Trail Directions

** Twenty percent of the trail still needs to be finished. Right now one would encounter several impassable, steep ravines -- and State Highway 67, which is much too dangerous to cross. So think of the route we describe below as “proposed". There is some crucial work to be done. **

Since the Web site was launched in May 2002, the San Diego Sea to Sea Trail has raised a great deal of interest, with adventurers wanting to get out there and just do it! We don’t as yet have any dedicated topo maps of the Trail. Complete Trail maps, and a CD, are in the pipeline, once most of the Trail is complete.

But with the trusty help of a number of volunteers, we’re marking up USGS topo maps of the Trail as it currently stands. Courtesy of Philip Erdelsky, we now have maps from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern end of Oriflamme Canyon. Click here to see them!

Click here for the Vista Map and what will be the complete Trail, as well as photos of life on and around the Trail.

Until we have our own detailed Trail topo map, click here for the complete list of topos you’ll need to plan your Trail adventure.

There aren’t any official signs posting the way as yet, so if you are planning a day-trip or weekend camping jaunt and need some more definite guidelines over and above the information detailed below, feel free to contact us.

But, we don’t want to put anyone off doing those parts of the Trail that are open and accessible. So here’s an update on the Trail as it currently stands. Watch this page as updates arise, or subscribe to our E-news alerts.

For another way of experiencing the Trail, join our Geocaching Challenge.

Please note that dogs are allowed (on a leash) on all western sections of the Trail EXCEPT for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, dogs are only allowed on the jeep trails, not on the single-track or in designated Wilderness areas. (Just for information, the only trail in the Cuyamacas where dogs are allowed is Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road, which is paved and runs up the back of the fire station at Paso Picacho campground.)

Any ruling or direction that is particularly pertinent to bikes is in italics.

North Beach, Torrey Pines

Start, or end, point for the Trail! (USGS 7.5min Del Mar). Driving, the trailhead is off the I-5 at Carmel Valley Road, heading west along Carmel Valley Road to the Pacific. You can’t miss it. At the end of Carmel Valley Road, left/west on McGonigle Road, is the car park entrance for North Beach – drive under the railway bridge and you’re there. Dip those toes in the sea, and you’re off.

North Beach, Torrey Pines to the I-5

MAP. Walk out of the car park and turn right/southeast along the southern side of Carmel Valley Road (if you have children with you, you may find the north side (some footpath) safer for the first half-mile). In keeping with our objective of making the San Diego Sea to Sea Trail a mainly motor-free Trail, we’re working closely with the appropriate government departments and local planning boards to achieve a proper trail along the south side of Carmel Valley Road.

Turn right on to Sorrento Valley Road (closed to through traffic) and continue walking, keeping the guard rail to your left. Keep a sharp eye out on your left, as you’re trying to find the correct place to walk/duck under the I-5. Walk until you find the end of the underpass at its southern end. Step over the guard rail, over the riprap and duck under the I-5. We’re also working with CalTrans to create a true underpass under the I-5 at this point.

I-5 to Carmel Country Road

MAP. Once under the I-5, turn right/south, following the dirt single-track dirt. This comes out at the start of the sealed, locally known CVREP Trail, heading east. This is also the Trail’s start or end point for all equestrians. Once the Trail splits into two, please remember that the paved south side of the Trail is for hikes and bikers, and the dirt side for equestrians.

Carmel Country Road to Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve and the I-15

MAP. Continue on to the end of the CVREP trail towards Carmel Country Road. Just before you reach Carmel Country Road, find the break in the metal fence to your right/south, and turn into the small car park see photo to right). This is also another excellent Trailhead.

Turn back west down the drive way to the Stephens Ranch, and make a left on to a dirt jeep trail. You’ll see the two tunnels running under Carmel Country Road ahead. If you’re biking, exit at the carpark and head right/south on Carmel Country Road, do a U-turn at the first break in the medium and then make a right up Shaw Ridge Road.

Through the tunnels, turn hard left/north to pick up the Trail. The Trail shortly meets the driveway to the golf course (Meadows Del Mar) – pick it up again a few feet down (west) the driveway and continue on the single-track until you reach Del Mar Mesa Road (formerly Shaw Ridge Road). Turn right up Del Mar Mesa Road and follow the obvious wide trail on the right/south side of the street. Just before the road levels out, cross it, to continue following the Trail. The cross over point is marked with an alley way passage in the plastic fencing alongside the north side of the road.

