Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Anza Borrego Desert → Villager Peak

Location: Northwest Anza Borrego Desert, California

Time Required: 8-10 hours

Distance: 13.6 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 5000 feet

Red Tape/Notes: Trailhead is about 13 miles east of Borrego Springs on the north side of the S22; there’s a parking area just prior to the 32 mile marker.

What’s Nearby?: Rabbit Peak, Borrego Palm Canyon, Lower Coyote Canyon, Galleta Meadows Sculptures, Calcite Mine & Slot Canyons, Cougar Canyon, Salton City

This is a great hike if you’re looking to do some hills training; the initial low elevation of the area means you’ll focus most of your energy on working your legs without the effects of higher altitude oxygen deprivation. This hike is especially nice in the spring, when things are in bloom, but year-round the hike will give you great views of the stark and forbidding desert landscape to the south, and the Santa Rosa mountains to the north (although in the summer it would obviously be very hot, particularly at the bottom). Despite its proximity to the frequently visited parts of the park, this area feels immediately more remote and isolated (probably due to the exertion required), and the solitude is incredibly peaceful.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Anza Borrego Desert → Villager Peak