Trip Date: 11/28/2015

Location: Anza-Borrego State Park

Permit/Pass: None required

Directions: From the intersection of S22 and Palm Canyon Dr. in Borrego Springs (town located in the middle of the park), take S22 (Montezuma Valley Rd.) south, then west 8.1 miles to a right turn onto the Culp Valley Campground connector road. Follow the sandy road as it veer to the northeast until you reach a fork. Here you'll find a turnout on the left (west) side of the road where you can park. (The road continues in both directions, but regardless of where you park along this road you still have to loop back to your car, so we chose to park at the fork.)

Synopsis: Culp Valley Loop is a mild hike of a couple of miles to an active spring, and then to a spectacular spot overlooking Hellhole Canyon and the vast desert around Borrego Springs. If, like us, you wish to add a bit of challenge and distance to the hike, try climbing west toward the Wee benchmark (a conical peak) on the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

Trail sequence: Pena Springs access road / California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT) / Pena Springs trail / CRHT / campground access road

Type: Loop

Distance: 3.5 miles (with CRHT side-trip), 2.2 miles (without)

Elevation: Min. - 3283', Max. - 3945'

Profile:

Rating: Easy-Moderate (factors: heat, rocky trail, a few short steep sections)

Notes: If you skip the western jog on the CRHT this hike is shorter and a lot easier. Pena Spring is worth the quick jog to the north.

Track: Culp Valley Loop - Anza Borrego SP

Turn by turn:

  -- At the fork of the two access roads (Pena Spring and Culp Valley campground) there is a sandy turnout on the left. We chose to begin our hike here (you can continue to drive up either way but you'll still have to walk the same distance to close the loop).

  -- Head up the left (west) fork toward Pena Spring. As you pass another sandy turnaround and parking area the road ends and the trail to Pena Spring begins. Continue north for a few yards on the Pena Spring trail until you reach a junction with the California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT).

[If, like us, you wish to extend this hike, turn left (west) on the CRHT and climb toward the ridge for about three-quarters of a mile. All along there will be increasingly nice views of Culp Valley and especially Borrego Valley to the east. Soon you end up near the top of the ridge just below the Wee BM (benchmark), a conical hill just above the CRHT. This is where we chose to turn back. When you return to the junction with the Pena Spring trail turn left (north) to head down to the spring.]

  -- Cross the CRHT and continue north down the Pena Spring trail. At several points the path meanders in and out of a wash. Keep track of landmarks and directions on this short jog so that your return trip to the CRHT junction is easy.

  -- Upon returning to the California Riding and Hiking Traill turn left (east) to follow the CRHT up the hills to the northeast and another half-mile or so to the overlook. Once you hit the compacted gravel path you are almost there.

  -- After enjoying the views head back the gravel path and take a left onto the compacted handicapped access trail heading southeast. As you near the campground area the trail swings back to the southwest and eventually drops you onto the campground roads. Follow the main sandy road southwest to return to your car.

Photo gallery: Flickr