Lost Valley – But it is Lost No More
by Bill Jennings

“Lost Valley is lost no longer.

“This remote crease in the wrinkled topographical map of Southern California 14 miles southeast of [Aguanga] is now accessible by public road for the first time.

“The road is part of an extensive improvement system necessary to open the lovely little valley for use of the Orange Empire Boy Scout Council, which purchased Bergman ranch lands for development as a campsite.

“Thus far the work consists of widening out the old Forest Service trail from Chihuahua Valley, airlifting several tons of water pipe and other heavy supplies from Warner Springs airport and drilling of two water wells in the 5,000-foot elevation meadow that centers the Valley.

“Santa Ana area contracting firms are donating some of the preliminary labor to get the camp started. J.S. Barrett is providing equipment and manpower to construct an all-weather road suitable for passenger cars and buses.

“John R. Davies & Son crews were on the site yesterday to install water and utility lines.

“Other Orange County contractors reportedly will continue the work. The camp should be ready for its pioneer occupants by late fall.

“The site is one of the most beautiful and inaccessible, also least known, in this region.

“For years only hikers, cattlemen and occasional prospectors visited the valley, coming up a steep trail over the ridge of Hot Springs Mountain from Warner Springs or south from Anza over an even longer foot route.

“A number of years ago, thanks to the Los Coyotes Indian Band, a forestry truck trail was hacked out of the rock and thick timber from San Ignacio village to the valley.

“Bergman’s holdings were sold to the Scouts about two years ago and development work began.

“Among the problems encountered thus far, road building has been the most difficult.

“The San Diego County Road Department is cooperating by upgrading Chihuahua Valley Road from Highway 79 two miles southeast of Oak Grove.

“State Division of Forestry honor camp crews are gradually cleaning the existing truck trail from Chihuahua, the final eight miles to the campsite, with the heavy work donated by the Orange County contracting firm.

“Forestry personnel are clearing beetle infested pines from the camp area and the U.S. Forest Service also has been cooperating in the program.

“Part of the problem has been the inter-relationships of several public agencies.

“Lost Valley is partially within boundaries of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, also bordered by Cleveland National Forest and the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation.

“About 15 years ago the State Division of Fish and Game launched an unusual experiment in the mile-high valley, but the results apparently indicated failure.

“A number of beaver were introduced along the small creek that drains toward Lake Henshaw and Warner Springs.

“A check yesterday found no trace of the tree-felling mammals in the area of the old line cabin at the south end of the valley where springs in former days kept the little stream alive.

“The stream was stagnant and another spring formerly flowing near the center of the valley was found to be dry.

“But the Boy Scouts will have ample water, workmen indicated. Both wells were successful and are expected to produce enough water for camp hygiene and cooking purposes.

“It remains to be seen, however, whether dreams of a swimming pool in the pine-rimmed meadow will come true.

“Existing roads are not considered adequate for normal passenger cars. Visitors to the camp area are advised to wait a few weeks until the bulldozers complete the widening job now under way.” (Riverside Daily Enterprise, July 23, 1963)

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