A small section of the Trail is complete here, leading east just below the top of the mesa and offering wide northerly views of Carmel Valley – now heavily urbanized, this used to be all open grazing land. Once you reach the end of the completed portion of the Trail, head back on to Del Mar Mesa Road and turn left. Walk along the fenced Trail on the north side of the road, until it crosses to the south side. Turn left on to Del Vino and right on Rancho Toyon. At the end of this small road, as it meets Toyon Mesa (see photo), just keep straight ahead east on to the dirt road. In the distance is Black Mountain, and you’ll now leave civilization behind you for a while.

Heading between a quiet grove of eucalyptus and large clumps of cactus, follow the dirt road east and turn sharp right at the power lines and descend into a gully. This is the SDGE access dirt road that will take you right into the northern side of Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve. At one stage the trail splits into two (0.31m beyond the sharp right turn) – take the split to the right. You’ll know you’re on the right path if you meet a locked gate with the Los Penasquitos Canyon yellow and brown sticker (see photo right) – just walk or bike or ride around the gate to the right. Go left fork at the second fork near the bottom of the Canyon.

Once into Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve, you’ll enter an open area with several trails and roads running through it, and a mileage post with 3.5m on the western side, and 2m on the eastern side – you’re heading east and you’ve two miles to reach the Adobe House and Black Mountain Road.

You’ve now got a variety of options to get you there. To stay on the northern side of Los Penasquitos Creek, head directly east at the mileage signs. Or, you can continue south (roughly straight ahead) to a wooded area and cross Los Peρasquitos Creek, where the Trails heads east.

Once past the Adobe House, on the northern side of Los Penasquitos Creek, follow the underpass under Black Mountain Road – this can be wet at times!

The Trail is all pretty much brand spanking new from here to the I-15. You will see groups of hardy volunteers working on the Trail section up to the I-15, so if you have a spare hour or two, they’d love to see you!

I-15 to Pomerado Road

MAP. A good walk in trailhead here, off Cara Way, but no where to leave your car - the closest place is back at Los Penasquitos’s Black Mountain Road entrance.

From under the I-15 (USGS 7.5min Poway & San Vicente Reservoir) turn left down Cara Way passing the Cara Knott Memorial on your left. Just before the gates for the Pump Station Penasquitos, turn left following the path down to the creek, which bends to your right and around the back of the plant. This is a really nice stretch of Trail - if you’re on your bike, take it easy around the corners as there’ll be a few walkers from Sabre Springs using this popular stretch. There’s good underpasses under Springbrook Drive and Springhurst Drive (both act as good trail heads) - the latter leads you out into the open and up to the hill overlooking Pomerado Road to the east. There’s a sign with lots of instructions at the top of the crest - just follow the arrow down and east and you’ll meet up with the small pond in the photo here. Ride west of the pond and south, which will lead you out through a children’s playground and onto Old Pomerado Road.

Turn right on to Old Pomerado Road and head south for about 100 yards, crossing the road and turning up left just before the bridge over the creek. Follow the wooden walkway east - it turns into pathway very quickly - and to the right of a housing development. Where the houses stop, just below Pomerado Road, the Trail rises up and around to your left, with houses on your left and a brick wall protecting you from Pomerado Road on your right. This ends shortly as you come up to the intersection of Pomerado and Stowe Drive.

Pomerado Road to Sycamore Canyon Road

MAP. Another good Trailhead entry here. Find the Trail entrance on the northeastern corner of Pomerado Road and Stowe Drive, and just keep on going. It’s a wide well-graded dirt trail, excellent for bikes and horses, with good views over Poway. The Trail drops down to Community Road, with an underpass under the road. You’ll have no problem following the Trail, til you make your way up to the back end of First American Way. Keep going up the hill with the industrial complex to your right, and in the distance eastward you’ll get a general idea of a few hilly trails that will get you to Sycamore Canyon Road. The last half-a-mile or so is bushwacking at this stage.

Sycamore Canyon Road to the 67 (missing Goodan Ranch - option below)

MAP. Another good Trailhead entry here, parking your vehicle on Sycamore Canyon Rd under or near the Scripps Poway over-bridge. Get your bearings by walking north up Sycamore Canyon Rd for about 0.3m from the over-bridge, to find a gate. Walk around the gate and follow the dirt trail heading north. The Trail follows a bit of a loop, bearing north-east and then south-east. About 2.3m miles later, you’ll reach the animal underpass under Scripps Poway Parkway, towards the eastern end of the Parkway (towards the 67).

