Mormon Battalion night hike

2025 Mormon Battalion night hike

Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 7 pm at the Mormon Battalion Monument on Highway 98 and Mount Signal Road. The monument states.

On January 14, 1847 the Mormon Battalion passed near Mount Signal.  Henry G. Boyle wrote in his journal: “Marching all day and part of the night, we encamped without water again… It has now been nearly three days and two nights since we have had any water and in that time traveled 70 miles… We were all weary and fatigued, hungry, nearly naked, and barefoot, but our burning thirst drowned every other suffering.”

We reenact the “part of the night” portion of their experience.  It is about a 7-mile hike on flat ground except for a couple of washes. We discourage the use of flashlights except at the washes. In 1847 they had no flash lights and it was a new moon (no moon light).  We will head from the monument northwest toward the white Plaster City lights.  We will meet by the third power line road we cross for a bonfire and carne asada burritos.  Those that want to are welcome to camp overnight.  It will probably be about 35 degrees on the desert floor by morning. Daytime temperature are around 65 degrees.  Any female minors that camp overnight need to have a parent or guardian with them. 

Please do not use wood with nails.  

We provide breakfast at the end of the hike for those who camp overnight if they let Blake Miles know how many at the bonfire.

Transportation:

Units will need to provide their own transportation.  It is not wise to leave vehicles at the starting location because of illegal activity near the monument.  It is difficult for hikers to return to their vehicles in the morning. Thus, our rule has been hikers are not drivers and drivers are not hikers.  

Please remind the hikers to not drop candy wrappers or water bottles on the desert floor.  Use of flashlights are discouragedexcept when we cross big washes. 

Recommended hiker equipment:  Water and flashlights. Do not bring brand new boots.   

Equipment for campers:   Sleeping Bag or at least two blankets, water, coat, an extra t-shirt and two extra pairs of socks to put on when going to sleep.   

Directions:  Drew Road and Clark Road bridges have been closed.  Take La Brucherie Road, Dogwood Road, or Highway 111 south to Highway 98.  Go west one mile past Drew Road to Mount Signal Road.  Turn left on to Mount Signal Road. The monument on that corner is where we will start. 

From El Cajon take Interstate 8 East 69 miles

Take exit 87 toward CA-98 East toward Calexico 21 miles.

The monument is at  the end of the desert, across the Street from 

Tom's Hay Farm, 1790 CA-98, Calexico, CA 92231

We suggest ending your hike just south of Interstate 8 Exit 101 at the Dunaway Road..                 

Any questions call Blake Miles (760) 412-2497.