Jason... Does this mean that 5 mile drop is no longer going to be available for camping?

Sounds like the gates for the bridge going over the canal (the drop) is closed... but at the end, Jerry mentions that the drops will remain open... sorta confusing...

I see there isn't really any further information on the ASA board either... guess we'll have to wait and see..

http://www.americansandassociation.org/php...pic.php?t=23728

That info was received about 8:30 last night, and that's all that's known so far. This will get updated when more information is known.

Is this the road that you turn onto before going over the bridge at Gordons that follows along the canal?

On Saturday 12/15,the gate crossing the canal at 5 mile drop was open. There were signs on the road running N/S along the canal that said the road was closed.

Those same signs were there for Thanksgiving. We just went "around" them.

All I know is what I read and that's what I shared. Sorry

I can't picture what they're talking about either....I've never noticed any old canal...but I've never gone north from the drop by Patton on the west side of the canal either - always been on the dune side when I've gone further north. So I'm guessing this is an area further north than I normally go...but I'm not at all clear based on the limited info available.

Not to be a prick....but...

That kind of attitude is exactly why signs get replaced with fences and gates.

The Old canal runs parallel to the existing canal, up at Hwy 78, they are only about 100 yards apart. At about 3 miles south of 78, it ventures west away from the existing canal, at the Roadrunner crossing, it is about a mile west of the existing canal, but it does turn back towards the east below that somewhere.

Certainly a bummer, pretty much closes off where we have camped for the last 15 years, they closed it a couple of years ago for dredging, but then reopened it.

I believe they are closing the west side canal road. If anyone is there soon, get some pics please?

What's the source of this news?

No offense, but I'd like to read the whole article.

This news SUCKS!!! I've been camping at "5 Mile Drop" for years and this is messed up.

Jason, pull up Google earth of Gordon's and zoom in on the canal (north / south canal), you'll be able to see the "old" canal running parallel to it.

No article yet



The land there is not BLM land, it belongs to the BoReclamation. I believe Test Hill, a lot of camping areas, and a good chunk of the nearby dunes are also on BoR land.

That is ok, I understand......

The information is confusing and I don't know exactly what areas are going to be affected for sure. I wanted to get the information out as presented asap so if it affects you or you are wondering if it will affect you, that you have time to call the BLM (760-337-4400, ask for Jamie) and get a clarification of what areas will be open for camping. My understanding is the BLM was meeting with the CVWD today. The best way to get clarification is to have people ask the questions.

Just an FYI. On T-day weekend, a buddy of mine went out on Tuesday morn and the sign was up, but there was a construction worker there and he asked if the road was actually closed. He was told that they put up those signs while they were grading the road, but they'd be done in 30 minutes or so. He waited and then cam theu a big scraper truck and guy gave him the sign to go ahead he proceeded, as did the rest of us when we came in on Wednesday. Guy said they were going to leave the sign out, but they were off to the side of the road, not in middle blocking and we were told that they wouldn't be returning to do anymore work till the following week and it was OK to camp over there.

Man, I really hope that is not the case. I was about ready to give up on the place that I grew up going to because I was so sick and tired of getting stuck EVERY time I went out till I found 5 mile drop.

we havent been to gordons yet this year because of how bad the entrance was getting. We have been kicking it in the washes instead, just doesnt have the GW feel though

If you take a left before you cross the bridge @ the cochella canal you will run into it. We used to collect shells there when I was a little kid in the early 80's, and it was put back into use for a couple months at the end of the 90's, if I can find the pics I will post them.

HV, are you saying that you know of another way in???

I've always gone down the main canal road and have never gotten stuck, and that's in a large Class A pulling a trailer. I'm hoping there is another way in!

BTW, the conversation regarding this topic on the ASA web site is a little more active in case anyone is interested, including some comments from a guy who says he works for the CCWD.

http://www.americansandassociation.org/php...&highlight=

I grew up growing to Gordon's, but with the last couple of seasons being sooooo soft, I would get stuck. For me, it ruins a whole trip getting stuck on the way in or out. I was ready to give up till we tried 5 mile over T-day. I was hooked, that was the place.....well, back to the drawing board.

I'll be out there Tuesday Am,I'll check the gate and let ya all know>

what about the end @ 78 over by gecko ? opened or closed?

Please check it out for us, we camp about 4 Miles up the road, been going there for years, big group. Not sure where we will camp now. Most of our group is going out on Wednesday.

i'll post Tuesday after I ride out there

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Road is closed at Gordon wells at the bridge where you would normally make a left before the bridge and follow the canal road on the west side of the canal. You can still cross the bridge and camp in Gordons.

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Canal Rd. IS closed. The bridge at the drop is open. They have rocks across the road on the side of the gate. No way in at the canal at the flats.

Thanks for sharing the bad news. I appreciate the pictures.

This is a true bummer.