Go through the underpass. When you reach its end (southerly aspect), take a sharp right and walk up and over the tunnel, so you’re walking beside Scripps Poway Parkway, with the traffic on your left. Only then will you see the next section of Trail! This now leads you sou’east up and over scrub and away from the traffic. Be careful as none of this is marked and there are a few trails to chose from.

Follow the obvious single-track, which will shortly lead you to a wider dirt jeep road that leads east and sometimes south. In the future, this section of Trail will lead you into Goodan Ranch – currently, it winds away on an old dirt jeep track, heading sou’west, to cross Sycamore Park Drive (the weekend entrance to Goodan Ranch). There’s an obvious trail across the gravel Sycamore Park Drive – follow that as it winds sou’east. And lo and behold, as you come over the last rise, there’s the 67 down below you.

There are plans afoot to create an underpass under the 67 – in the meantime, please be careful as you cross! Once you’re down the hill west of the 67, there’s an obvious trail on the eastern side of the 67 – right where there’s an emergency phone box and a small parking area (no long term parking allowed!). Follow this, and you’ll walk up and over a rise, and there’s San Vicente Reservoir ahead of you. Follow the obvious paths around the southern end of the Reservoir, to its parking lot - another excellent trailhead and a great spot for a bit of fishing and kayaking!

Goodan Ranch to San Vicente Reservoir Dam

Two good trailhead options here, into Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve (USGS 7.5min San Vicente Reservoir). Option 1 is at the very end of Sycamore Canyon Road, accessible from Poway via Garden Road. This northern access will give you complete access down into the Preserve and Goodan Ranch. You can then walk or ride the loop trail in the Preserve, or walk up to Option 2.

Option 2 starts you from the eastern end of the Preserve. The entrance, which is only open in the weekends, is from along Highway 67, 0.7m (0.4km) south of Scripps Poway Parkway. Drive the mile or so along the dusty road to the carpark and look east - San Vicente’s hills are hiding the Reservoir, but that’s where you’re headed. The official Trail isn’t built yet (we’re flagging that now - and that’s how volunteer Mike Gonzalez Jr and I found the jet engines in the photo! Anyone know where they’re from?), to get you from here to the 67, so here’s the current alternative.

Walk back down the carpark two minutes, to a gated fireroad on the eastern side of the road. Follow this south til it splits and take the eastern, downward route into Slaughterhouse Canyon. At the bottom the dirt road splits again, giving two options, but they’ll both join up ahead to take you over the rise towards the 67 and pass a small fenced water building. If this isn’t directly on your right, you’re lost. Once up on the 67, walk north up the road a bit and cross over when it’s safe! Rest easy though, there will be an underpass built here, to keep safe both you and the local wildlife. Once over the 67, make you way over the rise and there, in all its blue sparkling glory, is San Vicente Reservoir. Follow the obvious paths around the southern end of the Reservoir, to its parking lot - another excellent trailhead and a great spot for a bit of fishing and kayaking!

San Vicente Reservoir Dam to Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve

From the dam to the western end of Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve’s trails, there is no San Diego Sea to Sea Trail at this time (USGS 7.5min San Vicente Reservoir). We’re currently working on flagging and aligning this section of the Trail. We’ll keep you posted!

Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve

MAP. An excellent staging-post area for the Trail, is Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve, off Wildcat Canyon Road (USGS 7.5min San Vicente Reservoir). Currently, this section of the Trail offers a 2.4 miles loop (3.8km), well worth doing even now with its 397 acres of oak woodland and mature stands of chaparral. No mountain bikes are allowed in the Preserve at this time.

You will need to return to the Trailhead, and possibly contemplate catching the views from El Cajon Mountain...

Wildcat Canyon Road to El Cajon Mountain

Opposite and just north of the entrance to Oak Oasis Open Space Preserve (from where you’ve just come) is more good trailhead parking, in the gravel lot on the east side of Wildcat Canyon Road. (USGS 7.5min San Vicente Reservoir & El Cajon Mountain). There’s also two compost toilets here. Do note that the entry gates for both Oak Oasis and El Cajon trailheads don’t open until 0800 (though the volunteers who do a great job looking after them, and the carparks, often open them earlier) and close at 1700.

