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2011 Stagecoach
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| "Purveyor of Safe, Scenic, and Sensational Century Rides on Roads Less Traveled" |
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Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011
MLK 3-Day Weekend
Registration Now Open!
Distances: 100/90/84/73/50/26 mile options
Location: Ocotillo, California (80 miles east
of San Diego, just off Interstate 8)
Address: 266 West Imperial Highway
Ocotillo, CA 92259
Field Limit: 1,100 / max 60 TTT Teams
Start Times:
Team Time Trial: 7:00 A.M. - 7:05 A.M.
Individual Riders: 7:05 A.M. - 9:00 A.M.
STAGECOACH PHOTOS
Click on galleries below to view photos
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 |
| Accuweather: TBA |
~~ IMPORTANT ~~
2011 FINAL RIDER INSTRUCTIONS
ALL RIDERS MUST READ BEFORE RIDING! (TBA)
Final Rider Instructions/Course Map: Tba
Download Final Rider Instructions/map: Tba
Download Stagecoach Course Map: Click here
Download San Diego County Waiver: Click here
Save time! Download & Complete SD County
Waiver and bring to Fri/Sat packet pick up
Email updates sent to Registered Riders:
Nov Rider Update: Tba
Dec Rider Update: Tba
Jan Rider Update: Tba |
++++ 2011 Latest News ++++
2011 has 36 Registered Riders, click here
General Store inventory updated, click here
Tba: Mission Valley Resort (host hotel) is
offering special rate of just Tba plus
tax, subject to availability, click here
7-29-10: Registration open
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SADDLE UP!
THE WILD WEST IS CALLING
~~ YOU! ~~
7th Annual Stagecoach Century
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Ocotillo - Shelter Valley - Ocotillo
California, U S A
2010 Jeffrey from San Diego, CA
Short sleeves in January!
Courtesy Brightroom.com
2010 Stagecoach Jersey Front
2010 Stagecoach Jersey Back
2008 Stagecoach Century glorious weather!
2009 Sunrise in Ocotillo, Courtesy Brightroom.com
2009 Michael from San Diego, CA
Nearing Rest Stop #1
photo courtesy Brightroom.com
2008 Relaxing spin out in the desert, in January!
Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com
BEWARE of "Jumping" Cholla Cactus!
Don't touch, or even go near, these prickly devils
Photo Courtesy Brightroom.com
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 elcome to the Stagecoach Century! Kick off your New Year of cycling with a Wild West cycling adventure along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. The ride travels through pristine California deserts on County Route S2 in east San Diego and Imperial Counties. Marvel at stunning vistas from five desert passes along the route. The ride starts in bike-friendly Ocotillo, where supportive local volunteers help make your Start and Finish memorable. Bicycling Magazine has rated Stagecoach as a "Best in Cycling Event" three years in a row!
Thanks to your participation over the first three years, Shadow Tour has been able to donate to the Ocotillo Community Fund in support of their efforts to build a new community park. The park and recreation center was completed and dedicated on Aug 11, 2007. Located on the north side of town, 2 miles from the Interstate 8 freeway, the 3.5 acre facility is an ideal location for easy parking and rider access for all riders participating in 2008 and beyond.
More sterling volunteers from Shelter Valley near the halfway point will be hosting your lunch feast. In between, volunteers from groups such as the Team in Training San Diego/Hawaii Chapter, San Diego Triathlon Club, Knickerbikers, San Diego Randonneurs, Bike Wear World, La Mesa Boyscouts, and our own loyal Shadow Tour staff members will host a total of 6 fully stocked rest stops.
Here’s your chance to enjoy a hassle-free 100-mile ride with just two lonely stop signs, at the ideal time of year for desert cycling! The out-and-back course is fully adjustable for your own mileage preference and offers full rider support in both directions. Elevation rises gradually from 492 feet above sea level to over 2,600 feet at its peak before returning to the Start/Finish area in Ocotillo. There are five gradual climbs of about ½ to 4 miles in length at about 7-8% grades. Winds are “generally” neutral to headwinds in the morning and almost always at your back on the downhill return, producing a fast return ride to the finish.
