If you want to experience a trail with few visitors, that is close to Anza, I’d suggest you should try Bailey Trail, which is in the Beauty Mountain Wilderness. This trail has beautiful views of Anza Valley as you ascend to the first overlook which is approximately a mile into the hike. At this overlook you can look out over Durasno Valley, see the Cahuilla Indian Reservation Land and the small business center of Anza. From this vantage point it almost looks as though Thomas Mountain is protecting the small Anza Community, from the clutches of modern times.
Once you have hiked past the first overlook you will travel on a fairly flat path through native redshank and oak trees to a meadow that gives you a view of Beauty Mountain. As you follow the trail to the northwest you have a moderate climb to another overlook that boasts views of Tule Valley and Rogers Canyon. Along with these views, you have the opportunity to look out over the parts of the Elder Creek Valley where numerous residences can be seen. In the far distance you can observe Cahuilla Mountain with the community of Lake Riverside below it. As you continue hiking the trail, you are taken deeper into the Beauty Mountain Wilderness Area, which allows you closer views of Beauty Mountain and numerous views of the community. If you decide to stop here and turn around and head back to your car, the total distance of the hike will be approximately 3 miles.
There is no official staging area to park your vehicle, and the roads to access the trail head are all dirt once you leave the pavement at Bailey Rd. To access the trail, you will walk or ride horseback across Riverside Conservation Authority (RCA) Land which is permitted. No bikes or motorized vehicles are permitted on RCA property, as it is dedicated conservation/habitat lands.
Directions to Bailey Trail from State Highway 371 -coming from town of Anza.
Turn Right on Kirby Road
Turn Left on Wellman Road
Turn Right on Terwilliger
Turn Right on Bailey Rd, follow until it becomes dirt. It will curve to the left and then right and go through two rock pillars. After the pillars you will reach a “T”: go to the right and then curve to the left. Road will continue to Nichalson Spring Rd (no sign) and turn left here. Follow this to Ramsey (no Sign) and make a Right. This will meet Cary/Cooper Cienega Truck Trail and go left here. The next street you will come to is Tule Peak Road, turn right. As you drive on Tule Peak look to the left for RCA Signs (see picture). At the second area that has barbed wire across overgrown road is where you will hike about 1/8mile to where Bailey Trail Sign post is. Continue to a small turn out past this area on Tule Peak where you can park on the right, to be off road (don’t block gate). From your car walk back to Trail Head. To see elevation gains look at USGS Beauty Mountain Map 33116-06-TF-024
