Upper Green Valley facts for kids
Upper Green Valley is a beautiful valley located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County, California. Think of a valley as a low area between hills or mountains. The lower end of Upper Green Valley, called its "mouth," is about 4,163 feet (1,269 meters) above sea level. The higher end, or "head," is even higher at 4,890 feet. This special spot is also where the Sweetwater River begins its journey!
A Journey Through History
Upper Green Valley has a long and interesting past. For many years, it was an important pathway. People traveled through it to get between the California coast near San Diego and the Colorado River.
Early Travelers and Mail Routes
After the Mexican–American War, soldiers from the U.S. Army used this valley. They were couriers, which means they carried important messages and news.
Later, a famous mail service called the San Antonio–San Diego Mail Line used the valley. This was before cars and trains were common! Mules were the main way to travel and carry things. These strong animals carried passengers and mail through the valley.
The journey was quite long, about 18 miles just through this area. The mail line also went through other places like Oriflamme Canyon, Vallecito Wash, Vallecito Creek, and Carrizo Creek. It connected places like Lassiter's Ranch near Vallecito and Carrizo Creek Station. Imagine riding a mule for miles and miles to deliver a letter!