The course crosses Hwy 78 at the north end of the route and continues 4.4 miles north to the 50.0 mile turn-around point/rest stop. So when you turn around, you will know you're halfway home!
We rate the ride as moderately difficult. We advise riders to recognize that weather conditions can vary widely at this time of year and can include sun, heat, cold, wind, rain, or any combination. We’ll provide tips on how to be well prepared, but Mother Nature can create a formitable challenge. For more detailed descriptions of the course, weather, and types of riders, please carefully review the Rider Levels section. You're also invited to review the photos in the "Gallery" section to get a sense of the weather conditions--sometimes a picture is worth much more than words.
The town of Ocotillo is a quiet, low-desert town of about 400 residents. Its citizens enjoy a peaceful life with minimal outside interference. It has no fancy restaurants or hotels and there is very little in the way of paved parking or other Gucci amenities. These are some of the tradeoffs you accept in return for a one-of-a-kind ride featuring 100 miles of stunning undisturbed natural scenery with virtually no traffic, zero stoplights, and only two stop signs. We created the Stagecoach Century, because the entire route is very much the same as it was when real stagecoaches bounced along the trail in the 1850's--a rarity in California. When we compare this century to any other we have ridden, we continue to believe it's the best century in America.
But you don’t have to take our word on it, check out the photos posted on this webpage, there are also Stagecoach Photo Galleries for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. You're also encouraged to review some unsolicited rider feedback. We enthusiastically invite you to join us and see for yourself!
Lastly, organizing a large bicycling event is a complex operation, made more difficult and expensive by hosting it in the desert. We work extremely hard to create distinctive events for our riders. We do it because we love the sport and enjoy interactions with our riders. However, we definitely aren't perfect. And not every single hardworking volunteer and staff member will have the answer to every conceivable question or issue that may arise at the event or out on the course.
We also don’t control the weather (despite many requests to turn down the wind in 2006 and turn up the heat in 2007). Mother Nature is always in charge . If you're a rider with a very low tolerance for imperfections or minor inconveniences, then Stagecoach is probably not for you. By necessity, Stagecoach takes place in a remote location to optimize safety, natural scenery, and the overall riding experience. Please know that every single volunteer, course marshal, police officer, and staff member, is doing his or her best to present a safe ride to the highest possible operational standard. We simply ask for your patience and understanding when everything doesn’t go exactly as planned. We listen carefully to all rider's constructive suggestions and continuously strive for improvement to make next year’s event even better! |
Stagecoach Century sign at Ocotillo Community Park, Jan 5, '10
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2010 Voler Jersey, Club Fit, 3/4 Front Zipper, 3 Rear Pockets, (2011 Draft Coming Soon)
2010 Voler Jersey Front 2010 Voler Jersey Back
Click here for Sizing Charts
 Important Apparel Ordering Dates:
Voler Jerseys:
Through Nov 15, 10: Jerseys ordered by Nov 15, '10 will be available at packet pickup.
Nov 16 - Jan 17, 11: Jerseys ordered after Nov 15, '10 are part of the 2nd production run and will be
mailed in Mar '11 (free shipping).
