Hill 582
This Hill 582 is not a military designation on an army map, but rather a popular train watching location on Cajon Pass in Southern California. This spot is at mile 58.2 on BNSF's Cajon Subdivision, hence the "582."
The site was once a barren hilltop, like others in the area, but in 1992, Don E. Toles and his associates decided to spruce up the place with a rock garden and trees. In 1994, several eucalyptus trees were planted and are now over 20 feet tall. Many species of cacti were also planted. Some of these plants had been damaged in construction projects or vandalism, were rescued and replanted on the hill. Additionally, the site later became a memorial to area railfans, such as Chard Walker and Dave Burton, who had passed away.
Today, the hill is still a popular gathering spot for train watchers and photographers on weekends. They arrive with their RV's, cameras, lawn chairs and picnic supplies. Two or three times a week Don Toles and some of his friends show up to water the plants and groom the grounds for another onslaught of visitors.
At 10:31, May 1, 2018, eleven BNSF units on a power move pass Hill 582 en route west. Photo by Joe McMillan.
Hill 582
This Hill 582 is not a military designation on an army map, but rather a popular train watching location on Cajon Pass in Southern California. This spot is at mile 58.2 on BNSF's Cajon Subdivision, hence the "582."
The site was once a barren hilltop, like others in the area, but in 1992, Don E. Toles and his associates decided to spruce up the place with a rock garden and trees. In 1994, several eucalyptus trees were planted and are now over 20 feet tall. Many species of cacti were also planted. Some of these plants had been damaged in construction projects or vandalism, were rescued and replanted on the hill. Additionally, the site later became a memorial to area railfans, such as Chard Walker and Dave Burton, who had passed away.
Today, the hill is still a popular gathering spot for train watchers and photographers on weekends. They arrive with their RV's, cameras, lawn chairs and picnic supplies. Two or three times a week Don Toles and some of his friends show up to water the plants and groom the grounds for another onslaught of visitors.
At 10:31, May 1, 2018, eleven BNSF units on a power move pass Hill 582 en route west. Photo by Joe McMillan.