Hikes en route to San Diego from Phx

[ddgrunning]

Looking for suggestions for a good hike that’s not too far off the route to San Diego. Anywhere along the way is fine (whether in CA or AZ). Something that could be done in 3-4 hours, at most. As an alternative, a good spot for rappelling/rock climbing. Or, perhaps, both. Timing would be end of May.

[chumley]

If you haven't seen the Goat Canyon Trestle, it's a very worthy destination. I think this description takes you over the top after climbing out of Mortero Palms (also a neat area) but I got turned around when I tried that and did a different route to the railroad (check my triplogs and gps routes in the area) Cool history.
[ Mortero Palms to Goat Canyon Trestle ]
[ photoset ]

And if you've never stopped to see the hot springs at the desert view tower right on I-8, it's, well, something.

[azbackpackr]

[ Garnet Peak Trail ] near Mount Laguna. PCT also, through the Laguna Mountain area. Much cooler up there than desert.

[GrottoGirl]

Sears point if you are into Petroglyphs.

[joebartels]

@GrottoGirl
Along the Gila, west of Gila Bend?
[ Sears Point Petroglyph Sites ]

[GrottoGirl]

@joebartels Yes! It’s amazing!

[ddgrunning]

@chumley
The trestle sounds very interesting, but it also sounds like going over the top is a bit of a hairy adventure--I'm not used to reading triplogs where you were doubting your ability to get over and back (only to then go on to tackle the trip via an 11.6 mile alternate). I'm assuming this would be a pretty toasty adventure at the end of May when I'd be passing through.

[chumley]

@ddgrunning
Yes, it's warm and there's no shade. The route I ended up going doesn't have the scrambling, elevation gain, or route finding issues that coming over from the palms does. But I don't think I'd enjoy either on a sunny day over 80.