I've been running that trail and camping at Sheep (lower half) and Alder and Horse (upper half) Canyons for close to 20 yrs now. It was great when it used to be open all the way through (thank the "Envioronazis") but, it's been closed at the "Middle Willows" for some time now.....I think there's an ongoing legal battle going on over that issue. There is one short, rocky climb (lower trail) just below Santa Catarina Spring, nothing too difficult but, interesting enough in a stock vehicle. Sheep Canyon has nice campsites and some primitive out houses (or you can take a walk with your shovel) and there's a neat stand of palm trees and spring a little ways up the canyon that you can hike to. The upper half you enter from the town of Anza (it's kinda of hard to find) and there's a pretty rocky descent called the "Turkey Track" (don't know why, it's called that) Going down's not too bad but, climbing out will take a little more patience and careful wheel placement. Alder Canyon has some neat campsites that have a canopy of trees over them and offer great shade. The entrance to Horse Canyon has gotten really hard to find over the years but, It goes way back and the headwaters of Coyote Creek is supposed to be back there somewhere. If you stay on the main trail (upper) you'll run into Bailey's Cabin and you can actually stay in there over night but, it's on a first come first serve basis......that would actually be a good day run, have lunch there destination. I also wanted to mention that there are heards of mustang up there....it's pretty cool to see them in the wild! Anyways, sorry for the long post but, I've always loved going there and back when I was married, my wife and I would wheel and camp all through there every Thanksgiving. Hope that was helpful and if you have any more questions, shoot me a pm----------Hans
