Jacumba Hot Springs, California

One of the top outdoor adventures in Jacumba Hot Springs, California, is the Pacific Crest Trail. This challenging hike offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes. Along the trail, hikers can spot unique rock formations and native plant life. The trail also passes near the Jacumba Hot Springs, a must-visit natural attraction known for its healing mineral waters. Another notable outdoor activity in the area is bird-watching, with the region home to a variety of bird species. For those interested in history, the nearby Desert View Tower offers panoramic views of the Imperial Valley and intriguing rock carvings. Indeed, Jacumba Hot Springs is a top destination for the best trails and outdoor activities.

Top Spots in and near Jacumba Hot Springs

San Diego County, California
Hike to the Goat Canyon Trestle

5.0

7 mi

The main attraction of this hike is the wooden trestle. This engineering marvel was built in 1932 and still remains the tallest and longest curved wooden trestle in the U.S.This hike is recommended for the physically and mentally prepared. From Mortero Palms, it's a 3.5 mile (7 miles roundtrip) t...
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San Diego County, California
Hike Canyon Sin Nombre

4.0

5 mi / 750 ft gain

This slot canyon hike is found deep in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Canyon Sin Nombre. If you have a suitable 4WD vehicle you can drive about 2.2 miles to the start of the slot otherwise you can hike down the sandy unpaved road. The entrance will be on your left and marked by metal posts...
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Campo, California
Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus

4.5

From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...
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San Diego County, California
Hike to Mountain Palm Springs, Anza Borrego SP

3 mi / 350 ft gain

At first glance the Anza-Borrego desert appears lifeless, a wasteland of rocky plain peaks rising up from Carrizo Plains covered in Cholla cactus and Ocotillo. But one of the surprises is a mirage of California fan palm groves hidden in a series of canyons.The Mountain Palm Springs oasis loop is ...
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San Diego County, California
Hiking the Laguna Hills via the PCT

5.0

20 mi / 2000 ft gain

This trail is well-maintained, but gets a little rocky on the PCT, and the Chariot Fire burn-zone between Penny Pines and Hayes peak will have a few downed trees and some overgrown grasses. On the other hand, the trail network of the BLT is confusing to follow as the entire network is named "Big ...
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Campo, California
Kitchen Creek Falls Trail

4.0

4.83 mi / 722 ft gain

Kitchen Creek Falls Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Pine Valley, California.
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Mount Laguna, California
Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop

4.0

4.63 mi / 591 ft gain

Red Trail Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Mount Laguna, California
Night Shoot at Mt. Laguna USAF Station

This is a great stop when passing through the Anza Borrego Desert. The drive is very scenic, and passes through Sunrise Highway. Once you turn off the road, it's a very short drive up the hill where you will find a large spot to leave your car. There is a service gate that you can't drive through...
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Campo, California
Hike Corte Madera Mountain

7.75 mi / 2375 ft gain

From Buckman Springs Road, turn onto Corral Canyon OHV/Morena Stokes Valley Rd and drive almost 5 miles to a green gate with a red heart on it, this is the trailhead. Just past the turn is the parking area that fits 5-6 vehicles. Walk across the road past the locked gate and head up the oak cover...
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San Diego County, California
Multi-pitch Climbing at Corte Madera

5.0

This is one of San Diego's finest multi-pitch climbing crags. South-facing and standing 500 feet tall, Corte Madera has a history of both traditional and sport routes. The traditional routes will offer adventure with some en-route bushwhacking. The newer sport routes climb the clean faces of this...
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Julian, California
Agua Caliente Hot Spring

5.0

1.53 mi / 164 ft gain

Agua Caliente Hot Spring is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a hot springs located near Julian, California.
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San Diego County, California
Big Laguna Lake Loop

5.0

5.9 mi / 400 ft gain

Big Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.
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San Diego County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail

3.0

2.6 mi / 500 ft gain

While there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...
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San Diego County, California
Exploring Anza Borrego's Wind Caves

4.8

The drive to the caves is pretty lengthy, so be prepared.First you will drive through Anza Borrego State Park on Highway 78, then on a Split Mountain road which eventually turns into gravel road, and you need to look out for the entrance to the wash-road (which if you like to off road, is a perfe...
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Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec

5.0

1.29 mi / 443 ft gain

Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Borrego Springs, California
Off-Road through Split Mountain in Anza Borrego

4.0

11 mi / 0 ft gain

For all you desert lovers- this is a must. Or for all you SD residents that want to try something new and take a break from the populated trails within the county- spend a day in Anza Borrego and include this on your list.This state park is just a quick jaunt outside of the town of Julian. This m...
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