This section of the Trail is a view-stopper five miles and 4000 feet (1219m) of elevation up to the 3675-foot (1120m) peak of El Cajon Mountain, or El Cap, as it’s affectionately known. No mountain bikes are allowed on this section of the Trail at this time.

At the summit, the official Trail ends. You’ll need to either return to your starting point, as we’re still hard at work with Cleveland National Forest to build a route down the eastern side of El Cajon, or start a bushwack (see below). We’ll keep you posted on Trail developments!

If you do find yourself heading up to El Cajon, there’re a few extra sights for you. At the top col, there’s a sign sending you up to El Cajon’s summit to your left, the hill with the radio shack to your right, and the jewel of this hike – atop of El Capitan’s faces straight ahead. The latter hike to El Capitan is about another three miles round trip, but it’s an easy route and the views are out of this world! Sit right out on the rocks if you dare, and you can see for miles to the coast, down into Mexico, up to the Viejas Mountains and beyond, and way below is the San Diego river valley – it’s a bit like San Diego’s own Grand Canyon.

El Cajon Mountain to Cedar Creek Road

Prepare yourself for a bit of bushwhacking coming off El Cajon Mountain, before the Trail is built northeast of where you’re now standing (USGS 7.5min El Cajon Mountain). Bearing pretty much NE, you’ll eventually find yourself on Westside Road, a dirt truck trail. This eventually joins up with El Capitan Road, and then into Four Corners. Follow Gower Road north (a rough jeep road), until you meet a huge water tower, at the southern end of Thornbush Rd (last right-hand side street off the far eastern end of Ramona Oaks Rd.) – another good Trailhead (if you do park here, you’ll need to display a National Forest Adventure Pass - $30 annually).

Right opposite the water tower (east) is the next stage of your journey – pass through the wooden posts and very soon you’ll be heading quite steeply down hill, on your way to the San Diego River. On your way down you’ll see a rock outcrop ahead with the Trail heading towards it – there are a few other trails heading off down, but hike around the right-hand side of the outcrop and around the back of the outcrop (eastern side) you’ll see the Trail heading steeply down again – this Trail will lead you directly to the river. Walk over the stones to ford the river and walk about 100 feet through oaks until you reach a four-trail junction (some of the oaks you will have passed have Helix Water District ‘No Trespassing’ signs on them – stay on the Trail!). If you go straight ahead, you’ll end up at Cedar Creek Falls – excellent short side trip with water (no camping). To continue on the Trail, take the left-hand fork. You’re now heading NNE and back inside Cleveland National Forest property. (You’ll now find yourself on USGS 7.5min Tule Springs.)

Follow the Trail NNE up to ‘Saddleback’ (USGS 7.5min Santa Ysabel). See the next section below.

If you’re not meeting friends at Saddleback for more water and supplies, do take the diversion to Cedar Creek Falls (USGS 7.5min Tule Springs) and top up your water bottles - have a dip while you’re there! Don’t forget to treat your water.

Cedar Creek Road to Lake Cuyamaca

The only trailhead access to this part of the San Diego Sea to Sea Trail is north from the 78/79 from Ramona from the west or Julian from the east. Driving, take Pine Hills Road south six miles (9.66km) east of Santa Ysabel, or a mile (1.61km) west of Julian. After 1.5 miles (2.4km) take the right on to Eagle Peak Road, veering right again after 1.4 (2.25km) miles, but still on Eagle Peak Road. After 8.2 miles (13.2km) of dirt road (don’t worry, it’s worth it!), you’ll reach a 4-way junction, called ‘Saddleback’, marked at the very bottom of your topo map (USGS 7.5min Santa Ysabel). Park your vehicle here.

If you turn right/west on the Trail down the hill, you’ll have grand views down the valley, and a diversion to Cedar Creek Falls (USGS 7.5min Tule Springs) is a welcome respite on a hot day.

To continue on the Trail, take the east jeep trail - Cedar Creek Road (USGS 7.5min Tule Springs) – this is an awesome section of Trail, with amazing views west and south. There’s sometimes water in the two creeks along the way. Later, this meets Boulder Creek Road. Take the northern route of Boulder Creek Road, to meet up with Engineers Road. (Once the Trail is complete, the Trail will run south and then east to Lake Cuyamaca – this northern route will get you to the Lake in the interim.)

