The Mystery of the Yuha Church of the Sun
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2024
- In the Yuha Desert about 20 miles west of Calexico is the mysterious Yuha Church of the Sun. Everyone who drives Highway 98 between Calexico and Interstate 8 sees it, but no one seems to know the story behind it.
There are very few if any answers to be found online. The site has been around for decades, but questions are easier to come by than answers.
Was it built by a cult? Is it a religious site? Or does it mark the location of long lost temple that is only spoken about in legends? Today we are going to visit the site of the Yuha Church of the Sun, and unravel the mystery.
For more info on the lost Rattlesnake Temple, check out this article by Thunderbird Photo: thunderbirdphoto.com/f/the-lo...
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Born & raised in SoCal. Explored lots of the desert in the '60's and '70's as a kid. Never ceases to amaze me how much blood, sweat and tears (and $!) has been expended in barren places by people only to be forgotten. Thanks again for the adventure Steve!
So true, I'm always kind of taken by the whole Salton Sea resort area and neighborhood remains that are decaying into the desert, the whole thing being the result of an epic scale, man made error.
Cant imagine spending my hard-earned rags-to-riches money on this property.
Just think how tough the Indians were.
The Mojave an Colorado deserts take all
I lived in Calexico in the early 1980’s and was acquainted with Mr. Estrada. I was told by local sources that he was a worker on some farmland and the owner willed it to him as he had no heirs. There were (and still are) some palm trees in the area, hence the name “Las Palmas” swap meet. He was smart enough to develop it and become very wealthy.
Unfortunately, he had a problem with alcohol and that affected him, like so many others.
Sad story
Steve, I’m a pilot in Arizona. You need to know that your videos have inspired countless flight ideas for me to fly over little recognized historical sites throughout the western United States. Adding to why I love your work is that your treatment of historical topics is incredibly respectful, especially when it comes to talking about our Native American brothers and sisters. Unfortunately much of our history in this part of America is intertwined with their pain and suffering. But these stories need to be told and understood by all of us. Thank you so much.
Do you pick up hitchhikers?
@@thejackofalltravels8267 If I can spot your thumb and you’re next to a runway, maybe! 😄
Neil, I was at Luke AFB in the 70s. I was on the team that did a lot of the testing for the first, not yet in production, F-15 Eagles. As an AZ pilot, you may know that the first F-15s were based at Luke.
Then when they went operational, I was part of the avionics crew that went to open the first operational base, at Holloman AFB, NM.
If you are an avation buff, I later became an avionics tech on the ASAT project. As a civilian.
@@michaeldavis9774 That’s pretty sweet Michael. I actually have friends at Luke AFB to this day, and have flown in their airspace-they allow civilian flight training in their space on certain days. I’ve watched fighter jets fly right over me at slow (for them) speeds. Pretty amazing. Thanks for your service. 🇺🇸 ❤️
You would be amazed at what we were doing with the F-15 in the first year of the ASAT program. I was there in 1983.
The Eagle eventually shot down a satellite from 35,000 feet, with a three stage missile. In 1985.
But it is not widely known that the first ASAT tests were with an F-15 climbing all the way to 105,000 feet.
A jet "flares out" at about 75,000 feet. But the Eagle had so much power that it accelerated straight up until the engines quit. It then kept coasting to 105,000 feet.
I personally have sat in the cockpit of the Celestrial Eagle.
Very few people would ever believe that the F-15 could go so high, especially with 6 miles, (30,000 feet), straight up of it was coasting unpowered.
Wow! There is no shortage of odd places in the desert! So it seems Raul made the improvements at the site. The remaining hardscape is quite nice, with the strips of cobble rock between the cement slabs. The windy silence of the desert is something special you can't find elsewhere. Thanks for taking us out there. As always, enjoy your entertaining narration and dry humor. See you soon!
Thank you, I appreciate it.
@@SidetrackAdventures Crucifixion Thorn bushes everywhere around Deadhorse ranch state park in Cottonwood AZ up in the hills.
We used to camp at Crucifixion Thorn. We shot our guns and rode our three-wheelers and even rode into Mexico. The border was marked with a stack of white-painted rocks, but if you didn't see that you were unaware of the border. There are oyster beds in the Yuha from a time when it was under the ocean. Cool place!
Well it would've been nice if you packed out your trash. There's the answer to one riddle, Steve. 😀
@arthurlevine1840 LOL. My dad, rest his soul, always taught us the old mantra "Take only pictures, leave only footprints" so, no, I never left any trash where I went camping. In fact, we cleaned up after the scumbags that DID leave trash.
@@ghodgeco Absolute Class Reply! My Dad was big on "Leave nothing behind but your Thanks" when visiting places! Salute
@@arthurlevine1840 how do you even know he left any trash? He was just there for a quick stop .
