Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,835.00 ft (1,168.91 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
19.50 mi (31.38 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Located just outside of Borrego Springs, California, this 19.6-mile trail follows the California Hiking and Riding Trail near Hellhole Canyon. This route extends from Borrego Palm Canyon southwest to Montezuma Valley Road (County Road S22). It offers scenic mountain views amidst a Colorado desert landscape, as well as panoramic views of the nearby valley. The route is suitable for running, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and can be completed as a day hike or overnight camping trip. 

There are water and restroom facilities near the trailhead, and primitive camping is available throughout Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

COMMON VEGETATION

Common vegetation along the trail includes mesquite trees, juniper trees, and various cacti including; cholla, hedgehog, prickly pear, and barrel.

COLORADO DESERT WILDLIFE

This desert area is home to wildlife such as mule deer, bobcats, cactus mice, jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and more. 
 

REGULATIONS / RESTRICTIONS

  • Bicycles are not permitted on the California Riding and Hiking Trail.  

SEASON

The trail  is accessible year-round, however, the ideal time to visit is October - May. The area is extremely hot during the summer.

CULP VALLEY PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUND

Culp Valley primitive campground is located in the middle of the route and features vault toilets and flat ground for tent camping. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Singletrack Trail. Expansive Views.

Cons

Extremely hot and dry in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

760.00 ft (231.65 m)

Highest point

4,110.00 ft (1,252.73 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Bird watching
Wildflowers
Horseback riding

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Santa Rosa + San Jacinto National Monument
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park, California
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