T-shirts: All t-shirts will be available at the ride based on orders as of Dec 31, '09
Voler Jersey Sizing Charts (Visit www.voler.com for more details)
| Men's Club Jersey Sizing Chart |
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| X SMALL |
26-29 |
100-120 |
5'5" and under |
33-35 |
8.5 |
| SMALL |
29-31 |
120-145 |
5'4" to 5'8" |
35-37 |
9 |
| MEDIUM |
32-34 |
145-170 |
5'7" to 5'11" |
38-40 |
9.5 |
| LARGE |
35-37 |
170-190 |
5'10" to 6'2" |
40-42 |
10 |
| X LARGE |
38-41 |
190-220 |
6'1" to 6'5" |
42-44 |
10.5 |
| XX LARGE |
42-45 |
220-250 |
6'3" and over |
44-46 |
11 |
| XXX LARGE |
46-50 |
250-260 |
6'3" and over |
46-48 |
11.5 | |
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| Women's Club Jersey Sizing Chart |
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| X SMALL |
0-2 |
22-24 |
31-32 |
95-115 |
5'2" and under |
30-32 |
7.5 |
| SMALL |
4-6 |
25-27 |
34-36 |
110-120 |
5'1" to 5'5" |
32-34 |
7.75 |
| MEDIUM |
8-10 |
27-29 |
36-38 |
120-145 |
5'4" to 5'8" |
34-36 |
8 |
| LARGE |
12-14 |
30-32 |
39-41 |
140-165 |
5'7" to 5'11" |
36-38 |
8.25 |
| X LARGE |
16-18 |
33-35 |
42-44 |
160-185 |
5'10" and over |
39-41 |
8.5 |
| XX LARGE |
20-22 |
36-38 |
45-47 |
190-205 |
5'10" and over |
41-43 |
8.75 |
| XXX LARGE |
24-26 |
39-40 |
48-50 |
210-225 |
5'10" and over |
43-45 |
9 | |
2010 Stagecoach Final T-Shirt, Beefy-t, extra wide 14" front artwork (2011 Draft Coming Soon)
T-shirt Unisex Sizing: Small, Medium, Large, X Large, XX Large, XXX Large
Stagecoach Caps Limited supplies available at ride only (adjustable, one size fits most)
| Shadow Tour Logo with lettering "The Ultimate Cycling Adventure" |
Khaki/Black Bill |
Khaki/Hunter Bill |
Khaki/Sky Blue Bill |
Khaki/Navy Bill |
| Stagecoach Logo |
Khaki/Black Bill |
Khaki/Hunter Bill |
Khaki/Sky Blue Bill |
Khaki/Navy Bill |
All caps have lettering " OCOTILLO, CA " and " SHELTER VALLEY, CA " on reverse
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Ride Sponsors, Affiliates, and Volunteers:
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Course Maps and Profiles: |
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Stagecoach Century Route
For better resolution and ease of printing, click here to download Stagecoach Course Map as PDF
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Cyclist Levels: Click here for detailed Rider Levels tips and advice.
The Stagecoach course is moderately difficult overall. It is signicantly affected by weather conditions on the day of the ride. All cyclists need to assess their own physical conditioning, weather conditions, and course profiles when deciding what distance to ride. The course has several options marked, however, all riders may adjust their distance by safely excuting a u-turn along the out-and-back course.
For beginner cyclists, we recommend starting at the early start time. Typical beginner riders take eight to ten hours including stops to ride the 100-mile Stagecoach, depending on weather conditions. More advanced cyclists typically complete the entire route in under seven hours with minimal stops. The very fastest cyclists will be under six hours. Team Time Trial teams may finish well under 5 hours in good conditions.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR BEGINNERS AND RIDERS NEW TO SHADOW TOUR:
Shadow Tour rides are hosted in remote locations. This optimizes natural scenery and minimizes vehicular traffic. As a direct consequence, some riders experience a sense of isolation and feel they have been left completely alone out on the course because there are no urban areas or heavy traffic around them. This is normal, especially on a long and unfamiliar desert century ride. Anxiety levels also tend to rise when weather conditions make riding more difficult.
Rest assured, our courses are designed in such a way that you are never more than 9 miles (in front or to the rear) away from an on-course Rest Stop support or small community along the route. Further, we have patrolling CHP support and our own roving SAG Wagons on the course continuously. There are also many cyclists riding in both directions so you can flag one down if you need help. This does not mean we can immediately evacuate every single rider at a moment's notice -- we can't--neither can any other major ride. But we will get to you as quickly as possible if you need help.
