Riding during the summer months is not recommended. Temperatures range from 110 - 120 degrees F. from June through September.
Jeep Roads
All designated jeep roads are open to horses.
California Riding and Hiking Trail
Moderate, 6-mile, one-way trail (3 hours) follows the ridge between Hellhole and Dry canyons offering spectacular views of the Borrego Desert. Take Culp Valley Primitive Camp turnoff from County S-22 and watch for right fork to the campground. Trailhead is near campground at 3,400-foot elevation and descends through transitional flora, to the desert floor exhibiting plants that grow below 1000 feet. Trail exits at the Visitor Center parking lot for hikers and 0.5 miles from the Center on S-22 for horsemen, where there is parking and turnaround space for horse trailers. Located in the Anza Region.
Coyote Canyon Trail
Trailhead begins at the Vern Whittaker Horse Camp. This trail is closed during the summer months from June 16 through September 15
Pacific Crest Trail
Park at Scissors Crossing, S-22 at Buena Vista Creek.
Jasper Trail
15-mile (4 hours), moderate trail descends through scenic Grapevine Canyon. Trailhead starts at the parking area four miles east of S-2, or 2.7 miles west of Yaqui Pass Road also called (S-3) on Highway 78, west of the Plum Canyon turnoff.
Horse Camps & Accommodations
Vern Whittaker Horse Camp
For campers with horses only. For the equestrian camper or day user this camp provides the ultimate horse camp. The campground has 10 sites, 40 corrals, and solar powered heated showers. This campground is the staging area for many miles of riding trails.
Directions: From the Visitor's Center take Borrego Springs Rd. to horse camp signs just past Indian Head Ranch Rd.
