 месяцев назад

Your adventures fill my lunch breaks with views of nearby history. To see the stories being told for future generations brings me joy. Thank you steve.

@scottgoebl6194 6 месяцев назад

Very cool. I was there 30 years ago and the campground was full and there was a lot of boating activity. Beautiful area and the canoeing is sublime.

@spartan8091 4 месяца назад

The graphics you added to name the mountains was a nice addition. Well done sir!

@HarryPalmer-P.I. 6 месяцев назад

You're making me homesick Steve. A sentimental journey for me.

@petecollins4925 6 месяцев назад

Fascinating as ever and a total contrast to the Roman road! Extremely remote location now but of course the steamboats would have made it seem much less out of the way. We used rivers for transport a lot more back then. Seems as though the mine is still economically viable if it is still in operation. What really struck me was the contrast between the dry and dusty desert scenery and the lush green ribbon of land by the river, very noticeable. Thanks for another excellent bit of old west history Steve.

@robbergstrom943 6 месяцев назад

Love your trip videos. We visited several sites using your tips on our Mojave trip last week. Thank you.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you so much. Hope you had a great trip. There's so much to see in the desert.

@Garydigsmetaldetecting 6 месяцев назад

awesome my friend

@rica967 6 месяцев назад

Thank you Steve for another GREAT adventure. I have an original leatherbound copy of Wander of the Wasteland signed by Zane Grey which had been my father's when he was a boy. I had no idea the setting was Picacho!

@kentfonda8245 6 месяцев назад

Fascinating! Great job on history, current situation, drone shots, etc.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@bmoran1795 2 месяца назад

I like your videos of the old west mining towns ghost towns all empty from bygone years

@johntilson2535 5 дней назад

Actually, considering how hot it gets in the desert, having to 'sleep it off' in this 'naturally cool' cell 9:05 was probably a blessing in disguise!🤣

@culcune 6 месяцев назад

In the 20 years I've lived in Yuma, have only been up there once for our friends's wedding on the river. But, had no idea there was a ghost town. Much easier to get to is the TUMCO Historic Mine off of Ogilby Road. With cool(ish) weather, it will be nice to get to see the ghost town at Picacho.

@albertchavez2693 3 месяца назад

Ah yes a cool hot place to enjoy nature:))) i lived in Yuma az. circa 1970s , we use to go trail ride our dirt bikes there all the time , the last time i was there was 2008 riding on Honda Quads :) we got lost and were going in circles , running low on fuel :( then one of the precious Burros led us ot to a few of their trails , that then led us to safety wow i will never ever forget the angel Donkeys:)))))))))

@kathreensmith1421 5 месяцев назад

I'm learning more about my home state than I learned in a while in jr high. We moved just before I was to go into the 8th grade. I'm now 66 almost 67 I finished school in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I really enjoy your videos

@Charles-qq7vf 6 месяцев назад

Very cool! I made this trip and hike in either 2006 or 2007, and actually drove my VERY lowered '48 Plymouth out to the park. I didn't have any issues then, but 15+ years!

@willshropshire6773 6 месяцев назад

Great job as usual Steve and family! Also enjoyed your recent Appian Way/Italy video for a change of pace. I hope you had a great vacation

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thanks. I had a lot of fun in Italy, but its great to be home. Driving beats flying any day!

@mikesskyranch 6 месяцев назад

40 years ago, my brother missed that big hairpin turn and drove off the cliff in a 1968 Ford bronco… Lol he still alive! Nice video

@johndaye523 3 месяца назад

It gets better every time I see it

@RobRoy2012 6 месяцев назад

Fascinating video Steve. You go to a lot of trouble to show us these unusual places. Please keep it up.

@user-ew4qn1um2l 6 месяцев назад

Love these videos by Steve. He finds colorful, off the road places that are interesting, and always have lots of anecdotal information to flesh the videos out. Good job, Steve

@juliojames5986 6 месяцев назад

Let me compliment you on the outstanding video’s and historic information you provide. Very professional. Another great one here ! Thanks.

@michaeljimenez1203 6 месяцев назад

Thanks Steve. Hey ! You called it " The Rome of the Desert ". And maybe, from now on, we will.(it kinda sounds good) We'll figure out something later. Have been thinking of visiting Picacho, and now I have a truck to do it. Will be working my way south soon. Had Yuma in mind, no time like the present.

@pigeonpallz1733 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for this. I tried to get out there when I lived in imperial valley but never made it sadly. I have since moved to Nebraska. Thank you again adventure buddy

@Checkofoto 4 месяца назад

I like your new graphics on this, especially when detailing the mountain peaks.