Those oyster beds also exist inside the Carrizo Impact Area as I found out many years ago when trespassing.
Thank you Steve for bringing us another historical gem
My pleasure.
When you showed us the swimming pool; I envisioned myself floating on an innertube taking in the landscape. Thank you for the adventure, Steve.
Would have some great views from it for sure, but probably not the best use of water out there.
What an adventure. What a view.
Thanks for taking us.
Cheers from flat, filthy and depressing Detroit 🇺🇲
Seemingly endless supply of off-the-beaten-track, off-the-wall oddities in Steve's part of the world. Keep on digging them up, we'll follow you anywhere (from our bedroom!).
Luckily there is no shortage of offbeat places out there.
Been going out there for years, my mom even had property off the 98 and didnt even know this was here. Maybe a road trip this weekend? Thanks!
"There was a sign that said 'enjoy walking around the area', but there was a barbed wire fence around the whole thing." Apparently they meant it literally - walk AROUND the area - haha!
Pretty weird place - thanks for sharing! MIght have to visit one day.
It must be Wednesday and another wonderful desert tour. Thanks Steve. Happy Humpday.
Thank you!
The California thorn plant has some resemblance to several South African euphorbia plants yet they have no genetic link whatsoever. All are amazing plants acquiring similar morphology to survive their harsh, desert environments.
The music and the overall video is calming. Thank you!
Very interesting! Somehow one of the saddest stories on your channel. I am fascinated by what you show us, yet saddened by the realities of this part of California.
You lead a very interesting life Steve. In Michigan's U.P. There is a light that shines at night on the road in a wooded area. When you drive to the light, it's no longer there. Lot of theories about it.
Do the stories involve photoelectric switches on security lights....? 🤔😉✌️
@@gus473 I don't recall that. I do recall that swamp gas was mentioned. I haven't read anything the past few years, but my faulty 78 yr old memory is that there are no houses/cabins nearby. I could be wrong.
If you enter "Paulding Light" on Wikipedia there is more information.
I've heard about this. I think there's one of those in Southern California somewhere, but I forget where.
Go to the light my son
Have you heard of the Bunkerville Arrow in Nevada east of Las Vegas? It's a leftover from the early airmail days where, before radar, directional cement arrows were used to guide airplanes across the U.S. during day flights.
Yes. There are a few of those around still.
Quartesite has some
This is just terrific, like all your videos.
Thanks!
Thank you for another terrific adventure! The views surrounding this place are amazing! I really enjoy your videos!
That area is really incredible to look at. If I had an ATV its one place I'd explore for sure.
@@SidetrackAdventures Thanks for blazing us a trail!👍
Thank you for taking us along on your little excursions❤❤
Great find. “I guess it wasn’t Wocanda forever” 😂
I never got a chance to take much of a trip in the desert, traveled through it at night back in the 1970s! No air conditioning in those days, you had to travel at night! But I really enjoy your trips taking me places I've never been! I enjoy your work and I will remember to donate, keep up the great work! Looks like you found a job that you enjoy!
I love the desert (I live there) and your videos are amazing. I like the way you research the places you visit.
Glad you like them!
Thumbs up for the Wocanda Forever pun. 👍
When I read about this before going out there, all I could think of was how I'd get that in.
I was just waiting for your joke and you did not disappoint! Hahahaa@@SidetrackAdventures
I’ve explored the Yuha Basin several times and never saw this. How did I miss it? Time to go back!
Coffee and adventure! 😎
I would have broke out the skateboard and took a ride in that concrete bowl 😊, cool video brotha
If someone cleaned it out I bet that would be a great place for that.
Nice video, and very informative. Back in the '80s and '90s I was part of a high power rocketry club that used to hold launches at the gravel pit at the end of Coyote Number 2 Road.
Always look forward to your adventures. Always in a hurry to get to my destination and never paused on hiway 40, but thank you for educating me.
Mother nature is unforgiving when unprepared.
No one does a better job of finding these odd gems in the desert than Steve. I always mark these spots on google maps so I can check them out for myself if I happen to be in the area one day.
Wow, another curiosity! Well done.
Thanks!
"Crucifixion Thorn" is the most metal band name ever.
There's a local Arizona band named
Crown of Thorns.
@@christinatrott3029 Not the same TBH
@@GAVACHO5150 I don't know. I used to know one of the band members but I don't remember the story behind the name.
😂
You all should listen to the lyrics and pay attention. It's hidden knowledge. Tom from Slayer, Testament, Iron Maiden, AIC, Tool..I'm pissed at him for personal reasons though, Maynard and I have a day coming soon 💯 facts. They all speak truth though and people need to think opposite sometimes. Mother love bone is a big one also :) Jesus is lucifer and they know it. 40 6 and 2 is real and people are slowly figuring it out.
