In-Ko-Pah Gorge facts for kids
In-Ko-Pah Gorge is a deep, narrow canyon located in San Diego County and Imperial County, California. It's a special place where a major highway passes through the mountains. The gorge starts at an elevation of about 2,240 feet (683 meters).
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About In-Ko-Pah Gorge
In-Ko-Pah Gorge is a natural landform, like a very deep valley with steep sides. It was carved out over a long time by water and natural forces. This gorge is an important passage through the In-Ko-Pah Mountains.
Where is In-Ko-Pah Gorge?
The gorge is found in the southeastern part of California. Its starting point, or "head," is located at 32°40′17″N 116°06′05″W / 32.67139°N 116.10139°W. From there, it stretches eastward.
Waterways of the Gorge
A creek named Myer Creek flows down through In-Ko-Pah Gorge. This creek begins in the Jacumba Mountains and travels all the way to the Yuha Desert, east of Ocotillo. Myer Creek eventually disappears into the desert sands.
Another creek, Boulder Creek, joins Myer Creek inside the gorge. This meeting point, called a "confluence," is about a mile (1.6 kilometers) downstream from where Myer Creek starts. At this spot, the elevation is around 1,775 feet (541 meters).
A Highway Through the Mountains
In-Ko-Pah Gorge is used by Interstate 8, a major highway. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 travel directly through this gorge. However, the westbound lanes of the highway use a different path through a nearby area called Devils Canyon. This shows how challenging the mountain terrain is, requiring separate routes for traffic going in different directions.
A Look Back in Time
In-Ko-Pah Gorge was not always known by its current name. Long ago, it was originally called Myer Canyon. This name likely came from Myer Creek, which flows through the canyon. Over time, its name changed to In-Ko-Pah Gorge.