@Slowoe 6 месяцев назад

Steve the burros are amazing once the night comes. We did a lot of camping a few miles up the river and the burros are so loud at night you can also hear them in the river from time to time. I would really suggest camping out there for a few nights. so peaceful.

@JH_75 6 месяцев назад

Great video, Steve. What an interesting little spot. I'm so envious of you living in a part of the country so near the historical ghost towns, deserts and mountains, scenic highways and old roads, and all of the other great stuff you get to explore. Your channel is top notch, among the very best productions of its kind on RU-vid.

@deplepfan 6 месяцев назад

Another fantastic video. Love History allot. Take care 👌🇺🇲

@arthurlevine1840 6 месяцев назад

Man, I enjoy everything about your videos!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, I appreciate that.

@bossmann7592 6 месяцев назад

'California's Gold'....thanks for the tour!

@choimdachoim9491 5 месяцев назад

I see several comments about how quiet these locations are. I lived in Blythe for 18 years when I was young and I could often hear the blood pumping through my ears when out in the desert. It's scary and puts you right next to the feeling of mortality and the measurement of life in number of heartbeats. I appreciate the brevity of your videos. No time wasted trying to be entertaining. Perfect presentations. You're the Desert Huell.

@johncarson7472 4 месяца назад

Another great video Steve! I lived in Yuma for 40 years and my wife and I enjoy your videos so much. We have been to many of the places that you have featured along the i-8 quarter. Thank you again Steve. I just want to let you know how much I enjoy your work. Be careful out there!

@SidetrackAdventures 4 месяца назад

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words.

@olddirtbikerider 6 месяцев назад

Outstanding video! I was stationed in Yuma from 1967 to 1971. I used to crawl down in those old wooden mine shafts WAY before they were fenced from the public . I had a lot of photos of the old mine shafts but all were lost when my home burned to the ground in 2009 There used to be some Chinese graves closer to the road. Are they still visible? You have obviously been doing your homework on the history of the area. I loved Yuma and I am a rattlesnake hunter and used to go roaming around in the river bottoms catching huge diamondback rattlesnakes. I will definitely subscribe to your very interesting channel. Good luck and keep up the great work! Semper Fi...

@robertdiehl1281 6 месяцев назад

Very nice work. Appreciate you going into this remote out-of-the-way place. It’s ungodly blisteringly hot there in the summer. And that’s being nice. The heat just beats down on everything. Really surprised there is still any wood remnants left. Gorgeous country in the fall winter and early spring.

@thulebetsinger1680 6 месяцев назад

Thank you Steve. I enjoy all of your videos but this one is extra special as I go out to Picacho Peak often in the winter. Such a beautiful area.

@ScubaSteveCanada 6 месяцев назад

Excellent video Steve! Pichacho peak is an icon of the local news station in Yuma. I checked out that road myself but gave it a "no go" due to the loose, fine gravel in some of the washes. I only have a 2wd Ford Transit but wouldn't hesitate in an AWD/4x4. There is free camping on the BLM portion where it splits off. Some State Land too, in addition to this specific site. Military also use this land to practice landing and takeoffs of their VTOL aircraft.

@stevenwinterhill3623 6 месяцев назад

That area was once very lush and rainy during the Miocene epoch 😮 wow.. Great video btw

@stephenmiller5023 6 месяцев назад

God , it’s been about 40 years since I’ve been out there now (😳) and needless to say I can see that some stuff has changed ,while some still kinda looks the same from what I can remember. The one thing that is still burned deep into my memory though was how serenely peaceful it was . Very , VERY quiet out there if you were fortunate enough to have a day like you did in this video with minimal other visitors. I remember some great fishing too , mostly large mouth bass & some carp if I recall . Maybe a catfish or two. Anyway thanks as always for sharing this with us!!😎👍. C-ya on your next adventure 😉

@herdfan697278 3 месяца назад

Sir, you make wonderful videos and your voice is particularly suited for recording! Please continue! 😊

@michaelbarady6636 2 месяца назад

Glad to see no graffiti on the walls

@davidelack8809 6 месяцев назад

Always a pleasure to tag along with you brother,safe travels!

@skydiverclassc2031 6 месяцев назад

I'm surprised it's not used more. Although your road trip is so isolated and deserted, a view from Google Maps show that it's right up river from Yuma. I would think it would be more visited from this area by boaters (above the dam, of course). Anyway, thanks again for a trip to unknown California. Sidetrack Adventures indeed!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

I think it just isn't well known, or people might be scared off by the road out there?

@somedayistodayrv 6 месяцев назад

Awesome and thank you for the travel review of this area. Amazing and totally informative. Take care and continued safe travels.

@650nelson 6 месяцев назад

You can make a walk around the block interesting! 😀

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thanks, it probably depends on the block though.