Good stuff as always Steve. Thanks for you and your family's time and effort that you put into research to bring these great videos to your viewers. Have a great day and stay safe out there.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Good job on solving the mystery...
Thanks.
A lot of interest in your channel, once again I really enjoy your travels🤗😎🤗😎
Your intro and outro's are also nice.
Thanks!
Very enjoyable as always, thanks.
Thankyou for this video about a place that most people have never heard of. Amazing things found in the desert.😊
Thanks Steve for another great adventure!
Hey Steve... Can you tell us where to find more info about the 'rattlesnake temple' story? That's... amazing!
Around 1893 it shows up in quite a few papers, then some people go looking for it and don't find it and it kind of dies out for awhile, but now and again someone comes across those old stories. If you Google Rattlesnake Temple, you should find a few groups where people are looking for it.
What a great story and video, as usual, Steve!
You’re awesome at what you do
Absolutely LOVE how you find these out of the way, eerily enchanting places that have years of Legend Possibilities of their existence! For me, it's the idea that someone(s) literally planned this place out on paper, got the money together and had the needed supplies to build it all sent to this spot in the desert! Growing up in Riverside, Ca. I immediately thought of Mt. Rubidoux that had a Huge White Cross up in the hills! Sadly it got burned so many times I'm not sure if there is another one now days. Thank you Steve and Family for yet another great Adventure! Always a treat to read the love and support AND stories from the SA Posse who Ride along! Cheers and MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋
I think there might be a cross on Mt. Rubidoux. I think Oddity Odysseys did a video on it awhile back.
@@SidetrackAdventuresAppreciate the info! Salute
Very interesting as always. Thank you.
Just want to comment on your voice sounds very pleasant to the point and professional. I enjoy watching your videos very much.,.and very informative too thank you...
Beautiful views. Awesome ❤
Dude, you’re awesome. Your videos have the perfect vibe to them. These glimpses into out-of-the way places in California are priceless!
Thanks for the tour Steve .
Another great video. Thank you Steve from here in New Zealand.
🌞🐍 Always fun to ride out into the Desert Southwest with you, Steve! 😎✌️
Great story and very nice video. 👍😇
Thank you.
Great adventure! Thanks.
This is a wonderful video a part of our collective history!
Excellent research and narration. You find the coolest places. RIP to the poor woman who was left there.
Great research Steve!
I think a memorial to Raul is a great idea - no secrets lost - you would still have to get out of your car to see it. And many of us, most?, don't even bother to do that.
There are many interesting places in the desert southwest. The history is probably lost to history in many of them, and will no doubt never be known. It's nice to see them anyway.
Hi Steve. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your videos. It is amazing what you can discover so near to your home in San Diego. Thank you for sharing your adventures.
Thank you Steve and family, we hope there are many good desert mysteries to come. 😊
Very nice Steve. I wish you had your channel out when I stationed at El Centro.
You're much better at finding cool stuff in the desert than I was.
Always interesting stuff. Thanks Steve.
How interesting, never quite new the history. Camping on Yuha Bluffs since the early 1960s, have gone everywhere in the basin, still get lost, but the Block house on the South rim (now gone) and Sunset mtn , you could always get your bearings. Sunset was spooky, whoever would put mannequins up on the deck would give you the willies. One south leading wash off of Yuha wash actually came out right below the mtn. Never went in or trespassed. Years later the area was fenced in and plants were planted along 98 and around the hill. Yuha basin has an aura about it, with the old stage stop, well and geoglyphs. Last time I was there it was filled with Boarder Patrol which I do not mind, but camping there again, maybe not, too many smugglers and "cayotes" the human kind.
A few months ago I made a quick stop by, and there were border patrol everywhere, this time I didn't see very many at all.
Thanks for the back story on this.
Always a joy watching your adventures.
Thanks again for taking us to a place I can never go to. Always well done and enjoyable.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you very much for taking the time to visit,research and share the story of this place.Not much history of the pioneers,settlers, citizens or early creative people ever reaches us. Thank you for your time, beautiful photography especially in the hot sun trying to make it look inviting
Love watching and learning off all your blogs👍🏻👍🏻Great job👍🏻
A lot of California Desert is truly an Enigma . Glad you showcased this one here as it’s been a very weird area as far as It’s history goes & you cleared up at least a couple of possible questions. Thanks as Usual Steve . Great presentation as always 😎👍
Right next door to this place is another "pumpkin patch' which I found. A "pumpkin" is a geologic artifact left over from millions of years ago when this place was wetlands. They are concretions that start from a small pebble or something else, and over time it collects into a big ol ball. The other "pumpkin patch" is out in the Anza Borrego desert park. Go see that place, it will amaze you!
