Last month, we took an overnight camping trip to the Los Coyotes Reservation, home of Hot Springs Mountain, the tallest peak in San Diego County.
This month, we’re visiting another great campground—surrounded by amazing trails—only about an hour’s drive from the Coachella Valley (depending on traffic, of course).
Approximately 11 miles southeast of Temecula is Dripping Springs Campground, located at 38441 Highway 79. Sitting at an elevation of 1,600 feet, the campground includes 34 campsites and nine equestrian sites in the Cleveland National Forest, adjacent to the Agua Tibia Wilderness, which is home to the endangered arroyo toad. The surrounding hills of chaparral offer an abundance of flora and fauna, and the mountaintops above the campground are lined with coniferous forests.
Facilities include restrooms with vault-style (not flushable) toilets that are well-maintained, as well as clean, potable water—but no showers or other amenities. It’s a great location for those looking to enjoy nature and the great outdoors without being far from civilization. Those who prefer can tour the nearby wineries of Temecula’s wine country.
At $25 per site, per night, the campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites (maximum 25 feet) that include picnic tables and fire rings. Dogs on leashes are welcome but must be always attended. Campsites can be booked onsite or online (extra fees will apply for online reservations) at www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234719.
Fall and spring are the best times to visit. You will likely discover a pleasant and tranquil outdoor experience here, as much of the area is hardly used. The trails are rugged and scenic with chaparral-covered, hills suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as running, hiking and backpacking. The trails have little shade, so they’re not recommended during hot summer months. An Adventure Pass is required for parking and trail access. You may purchase a $5 day use permit on-site; learn more at www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass.
There are seven main trails accessible from the south end of the campground, each with its own unique features and challenges. You can enjoy an easy two-mile hike, or go for 20 miles and beyond. Regardless of your skill level, these trails are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. Two of the more popular trails:
Dripping Springs Campground Trail is an easy to moderate out-and-back hike that’s just less than two miles with an elevation gain of 610 feet. This well-maintained but rocky trail goes through sage scrub and beautiful oaks to a ridge with panoramic views, just a mile from the campground, making it worth the short climb. This hike generally takes just over an hour to complete.
Wild Horse Peak Trail is a moderate to difficult out-and-back hike at just less than 10 miles with an elevation gain of more than 2,100 feet. Ascend the Dripping Springs trail for about a quarter-mile, and follow the Arroyo Seco Creek. You’ll cross several small drainages, and parts of the trail will become unclear around six miles in, as it loops back to the creek near Crosley Homestead. Please use extra caution, and stay on the trail, as it passes close to private land. As the trail continues to ascend, you will find yourself traversing through bigcone Douglas fir and Coulter pine before reaching the peak of Crosley Saddle, and the junction of the Palomar Magee and Cutca trails. At this point, you can go right and loop back to the trailhead (your starting point), or you can go left and continue to climb the strenuous Cutca Trail to its high point of 4,800 feet.
Always bring plenty of water. My rule of thumb is to have at least one liter of water per hour—and turn around if your water reaches halfway.
Back in the Coachella Valley, we are moving into “season,” with cooler temperatures and clear desert skies—making October and November ideal months for outdoor activities.
Listed below are a few fun runs/walks coming up:
Saturday, Oct. 18: The Palm Springs Tram Road Challenge offers three categories this year for the annual 6k run/walk: awards-eligible (start time is 7 a.m.), not awards-eligible (start time is 6:30 a.m.) and virtual. Are you ready to climb nearly 2,000 feet in just 3.7 miles? Runners/walkers will start at the Tram Road gate near the Palm Springs Visitor Center. When you reach the finish line at the top of Tram Road, you’ll be greeted with a stylish finishers’ medal and a post-race festival featuring food, drinks, booths, entertainment and an award ceremony for the winners—followed by a bus ride down the hill. All participants will receive a cool race T-shirt as well. See pricing and registration details at runsignup.com/Race/CA/PalmSprings/PalmSpringsTramRoadChallenge.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Palm Springs Pride will host its inaugural Pride Equality Walk, in place of the former DAP Health Equity Walk. You can register as a solo walker or as a team, or donate to an individual walker or a team. The funds will go toward keeping the November pride festival free and accessible for everyone to attend. This walk starts at the Arenas District at 8:30 a.m. You’ll walk through downtown Palm Springs and return to the starting point to enjoy music, food and drinks. See more details and register at www.pspride.org/walk.
Saturday, Nov. 8: The Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to raise funds and support local LGBTQ+ organizations in this vibrant celebration of unity and diversity. The run and walk starts at 8 a.m. at the intersection of West Chino Drive and Belardo Road (behind the Corridor Shops). The course winds through the beautiful and historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood on paved streets that are mostly flat. An awards ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. following the run/walk. Team and virtual participation are also available. Online registration is $40 (plus fees) through Oct. 15, and $45 (plus fees) between Oct. 16 and Nov. 7. The price for youth younger than 18 is $25 (plus fees). All online registrants will receive a T-shirt with their race packet. Advanced registration is encouraged; no registration is allowed on the morning of the race, and refunds cannot be issued. See complete details, view the course map and register at www.palmspringspriderun.com.