![]() ![]() There was a parade and a fountain of water. San Diego residents were thrilled at the flume’s completion in 1889. Another information sign can be found nearby, where the Helix Flume Trail connects with the Lake Jennings trail system. After the flash I heard a curious low noise, like that of an animal. I took this flash photograph into the tunnel. The barred Monte Tunnel entrance photographed during my hike. Part of the eventually outdated tunnel system was destroyed by Navy SEALS for training. The bottom 1887 photo shows construction of the seventh tunnel. The tunnel entrances had decorate facades of cut and mortared local granitic boulders. Diagram on the sign shows the dimensions of each tunnel. The Monte Tunnel was the fifth tunnel from the flume’s original water source, Lake Cuyamaca. The flume needed eight tunnels along its slowly descending route. A short distance from the sign is the entrance to the Monte Tunnel. I spot another information sign down below, at the end of a short path. A sign describes what to do should you encounter one. Turning a corner, with rugged El Cajon Mountain (El Capitan) in the distance. The trail continues along the flume’s old route. In 1962, the pump station began to send water to the newly created Lake Jennings. The open, wooden flume was eventually replaced with covered conduit and pipe. San Diego County Park Ranger shows a section of wooden flume pipe. He lined it cheaply with asphalt roofing material using a rolling tar wagon. In 1915, a court ordered Ed Fletcher to repair the leaky flume. The open flume had troubles with massive leakage due to rot, and evaporation. Sign describes the struggles to supply water. An amazing view of rocky mountains across the valley opens up here. We approach another information sign where the old hillside pipeline terminates. A beautiful view of the El Monte Valley below. Higher we climb! A fence conceals an old pipeline that ran from the El Monte Pump Station to the flume. The hillside is dotted with many prickly pears. I’ve gained more elevation on the switchbacks. Wear sturdy shoes if you go on this hike. An old rusty pipeline that ascends from the station is visible in this photo. ![]() Looking down toward the pump station and El Monte Road. Hikers must stay on the trail due to the historical importance of this area. Heading up short but steep switchbacks, with power lines overhead and rugged mountains in the distance. The Helix Water District has a nearby lot with modern pipes and equipment. As I started up the trail, I looked back toward the parking lot and its big tree. Diagram of cross section of wooden flume box from 1913. ![]() Photograph of the wooden water flume next to old Highway 80 in El Cajon Valley. The blue line on this topographic map is where the flume water descended as it flowed west to the growing city of San Diego. One of several signs along the trail that describe the construction and history of the famous water flume. Heading toward the trailhead and an information sign concerning the flume. Water was then pumped from the El Capitan Reservoir. Plaque by door of El Monte Pump Station dated 1937, when a major overhaul was finally complete. Photograph includes huge pipes outside the historic pump station in Lakeside, California. The El Monte Pump Station was originally built in 1898 to lift well water to the flume on the hillside using steam powered pumps. The old El Monte Pump Station is located next to a small parking lot by the trailhead to the Helix Flume Trail. Information signs describe the construction and history of the engineering marvel, and hikers are able to see the entrance to one of the flume’s old tunnels!Īs you will observe in the following photographs, the walk includes some fantastic vistas and natural beauty.Ĭome along with me and read the photo captions to learn much more… Looking past a large shady tree toward the trailhead of the historic Helix Flume Trail. The moderately easy hiking trail begins at the old El Monte Pump Station, climbs a nearby hillside with a series of short steep switchbacks, then follows a short, mostly level section of the historic flume’s route. This morning I enjoyed an amazing walk up the historic Helix Flume Trail in Lakeside! In 1889 a 35-mile long wooden water flume was completed that brought water from Lake Cuyamaca in San Diego’s East County into the rapidly growing city. Breathtaking views and unique history can be enjoyed during a hike on the Helix Flume Trail in Lakeside. ![]()
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