Looking at the water reservoir , I see what appears to be J - bolt's , which would lead me to believe that maybe it was going to be covered , to prevent evaporation ! 😎
But if it was covered it would not be able to collect water
That's a good catch. I didn't even think about that.
@@davekreitzer4358 pump water from where?? That makes absolutely no sense
The design of it indicates a catchment basin for rainwater which would then be pumped into those tanks that were on site.
@@scottprather5645 Sir , appears you have a hearing problem or aren't smart enough to revisit the video , or you wouldn't be arguing the facts that Steve stated in it ✔️😜
@@davekreitzer4358 he could have inaccurate information that is a catchment basin . I'm a general contractor I know a few things. but I guess people like you can't figure that out too bad some people never got the deductive reasoning gene.
Thanks Steve. I “discovered” this place during one of my CC motorcycle rides a few years ago. Thanks for featuring this place!
You are just a talented in telling these little stories 👍👏👏👏!
I used to ride dirt bikes in this area in the early 1970 's. However I never heard of this place. Great work Steve, your research and videos always amaze me!!
Magnificent well done that was awesome ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 👍👍
Love your work, Steve. Please know, it is always entertaining, insightful, and appreciated!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing great videos with us. I admire the work you do.
I love how much information you gather and share. I love the detail!!!
You sure find the neatest stuff! In my travels to and from Anza Borrego Desert from Arizona (love driviving S2), I have often wanted to drive east from Ocoltillo to Calexico, but never have. I think it is time to do so! And of course, a stop at the Lazy Lizard for a cold one and a burro. 😉 Keep them coming man, your videos make Wednesdays fun.👍
Thanks Steve!
You're welcome.
So great, as always, Steve. What comes to my mind is that someone was laying the groundwork for a remote community here. Maybe they were going to sell plats and create a new town. Bizarre.
Glad you solved that mystery for us. This could be another great place for the alien-bigfoot convention.
Yep. There's a place I want to check out in Oregon where apparently there was a meeting between aliens and Bigfoot.
Love your travel vlogs and the nice quiet choice of music you play in the background is excellent
Very interesting....as always...thank you.
I’m impressed on how you were able to dig up this story!! Mystery solved! Thanks Steve!!
If there was electricity here, I wonder if the utility company has a record of the customer. It would also be interesting to know more about Raul Estrada. This was really fun to watch.
Here's an article about him written after he passed: www.thedesertreview.com/news/raul-estrada---making-the-american-dream-his-own/article_43fe738a-9121-11e8-85f7-3781f6eef155.html
@@SidetrackAdventures Thanks! Great article about one man's success story, and at least a small counterweight to the bigotry we've recently seen directed at immigrants.
Great, as usual!
Thanx a lot, Steve!
👍💚❤💚👍
Well done video, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your videos, they are great!!
Rattlesnake Temple sounds like something straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. I'm sure he would just LOVE it. I'm envisioning that pool filled with snakes ala the Last Crusade. 😅 I agree though. It would be nice to see a sign with information there.
Great researching! Thanks for sharing the story.❤
I love these little Mysteries that Steve finds on sidetrack. It makes you really wonder about somebody's Mysteries and when you find out the truth on some of them it's just as interesting I would love to visit this site.
Good one. Love your show
Interesting…. Nice video. Thanks for sharing!
You have a great channel, man! I’ve really been enjoying your narrative and and comprehensive camera work! You’re doing an amazing job!!
THANK YOU STEVE,VERY COOL.,,SAFE TRAVELS..
Thanks!
Love it!
There seems to have been a LOT of work and expenses in building this place. Too bad there's not more information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for another great video!
Thank you, I really appreciate it.
Just found your channel and it is just what I like, so I have subscribed and I will gladly start at the beginning, I am from the UK so I have only visited these places by watching UA-cam. Thank you 😊
What a crazy story!! I never got down that way so I never stumbled across it. Thanks for the tour!
Interesting... and it was something to see a large cross out there in the middle of nowhere.
Awesome video, I wondered about this place for a long time. Funny story .... I was a level 7 Google local guide, and when I posted my photos of this location on google maps, I was shut out of google local guide within an hour, with no recourse , they would not even talk to me. I have 4.6 million views on my google maps, and this was weird. A gentleman who was about 80 years old told me that Mobil Oil and Ocotillo was in cahoots to find oil ?!?!? Which we all know there was no oil. They were looking for something else ... in the middle of the "lake" there is a tall pole, I can only think of a listening setup. I to made a video of video place. Cheers!