Turn east/right off Boulder Creek Road on to Engineers Road opposite Pine Hills Fire Station (USGS 7.5min Santa Ysabel), following it south-east (USGS 7.5min Julian) all the way (uphill!) to the 79 and to the south-western end of Lake Cuyamaca (USGS 7.5min Cuyamaca Peak).

On Trail west of Lake Cuyamaca

As previously mentioned, we haven’t yet a full east-west route from Cedar Creek to Lake Cuyamaca. But some of the eastern end of the Trail is in place. From the parking trailhead just south of Lake Cuyamaca, follow Milk Ranch Road west. Milk Ranch is private property, so complete this part of your Trail experience with a hike around Middle Peak (USGS 7.5min Cuyamaca Peak).

Lake Cuyamaca to Borrego Springs

From the parking trailhead just south of Lake Cuyamaca as mentioned above, follow the California Riding & Hiking Trail along the south of the Lake (USGS 7.5min Cuyamaca Peak). This route gets pretty muddy at times and plans are afoot to reroute the Trail in a loop south of the Reservoir.

Currently, bikes will need to loop around the northern side of Lake Cuyamaca on the 79, joining S-1 (Sunrise Highway) and riding south-east to intersect the Trail where the Californian Riding & Hiking Trail crosses S-1 (marked at the top of USGS 7.5min Cuyamaca Peak as BM4666).

Pass over Sunrise Highway (S-1) to the Trailhead at the eastern side of the road with Pedro Fages Monument. Follow the Trail to the left of the meadow and not the dirt road. You’ll pass through a metal gate, and then another as you start heading more east, and then you’ll cross the Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll now experience the effects of the 2002 Julian Fire. Follow the dirt road that becomes the Mason Valley Truck Trail. Down steeply east into Oriflamme Canyon (USGS 7.5min Julian), you’ll spy the Canyon’s creek, which usually trickles even in summer – at the bottom of the Canyon to your right (found by following the false trail to your right), there’s a welcome shady area, beside the creek, for a rest stop. Follow the stream bed (now ash covered) east, and then the sand paths direct you to the S-2. At the Trailhead on the western side of the S-22 is a brown sign, ‘Oriflamme Canyon’.

Cross over the S-2 into the beginnings of Box Canyon (USGS 7.5min Earthquake Valley). Once you’ve stepped over the S-2, head straight into the scrub a couple of feet - you’ll find the Trail right there - make a left and you’re off. Look out for the morteros about 20 feet on.

The walk up Box Canyon is gradual, but sandy and tiring on a warm day! Out of the Canyon, follow the signs for the California Riding & Hiking Trail north, up to Blair Valley. Primitive camping is allowed here and a good place to take a break. If you are camping, it’s a good idea to have water cached here, or have someone (nice) meet you. Take time to read the historic marker for the old Butterfield Express, and marvel how they got their wagons over the rocky outcrops!

The hike up Shelter Valley looks tedious on the map, but is actually very pretty - especially in the early morning. And further up as you duck around Sentenac Mountain, it’s downright beautiful. The best is yet to come - Plum Canyon. With nearly vertical walls at places, the 1.5 miles walk down the Canyon is a real eye-opener - lots of plant life and the sand’s not too thick underfoot.

Out of Plum Canyon, you’ll reach the 78. There’s good parking here - you could drive a vehicle in a short way up Plum Canyon if spending the night. But it will only take you three to four hours to walk from Blair Valley to the 78 (USGS 7.5min Tubb Canyon).

Across the road and slightly west is the entrance to Grapevine Canyon. If you’re swapping modes of transport, here’s where you can ride your bike from the 78 right up to the next trailhead at S-22. Be warned, even though it’s a steady grade, it’s uphill all the way, with about three bumpy bits. (This is a popular downhill ride.)

Up Grapevine Canyon is a good slightly uphill hike, following the sandy but firm jeep trail. A short way after Stuart Springs (USGS 7.5min Ranchita), you’ll see the sign for Jasper Trail (bikers) or the California Riding & Hiking Trail (hikers) (USGS 7.5min Tubb Canyon). Stuart Springs is a great spot for a break – there’s a shady tree across from the spring, and there’s actually water in the spring! A steady trickle running into a small concrete basin. We’ve topped up with water here (without treating it) and it tastes excellent.

