After driving to Dripping Springs Campground, we'll begin our out-and-back trek up Dripping Springs Trail, with vistas of the Temecula Valley and Vail Lake. The often shaded trail is in great condition, making a brisk pace easy to maintain. The return trip will showcase even better vistas! This is a strenuous outing, mainly due to mileage and elevation gain. It should take 7-8 hours. An optional short off-trail hike to summit Agua Tibia Mountain, which requires some bushwhacking, will be offered as an alternative to an hour long relaxing lunch break. After overnighting and enjoying a campfire at a pleasant campground with toilets and picnic tables, we will drive 20 miles to the base of Cahuilla Mountain, a beautiful and uncrowded peak. A straightforward hike on the wooded trail showcases views of the Anza Valley. Groves of Black oak and Coulter pine on top of the mountain are so ecologically significant that the Forest Service has set them aside for scientific research. Dripping Springs Info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dripping-springs-campground-trail Cahuilla Mountain Info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cahuilla-mountain-trail
Special Outing Requirements: Fitness and endurance! Daypack, preferably with waist belt for support, trekking poles and headlamp are recommended. An Adventure Pass or National Parks Pass is required for some of the vehicles ($5 per day or year pass) and $6 to leader for campground fees. A minimum of 2 additional high clearance vehicles are needed to drive to the base of Cahuilla Mountain.
Water Requirements: 4 liters of water for Day 1. 2 liters for Day 2. |