We strongly recommend riders unfamiliar with our course, or riders attempting their first full century, to take it "one small bite at a time". At Stagecoach, you have the freedom to ride north on S2, and at any time, you may safely turn around and ride back south (with full Rest Stop support) to the start/finish at the Ocotillo Community Community Park. So if you're not sure of your level of conditioning, or if weather conditions develop out on the course, as they typically do in remote sections of the desert, consider turning back early. You have the option to reconsider. For example, you might ride north to Rest Stop #2 near 25 miles, then return south to Ocotillo giving you 50 miles; then repeat the process to complete a full century.
Our on-course resources such as SAG vehicles, communications, and volunteers are always limited. Don't expect a Shadow Tour vehicle to pick you up the instant you feel you cannot continue--it's simply not possible. If you feel you need help, try calling us on your cell phone, or dial 911 if it's an emergency, try flagging down another cyclist or motorist, or simply ride or walk back to the nearest Rest Stop and let the volunteers know you need assistance. We'll do our best to get you back to the start/finish as soon as possible. Keep a level head out there and be patient. Constantly ask yourself how you're doing. Use every single rest stop for fluids and energy products, including salt (pretzels or E-Caps) and bananas and Clif energy bars (major bonk busters). Keep an eye on the weather, your time, and how other riders are progressing. If you have any doubt, turn back early. You still have lots of options to have a great ride!
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Registration:
Online and mail-in registration is open. Click below to sign-up.
We encourage riders to register early and SAVE BIG!
• Concerned about committing early? Please visit our Refund/Rollover/Transfer Policy
Payment by Credit Card: processed online through Active.com. Riders receive a confirmation email from
Active.com when their entry has been processed successfully. Riders without computers may call
Active.com Customer Service at 1-877-228-4881 to register by phone.
Payment by Check: download the registration form, complete, sign, and mail it with a check.
IMPORTANT EMAIL & SPAM NOTICE: All our rider correspondence is through email. Please insure we
always have a valid email for you or a friend who can relay messages to you. Additionally, be sure your
spam filter allows inbound email from these two sources:
support "@" active.com AND support "@" shadowtour.com
Regrettably, we cannot verify bounced emails from spam filters requiring the sender (us) to actively
respond (type a response). We are not responsible for missed emails caused by rider spam filters. We
understand and support controls of unwanted spam. However, with thousands of emails to our riders,
it is impossible for us to individually respond to these kinds of active response spam filters.
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Registration Categories and Prices:
2011 Stagecoach Century
Includes Lunch, Custom Medal, Pin |
Best Deal |
Super Saver |
Early Bird |
Standard |
Saturday |
| Sep 30 |
Oct 1-31 |
Nov 1-30 |
Dec 1 - Jan 14, '11 |
Jan 15, '11 |
| Entry Categories: |
| Full Course (Up to 100 miles) |
$68 |
$78 |
$88 |
$98 |
$103 |
| Short Course (26 - 50 miles) |
$53 |
$63 |
$73 |
$83 |
$88 |
| Optional Extras (Includes Tax) |
| Post Ride Pasta Meal |
$12 |
$12 |
$12 |
$12 |
$15 |
| T-Shirt |
$18 |
$18 |
$18 |
$18 |
$20 |
| Voler Custom Jersey |
$70 |
$70 |
$70 |
$70 |
$75 |
2011 Registration Notes:
1. Ride takes place rain or shine, wind, heat, or cold
2. Refunds, Transfers, and Exchanges are permitted per Shadow Tour/ST Promotions Policy
3. Lunch in Shelter Valley is INCLUDED with all rides (shorter distances have lunch at the finish)
4. “Post-Ride” Pasta Meals are OPTIONAL: $12 prior, $15 day of event.
5. Voler Jerseys: Riders ordering jerseys by Nov 15, '10 will receive them at packet pick-up.
After Nov 15, '10, riders ordering jerseys receive them by mail in Mar '11 (free shipping).
