Crowder Canyon facts for kids

Crowder Canyon, originally known as Coyote Canyon, is a valley located in San Bernardino County, California. It begins at an elevation of about 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) near Cajon Summit. The canyon runs south and then southwest, eventually meeting Cajon Canyon. Its mouth is at an elevation of about 2,999 feet (914 meters) where it joins Cajon Canyon. This valley has played an important role in the history of travel through the region.

History of Crowder Canyon

Crowder Canyon was a very important route for early travelers. It was part of both the Old Spanish Trail and later the Mormon Road, which helped people cross the Cajon Pass.

Early Explorers and Trails

Antonio Armijo was a pioneer who created the Old Spanish Trail. Instead of going over the San Bernardino Mountains by a different path, he followed a route he called "Cañon de San Bernardino." This path went from the upper Mojave River, through Cajon Pass, and then down Crowder Canyon to Cajon Canyon. Local vaqueros (cowboys) from the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia knew this route well and even helped Armijo's group with food. This trail followed Crowder Canyon all the way to where it met Cajon Canyon, and then continued to Sycamore Grove.

Challenges and Improvements to the Road

In 1851, a guide for travelers on the Mormon Road, written by Joseph Cain, described the route as "Road bad down the canon." At first, this path was only wide enough for horses traveling in single file. When the first wagons tried to use it, they faced many difficulties. Rocks had to be moved, and the trail needed to be widened. Sometimes, wagons even had to be taken apart and carried over tough spots.

Soon, travelers found a slightly easier but longer route. This new path was on a narrow ridge a few miles west in the upper Cajon Canyon. By 1855, the state of California helped fund a better road called the Sanford Cutoff, located a bit farther west. However, in 1861, because of the Holcomb Valley gold rush, the shorter Crowder Canyon route became very popular again. It was improved into a good road, and people had to pay a toll to use it.

Crowder Canyon Today

Today, California State Route 138 follows Crowder Canyon. This highway connects Cajon Junction on Interstate 15 with the top of Cajon Pass.