Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,211.00 ft (978.71 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
31.50 mi (50.69 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Grapevine Canyon Jeep Trail is an 31.5-mile out-and-back route that runs in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, southwest of Borrego Springs. This route follows a historic dirt road that runs through Grapevine Canyon, which was once home to the native Kumeyaay people and later used as a horse and wagon route for settlers and miners. Today, the area is a popular hiking, backpacking, and OHV destination.

The route begins at the Yaqui Flat Primitive Campground, continues across Yaqui Flat, and ascends Grapevine Canyon to the Montezuma Valley Road (County Road S22). 

The dirt trail has some smooth sections and others that are rocky and sandy.
The landscape features rugged mountains, mesquite trees, juniper trees, and various cacti including; cholla, hedgehog, prickly pear, and barrel.

About halfway through Grapevine Canyon lies Angelina Spring, an important area for the native Kumeyaay people, as well as an oasis that brings much needed water to the desert.

ALTERNATE ROUTES

An alternative turn-around point is Angelina Spring (about 19 miles out and back overall). 

CAMPING

Primitive and backcountry camping is allowed throughout Anza Borrego Desert State Park. For more information, and specifics, regarding regulations please visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

WHEN TO VISIT

In general, October-May are the best months to visit Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The area is extremely hot during the summer.



 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

2

Pros

Historical significance. Classic desert landscape. Opportunities for backcountry camping.

Cons

Extremely hot in the summer.

Trailhead Elevation

1,726.00 ft (526.08 m)

Highest point

3,999.00 ft (1,218.90 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Historically significant
Wildlife
Bird watching
Wildflowers
Native artifacts

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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