6. T-shirts: Riders ordering t-shirts receive them at packet pick-up. Refunds issued if sizes run out.
7. All riders register as individuals, online or by mail, this includes tandems, teams, and clubs
8. All riders select, in advance, location for included lunch meal, Shelter Valley -OR- Ocotillo.
9. Individual / Team Time Trial is optional. There is no additional fee for Time Trial participation.
10. Unclaimed Gear Bags/Jerseys/T-shirts: Will be returned upon receipt of $7 to cover shipping expenses.
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Lodging
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- 202 Rooms and Suites
- 20 Tropically Landscaped Acres
- 24-Hour Coffee Shop
- Sports Bar
- 3 Swimming Pools
- Full Service Athletic Club
- Free Parking
- Complimentary Wireless Internet
- Centrally located
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OFFICIAL HOST HOTEL :
Shadow Tour is pleased to announce the official Host Hotel for the 2010 Stagecoach Century is once again the Mission Valley Resort. This charming, beautifully landscaped property is in the heart of Mission Valley, near San Deigo's Old Town, the birthplace of California.
The Mission Valley Resort is a casual oasis with all you’ll need as you prep for the Winter Stagecoach Century; enjoy a bite to eat at the Valley Kitchen Restaurant, grab a bottle of water at the Valley Liquor Store, or go for a quick spin on a stationary bike at the full-service athletic club.
We selected The Mission Valley Resort in San Diego as the Host Hotel because there are very few lodging options near the actual start/finish in Ocotillo. From the the resort, Ocotillo is about a 1 hr 20 min drive (approx. 80 mi) heading east on Interstate 8. It’s an easy and scenic drive on Saturday morning—you won’t be disappointed. The huge advantage, for all riders, is the convenient Friday afternoon packet pickup at the Mission Valley Resort Ballroom. You can pick up your packets a full day in advance, allowing you to be set to ride immediately upon arrival in Ocotillo on Saturday morning. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL RIDERS to pick up their ride packets at the hotel on Friday, January 15 th , 2010 from Noon – 8:00 P.M. All riders still have the option to pick up ride packets at the start/finish in Ocotillo on Saturday morning from 6:45 – 9:00 A.M.
The Mission Valley Resort is offering a daily rate of $69 plus tax for all Stagecoach riders, based on availability. It's always best to book as far in advance as possible.
To register online, please click here to be directed to the Mission Valley reservation website and type " stagecoach " as the password. Or you may call 800-362-7871 and mention you are a participant in the "Stagecoach Century" when booking your reservations. Click here to visit the Mission Valley Resort website.
Mission Valley Resort San Diego 
875 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108
Mapquest Directions: Click Here
Direct Dial: 619-298-8281
Toll Free: 800-362-7871
Fax: 619-295-5610
Top 10 Friday Packet Pickup BENEFITS:
1. Avoid lines on Saturday in Ocotillo.
2. Calmly review your rider packet, Final Rider Instructions, course maps, and other swag items.
3. Carefully affix ride numbers to helmet and bike handlebars in advance, vastly improving the
odds of clear identification by Brightroom photographers out on the course.
4. Review any last minute details, maps, and instructions provided in your packet the night prior.
5. Avoid a round trip from your car to the registration area and back on Saturday morning.
6. Work out any registration-related issues in the relaxed environment of the expansive Mission
Valley Resort Ballroom.
7. Easy in & out FREE PARKING for packet pickup.
8. Chance to purchase t-shirts and jerseys while most sizes are likely available.
9. Ask questions or get information about the ride on Friday afternoon/evening when volunteers
and staff are not so pressed for time (like they are early Saturday morning in Ocotillo).
10. Sign up Friday at the “Regular” price. On Saturday morning, all entry categories go up $5.
Payment only by cash or check is accepted at packet pickup on Friday and Saturday .
