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A dirt road that passes through the Anza-Borrego Desert offering beautiful desert views.


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Map Key

14.5

Miles

23.3

KM

Doubletrack

3,982' 1,214 m

High

1,423' 434 m

Low

324' 99 m

Up

2,560' 780 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

This primitive road starts outside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, west of Ranchita, off Montezuma Valley Road, among the dry, piney forests that characterize the eastern slope of the Laguna Mountains. It passes BLM land and private property before entering the park. As it descends, you'll quickly enter the high desert, finding yourself immersed among cholla, ocotillo, and barrel cacti. Once you pass the intersection with the Jasper Trail, the road continues in a valley with Grapevine Mountain to the south and Pinyon Ridge to the north. The road ends near the Tamarisk Campground at the intersection of CA78 and Yaqui Pass Road.

The road is mostly smooth, although there are some sandy areas and some rocky sections, but it is an easy, continuous descent after the short ascent at the beginning. It does follow a wash, at times passing through it, so beware of flash floods. You'll pass the Angelina Spring at around the 7.3 mile mark, nestled in a grove of cottonwood trees. A spur trail leads down the the spring itself. Just before the terminus at the campground, there is the Yaqui Well, another oasis of water that provides life to the desert.

The road does get limited 4-by-4 traffic.

Contacts

Shared By:

Lost Justpastnowhere

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#11283

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#768

in California

#11,283

Overall
43 Views Last Month
2,147 Since Nov 26, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
17%
67%
0%
17%
0%

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 92 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jan 14, 2024
Scott Penn
We talked with the owner of the private road at the top of this hill off Montezuma Valley Road. Do not ride this route at the top. Trespassing. 14.5mi — 1h 04m
Dec 26, 2022
Noah Lewis
Very fun! High quality near ranchita, a bit sandy near the bottom. Fast but still a bit technical so it stays interesting. 14.5mi
Feb 25, 2021
Penelope Smrz
Enjoyed the easy long downward ride, with varied terrain from oaks to cactus, saw no one, peaceful. 14.5mi — 2h 30m
Dec 29, 2018
Cooper Marcus
Nov 19, 2018
Lost Justpastnowhere
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