@davidmclaughlin2796 6 месяцев назад

Beautiful Steve, thank you. David

@UniusPoenitentis 6 месяцев назад

Terrific video Steve. Thank you! I would love to visit Picacho sometime. I really appreciated learning about it.

@willshropshire6773 6 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

@Inpreesme 6 месяцев назад

Thank you

@KB6YAF 6 месяцев назад

Thanks again Steve for another great video. I learn so much from your efforts and appreciate YOU doing the hike which would probably kill me off!!! Keep 'em coming because my Wednesdays are much better for it. ........Russell D. (no MLB now, so cold turkey until April!!!)

@fresca718 6 месяцев назад

Thanks for the video! I like the longer videos 👍🏻

@paul9156c 6 месяцев назад

I really enjoy your appropriatly dry since of humor Steve. 😂

@johns4452 6 месяцев назад

Awesome video. All your videos are very well done and show us all these cool old places. Your videos make me want to visit CA.

@Albisriede 6 месяцев назад

Another great and appreciated report. Thank you ;- )

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Our pleasure!

@thesarge4457 6 месяцев назад

Your video is Pretty Cool, I wondered where roads go when I'm on the highway and I enjoy your video's. Thank You Sir. THE SARGE

@ScottDLR 6 месяцев назад

Great vid Steve and welcome home.

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Thank you.

@IEchuckie 6 месяцев назад

I like your videos. Lots of information and not that long. Enjoy

@Wanna.Wander 6 месяцев назад

Howdy, love this adventure vlog 💜 I love the POV walk and talk

@stevef.8041 6 месяцев назад

Another amazing video! I'm constantly checking in on your channel.

@rogerlyngeng6903 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for the great videoes,seeing them every week from Norway,this was very interesting.

@michaelsimonds2632 6 месяцев назад

Very instructional as well as visual. I had never even heard of this location! Many Thanks!

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@TheDotDetective 4 месяца назад

Thanks for the video. You're a great creator. I wish I could follow along physically.

@thomasstevens4622 6 месяцев назад

Damn I camped there before and didn't see all of that going again. Thanks

@dennisworkmansr.714 26 дней назад

I do enjoy your choice of music.

@johnbrownlee7623 6 месяцев назад

Good job on the drone shots....Like of seen more....In the cemetery, for the miners, did they have head stones, or any kind of markings?....Great job Steve on the Video.....Very interesting.................JB.........

@essexfarmer9610 6 месяцев назад

Hi Steve, Thanks for this adventure and all your others. I really like your content, research and relaxed presentation style! Last week with a change of pace to Rome was mind blowing with history packed on top of history! I have an idea for one of your uploads. It's the Cerro Gordo ghost town / mine town. What might make this interesting is that there is a small group of people breathing life back into the town and the mine. You could do a section on the original town, and another on the current rebirth of things if this angle appeals to you? The YT channel is called Ghost Town Living, if its helpful to you? All the best from the UK. Simon Collins

@SidetrackAdventures 6 месяцев назад

I watch that channel and would love to get up there at some point. I know they've had issues with road up recently because of the storms.

@richardmcgrew2167 6 месяцев назад

Steve, interesting as usual. I also follow the ghost town living channel. I still think you are the best you tuber and channel in San Diego.

@eaglerare1273 6 месяцев назад

Excellent Steve. Thank you

@samurguybriyongtan146 6 месяцев назад

Cool o see so any Californios from this community. The border was fluid for many, many years.

@juliogonzales5441 6 месяцев назад

Great 👍 thanks be..safe my friend

@ben8405 6 месяцев назад

Thank you. I like the way you explain things. That is good presentation. Gracias!

@valeriegoode9762 Месяц назад

Love your videos. Just fascinating.

@Jbennyho 6 месяцев назад

Fascinating. Thank you.

@beckyweissberg7644 Месяц назад

A suggestion. Try to find an old Borrego Desert guide book. You might consider a few new places to explore. Many require 4 wheel drive, but are incredibly interesting. Years ago we visited the remains of a Chinese camp, railroad workers. And a pumpkin patch, rocks that seemed incredibly round. Thanks for sharing our memories now that we live in Oregon.

@CEK0549 6 месяцев назад

I've camped there a few times in the early 2000s, it's a great place to camp and explore.

@VanGo_AZ 6 месяцев назад

Thanks, that was a great tour.

@MissJane909 6 месяцев назад

Steamboats on the Colorado…have never seen. Thank you for that!

@iron_rat_87 3 месяца назад

Thomas E. Rochester served in the Spruce Production Division, a special unit of the Signal Corps that cut spruce timber in the PNW for aircraft production. His home was listed by the VA as Estelle Mine, Keeler, CA.