Outing Summary
Car Camp
 

Trip# 16: Dripping Springs Trail and Cahuilla Mountain   Grade: H14EDate: 2/5/2022
Leader: John PlanderAssistant: Starla Rivers
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.

Outing Requirements:
Filtering Water (water available)
Bouldering/scrambling with BACKPACK
Bouldering/scrambling with DAYPACK
Rocky, rough, uneven terrain
Hiking through thick brush or bushes
4WD vehicle required
High clearance vehicle required
High or 4WD vehicle recommended
Adventure Pass required
Trekking poles recommended/required
Special clothing/gear rcmd./rqd.
GPS use/demo
Night navigation
Backpack loading demo
Gear use/discussion
Evening fire
Potluck
 SaturdaySunday
 MilesGain (ft)Loss (ft)MilesGain (ft)Loss (ft)
Backpack      
Day Hike1430003000716001600

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