Goat Canyon Trestle, Railway bridge in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, United States
Goat Canyon Trestle is a railway bridge in San Diego County, United States, spanning a desert gorge while following a gentle arc. The wooden piers rise about 200 feet (61 meters) above the ground, while the platform rests on multiple rows of vertical supports leaning against the rock walls.
The bridge arose in 1933 after a tunnel collapse on the line between San Diego and Arizona. It remained in operation until 1976 and was then abandoned when freight traffic ended and the line closed.
Redwood timber from northern California forms the framework of this bridge, chosen because it warps less than steel in extreme heat and cold. The nail-free construction uses interlocking joints and bolts, a method from the early 20th century that remains visible in several desert rail lines today.
Access is via a roughly 6-mile trail through desert terrain, requiring experience with rocky paths and several liters of water per person. The best time is between October and April when temperatures stay below 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) and the route becomes less risky.
This bridge is considered the largest curved wooden trestle in the world, following a 14-degree arc across its full length. The curve was designed to distribute wind forces and reduce the risk of gusts tearing the structure from its anchors.
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