Walking With Devil: Chris Black Hikes “El Camino del Diablo”

Photo By Sgt. Isaac Martinez | Chris Black, a Marion Center, PA native is one of the few hikers that decided to hike along the “Devil’s Highway,” February 15, 2019. Also known as “El Camino del Muerto” or “Death’s Highway” due to the high number of miners during the California Gold Rush that died from dehydration, Black finished his hike February 22, 2019.  

YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

10.11.2019

Story by Sgt. Isaac Martinez 

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

El Camino del Diablo “The Devil’s Highway” is a historic 250-mile road that extends through the Sonoran Desert in both Pima County and Yuma County, Arizona with parts of the trail falling on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma’s Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR).

The BMGR spans more than one million acres of land and is used as a bombing range where pilots can practice air maneuvers and dropping ordnance. The range is managed by MCAS Yuma’s Conservation Office, a station asset that is in charge of taking care of the land ranges and protecting the wildlife that lives there.

Over 70% of the BMGR is accessible by the public for recreational activities such as camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, recreational shooting and more.

Chris Black, a Marion Center, PA native who works at Luke Air Force Base Glendale, AZ, is one of the few hikers that decided to hike along the “Devil’s Highway,” February 15, 2019.

Originally used by Spanish conquistadores and explorers from as early as the 16th century, the trail currently remains a dirt road suitable for vehicles with four-wheel drive, plenty of water, and emergency equipment. There are no emergency or tow services available on this road and all visitors understand that they are using the trail at their own risk.

Black’s journey began around noon on February 15, with the latter half of his over-140-mile-hike passing through the unforgiving desert terrain of the BMGR.

“I work on that side of the range often, making maps that are used by border patrol, and I decided that I wanted to see more of the land that I map and work with,” Black said. “My experience was fantastic, I had a wonderful time hiking the trail.”

Due to Black’s career as a geographer, planning was not huge consideration because he had a good idea as to what type of terrain to expect.

A passionate hiker, Black is no stranger to the trail’s nicknames, and just as any other visitor he understood the risks associated with the hike. Amongst his trail mix, camping gear, and water Black made sure to bring a satellite communicator in case of emergency or mishap.

Black hiked through mostly open desert, occasionally crossing through low passes of mountain ranges and wide valleys.

Also known as “El Camino del Muerto” or “Death’s Highway” due to the high number of miners during the California Gold Rush that died from dehydration, Black continued through and finished his hike February 22, 2019.

“This hike was unique because of the solitude,” Black said. “There were about four days where I didn’t see another person, and I would only hear jets flying over or the chirping of birds. The solitude was very nice and the landscape was truly beautiful.”

• Date Taken: 10.11.2019
• Date Posted: 11.18.2019 07:40
• Story ID: 352096
• Location: YUMA, AZ, US