MORE LODGING OPTIONS: Listed below are hotel, motel, and camping options in the vicinity of Ocotillo. The small town of Ocotillo has only modest accommodations. The primary reason Stagecoach is such a low-traffic and pristine ride is due to its isolated location. The closest hotels are in El Centro, about 27 miles east of Ocotillo via Interstate 8. Overall, these are very good options considering the distance from Ocotillo and mix of quality and affordable hotels. If you prefer to stay in San Diego on Friday night and drive out to Ocotillo early Saturday morning, there are many other hotel options available, see link to Orbitz hotel search system below.
| Hotels and Motels |
Special Rates |
Location |
Miles to
Ocotillo |
Telephone |
Link to
website |
Ocotillo Trailer Park & Motel
14 East Agate Rd
Ocotillo, CA 92259 |
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Ocotillo, CA |
0 |
760-358-7559 |
click here |
Jacumba Hot Springs & Spa
44500 Old Hwy 80
Jacumba, CA 91934 |
$75 + tax double occ
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Jean |
Jacumba, CA |
13 |
619-766-4525 |
click here |
Holiday Inn Express
350 Smoketree Drive
El Centro, CA 92243 |
$95.99 + tax
(reg rate $120 + tax)
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Juana |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-352-6666 |
click here |
El Centro Inn
1455 Ocotillo Dr/I-8
El Centro, CA 92243
Cont bfst, refrg, micro in room |
$45 + tax single
$55 + tax double
Code: Stagecoach
Contacts: Calista,
Susanna, Isabelle |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-352-5152 |
none |
Fairfield Inn & Town Place Suites
503 Danenburg Drive
El Centro, CA 92243
Cont bfst, full kitchen |
$89 + tax
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Matt |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-353-2600 |
click here |
Comfort Inn & Suites
2354 South Fourth St
El Centro, CA 92243 |
No special rates |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-335-3502 |
click here |
Motel 6
395 Smoketree Drive
El Centro, CA 92243 |
No special rates |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-353-6766 |
click here |
Best Western John Jay Inn
2353 South Fourth St
El Centro, CA 92243 |
10% Discount
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Alex |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-337-8677 |
click here |
Rodeway Inn & Suites
455 Wake Ave
El Centro, CA, US, 92243 |
15% Discount
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Alex |
El Centro, CA |
27 |
760-352-5520 |
click here |
Pine Valley Inn
28940 Old Highway 80
Pine Valley, CA 91962 |
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Pine Valley, CA |
44 |
619-473-8560 |
click here |
Ayers Inn
1251 Tavern Road
Alpine, CA 91901
Contl bfst, free parking |
AAA Rates for riders
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Nicole |
Alpine, CA |
60 |
619-445-5800 |
click here |
| Camping Sites |
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Butterfield Ranch Resort
200 RV and tent campsites
12 Cedar Cabins (sleeps 4-8)
4 Camping Huts (sleeps 4)
Pull-thru RV Sites
Full hook-ups, dump station
Open year round, 2 club houses
Children playground, Showers,
Laundry Facility, Restrooms
Fully renovated, Friendly Staff! |
10% Discount
(subject to avail.)
Ask for group rates
Code: Stagecoach
Contact: Sheila |
Located on S2
about 33 miles
north of
Ocotillo |
33 |
760-765-1463 |
click here |
Ocotillo RV Park
About 10 campsites
7 East Agate
Ocotillo, CA 92259
RV/Tents full hook-ups.
restrooms, showers |
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Ocotillo, CA |
0 |
760-358-7200 |
click here |
Jackson's Hide-away
(about 10 campsites)
121 West Via De Coyote
Ocotillo, CA 92259 |
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Ocotillo, CA |
0 |
760-358-7121 |
click here |
Bureau of Land Management
Many sites available
Free primitive camping
on BLM land along Shell
Canyon Rd north of S2
about 2 mi from Start/Finish
No restrooms, no showers |
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Ocotillo, CA |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
See FAQ's for additional
information, click here |
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