Following Jasper Trail, which is definitely easier going than the California Riding & Hiking Trail and much easier to find, you’ll head north. The views back to the south get better the higher you go. At the highest point of the Trail, only a mile from the S-22, you’ll find a non-signed junction – take the Trail down to the left (nor-west) and not up to your right (east). If the weather’s clear, you’ll get your first view of the Salton Sea from here. A few hundred yards from the S-22, you’ll cross over the rugged Culp Valley jeep trail (signed) – keep walking north, and there’s the S-22.

The S-22 is a good trailhead for both directions of the Trail. Cross over the road carefully to find the next California Riding & Hiking Trail sign just over to your right (east). If planning ahead, and wishing to camp here before heading down into Borrego Springs, this is a good place to cache water, back in the scrub.

As you are now in a designated Wilderness area (no mountain bikes), the Trail looks markedly different from the jeep trail you’ve just come up on. It’s a real trail! The nine-mile hike from the S-22 to Borrego Springs is one of the finest stretches of the Trail, for its magnificent views, varied vegetation and rugged terrain (USGS 7.5min Borrego Palm Canyon & Borrego Sink). Be warned, that if you’re walking up from Borrego Springs to the S-22, this stretch is a demanding day, with an elevation of 3000’ in a fairly short distance.

The narrow Trail is easy to find in most places. Where the Julian Fire of 2002 has encroached over the Trail in some places, you’ll need to keep your eyes open. Bits of pink ribbon and the occasional cairn/duck will keep you on the right path. For the first two to three miles, it will look as though you’re dropping down into the trailhead/parking at Culp Valley. At the last minute, you drop down behind the western ridge, and join up with the northern entry (as far as a car can go) of Culp Valley – another good Trailhead. There’s a sign for Pena Spring, which is a good side diversion, but to your right (east) find the brown/yellow-topped sign for the California Riding & Hiking Trail. This leads you back up the hill out of Culp Valley.

A little further on, you’ll top a col, with a sign and an arrow to the right reading ‘Vista 400 yards’, and under it ‘CRHT’. Don’t drop your packs to go up and see the views! Your trail continues up to the vista and beyond to the nor’east. The views atop the vista point are amazing – the Santa Rosa Mountains almost in your face, Borrego Springs below and the Salton Sea to the east. An excellent rest stop.

The trail from here on is narrow, steep and rocky. Keep an eye out for the varying vegetation – ocotillos and cacti of all varieties. At a couple of places, it almost looks as though someone’s planted a very specific garden.

Looking below, you’ll have no problem seeing your destination. To the far right, tucked away at the bottom of Montezuma Grade (S-22) is a parking trailhead (Hellhole Canyon trailhead) with good toilets, to the left again is a brown water tank ringed with trees, a bit above that to the left are the low white buildings of the offices of Anza-Borrego Desert State Parks, and to the left again, ringed with green trees and palms, is the Anza-Borrego Visitors Center – your destination. A bit above the Visitors Center, also ringed with green, is the Palms at Indian Head.

At the very base of your descent, the Trail leads due north for about 50 feet, where there’s a California Riding & Hiking Trail sign – to the right (east) is the parking trailhead (Hellhole Canyon trailhead), interpretive sign and toilets – and north is a sandy path that leads you direct to the Anza-Borrego Visitors Center. It’s not marked as you go, but the Trail is definite. At the southern end of the Visitors Center’s car park, there’s a brown sign with ‘Riding and Hiking Trail’ on it – your exit and entry point (below another sign ruling out dogs from this point on).

If you’ve come this far on your horse, you will currently need to have someone pick you and your steed up at the Hellhole Canyon Trailhead, to get you to Dave and Cindy’s at the Palms at Indian Head. At this point of Trail construction, horses are unable to ride the hikers trail from Hellhole Canyon trailhead to the Anza-Borrego Desert Visitors Center and on to the Palms.

If you’re camping at Borrego Palm Canyon (fee paying), there’s a signed trail that will lead you the 0.6 miles to the campground, directly north. If you’re booked in at the Palms at Indian Head, or just wishing for a cold beer and someone’s picking you up there, desert-whack (as opposed to bushwhack) nor’east directly to the hotel – just head for the palms!

