Anza-Borrego Central Driving & Hiking: Calif. Riding & Hiking Trail

Photo of cholla cactus in the black and dark brown morning shadows
Cholla in the morning shadows in Box Canyon

One of the great things about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is that you are not required to walk on trails. Nevertheless, there are times when walking on a trail seems easy, convenient, and perhaps fast if you are seeking a certain destination.

The California Riding & Hiking Trail was created in the 1940s. While it never achieved its goal of a Mexico to Oregon trail, and has since been overshadowed by the Pacific Crest Trail, it is respectable and can be followed in ABDSP as a 40-mile backpack, or in pieces as a series of day hikes.

Borrego Springs to Culp Valley Camp along Hellhole Canyon — A favorite morning exercise for hikers and joggers. The trailhead is just off County Road S-22 on the west outskirts of Borrego Springs.

Culp Valley Camp to the Jasper Trail — From Peña Spring almost to the west edge of the state park, turning south across County Road S-22 and down the Jasper Trail in chaparral.

Down the Grapevine Canyon to Plum Canyon — A good walk for two peope, each with a car. Park one car at the end of the route and the other at the top.

Plum Canyon to Earthquake Valley — Before Highway 78 opened through Sentenac Canyon, this was the main route between east and west.

Earthquake Valley to Blair Valley — This stretch passes several trails. One goes east across the Pinyon Mountains to Mine Wash. One is the jeep road to Pinyon Mountain Valley. Another goes through Little Blair Valley.

Blair Valley to Mason Valley via Box Canyon — The historic route opened by the Mormon Battalion.

Box Canyon to Oriflamme Canyon — Once the main route between the desert and San Diego.