If you’re on your bike, due to Wilderness constraints, you’ll need to contemplate a slightly different route. This will more than likely be easier as well, considering how much sand is out there. Once you’re out of Oriflamme Canyon, pick up the S-2 and ride that north up Shelter Valley to Scissors Crossing. Take a right east on 78 and keep a sharp lookout for the sign for Grapevine Canyon, about 3 miles (5km) on, on your left. Ride nor’west up Grapevine Canyon and the Jasper Trail to the S-22. Now here’s the ride of a lifetime - head east (right) down Montezuma Valley Road (S-22). At the end of the road, about 9 miles on (16km), turn left to the Anza-Borrego Visitors’ Center, or straight ahead on Hoberg Road to the Palms at Indian Head for a cool swim and drink. Dave and Cindy will be waiting for you.

This section of the Trail is not to be taken lightly, you’ll need to plan ample water and supplies.

Borrego Springs to the Salton Sea

NB. If you have good maps, you should be able to find this route, but please do remember, it’s not sign posted as yet. Map-wise, the USGS maps for this region are fairly out-of-date re marked trails. A good map for this section of the Trail is Map of the Anza-Borrego Desert Region and adjacent areas, by Wilderness Press.

From Hoberg Road, and the Palms at Indian Head, towards the southern end of the road, find where the Trail cuts in heading east, where the telephone pole easement starts. Just look for the row of telephone poles heading east! This easement – open to hikers, bikers and equestrians – crosses a couple of streets as it winds through Borrego, but will lead you all the way to Christmas Circle. There’s a Wells Fargo ATM right there if you need any extra cash.

From Christmas Circle to the County Dump, we’re still working on the Trail alignment. It would be best at this stage just to walk or ride down the left hand side of the S-22 leading east out of Borrego, and once you pass the airport, cross the road to pick up the used jeep trail about 50’ off the road, running parallel to the S-22. This will lead you direct to the dump’s sealed access road.

Once you reach the dump’s access road, turn right and follow it south. It soon makes a sharp right hand turn - keep going til you hit the sandy off-road trail on your left, heading out to Inspiration Point (USGS 7.5min Fonts Point, CA). It’s not the first one with the wooden post and faded sand sign, but on again after making the right hand bend in the road. This sandy wash will get you all the way to Inspiration Point and beyond.

If you’re a hiker/backpacker, continue heading north until you find any flattish area to bushwack across to Fonts Point Wash, to meet up at Short Wash. It does sound vague, but if you’ve your maps with you, you should be fine.

If you’re on your mountain bike or horse, you’ll need to take a different route – follow Inspiration Point Wash all the way north to the S-22 and turn right along S-22 (heading east). Follow the side of the S-22 until you reach Fonts Point Wash. Turn right on Fonts Point Wash and travel until you reach Short Wash.

Follow Short Wash east for three-and-a-half miles until you hit Palo Verde Wash – you’ll know you’re on the correct wash as you pass the brown signs for Thimble Trail north, Vista del Malpais south and Font Wash south. On Palo Verde Wash head sou’sou’east for nearly half-a-mile until you see the big brown sign for Ella Wash on your left. Ella Wash will lead you nor’nor’east a mile-and-a-half to the Arroyo Salado primitive camp, with easy access from S-22.

The Arroyo Salado primitive camp is a good halfway point if you’re completing this section of the Trail in two (longish days). It has two pristine drop toilets and a good number of campsites. Fires are allowed if burned in a metal fire pit. Rather hard to carry, but perhaps you can stash something here with your water stash. We had four gallons of water hidden here, which we’d dropped off earlier in the morning. This is also an excellent Trailhead if you’re completing this section of the Trail over a period of time.

The exit Trail from the campground heads east just outside/north of the toilets. From the S-22 entry point, the signs read ‘Arroyo Salado’ and ‘17 Palms’, with an arrow. From here, it’s just a matter of following Arroyo Salado all the way east to the Salton Sea, passing under the I-86’s Arroyo Salado bridge three-and-a-half miles from the Sea (USGS 7.5mins Seventeen Palms, Shell Reef, CA, Kane Spring, NW and Truckhaven). Again, if you’ve time, there are good side routes south off Arroyo Salado to the signed 17 Palms Oasis and 5 Palms.

If you want to save those last few miles east to the Salton Sea from the I-86 for another day (as we are!), from the east side of Arroyo Salado bridge, clamber up the north side of the wash and walk the one mile to Salton City to wait for your ride. The Mexican restaurant is superb and the beers cold!

A word of warning, this stage of the Trail gets mighty hot in the Summer! And there’s no water, so please be prepared.

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