Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail- Anza Area Vicinity

The PCT is a great trail to introduce young people to. Here are three young hikers ready to head out on a hike to Horse Canyon

On the eastern edge of the community of Anza, or as many locals call it “Terwilliger Valley”, travels the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). This National Scenic Trail was officially dedicated on June 5, 1993, or about 25 years after the United States of America Congress passed the National Trails Systems Act that has its roots in efforts from many individuals as early as 1913. In fact the PCT was envisioned as a north to south route as early as 1935 when boys from the YMCA explored the PCT routes in relays proceeding from Mexico from the years of 1935 to 1938. From these early relays routes the trail was developed and became a dedicated trail that travels through public lands and through easements on private property

The section of the PCT that travels on the eastern edge of the community of Anza is a checkerboard of public and private lands. The trail travels through the most western portions of Anza Borrego State Park (ABSP). Anza Borrego is where few visitors are seen and where a visitor can get the feel of isolation.

There are numerous ways to reach the PCT in Anza, but all are on unpaved roads, which may require a 4×4 vehicle. Most of these roads are dedicated but have never been accepted for maintenance by Riverside County, which means many are only in good enough shape for the residents that live in the area to transverse. But if you feel adventurous and don’t mind a bumpy ride the one of many Anza Area Trail Town (AATT) members may take you on a portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Going east on SR371 through the town of Anza turn right onto Kirby Road, then left on Wellman and right on Terwilliger. Travel on Terwilliger past “Camp Anza” then begin looking for Coyote Cyn Rd. Turn left on Coyote Cyn Rd and travel on it until it comes to a ‘T’, and it is no longer paved but is dirt to the left and right. Turn right (you will still be on Coyote Cyn) and travel down a dirt road (ruts and not recommended for horse trailers) the road will travel downhill and at bottom continue straight and then road will curve through a wash area. Travel towards the left which will look like a private resident and you will see an Anza Borrego State Park sign. Travel up the rutted, rocky road through the park gate (open October to June). Drive a short way until you see an ABSP interpretive sign on the left and a small dirt parking area on right. Park here and walk approximately ½ mile on Coyote Cyn Rd to where the PCT crosses the road.

Here you can make a choice to travel south towards Mexico or north towards Canada. Whichever choice you make, it’s interesting to ponder that this trail is 2,650 miles long and you are relatively at the starting point of it. Every year many people and horseback riders attempt to complete the entire length of the trail and at this intersection point it shows why just leaving the trail to re-supply is a hike in itself.

If you choose to go south from Coyote Cyn, you can experience a nice ½ day hike to Tule Spring. This hike includes views of Anza Borrego State Park and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the solitude that the PCT offers. If you choose to go north, you will travel through Nance Canyon up switch backs to panoramic views of Anza Borrego State Park. If you are in good health and have conditioned a bit you can travel on this portion of the PCT to SR74 and have a friend pick you up by car and shuttle you back to your vehicle. This hike will offer views of canyons and if you travel it in spring the California poppies may be in bloom. One of the better views of Horse Canyon can be found on this section of the PCT to SR74. Along this portion at mile 145 you will come across a great area to sit a spell and fill your water bottles. Trail Angel Mary has made a place were long distance PCT hiker can rest, camp and recharge. Check out her blog at https://pct145trailangelmary.com/ to see what is going on at mile 145.

The PCT just past Trail Angel Mary’s rest stop shows its splendor with blooming poppies

If you want to experience more of the PCT visit the trail head parking on SR74 Palms to Pines Highway. It is only about 20 minutes from the town of Anza and a nice place to park with room for a few cars and a horse trailer. From this trail head parking you can hike north into an area of Coulter pines and oak trees. In this area you have views of Thomas Mountain. If you wish you can hike to the trail junction of the PCT and Live Oak Trail or continue on to other trail junctions such as Cedar Spring Trail or Fobes Ranch Trail.

The Cedar Spring Trail off Morris Ranch Road in Garner Valley is a great trail to use to reach the PCT.

These trips on the PCT are a good introduction to what types of hiking and horseback trail riding Anza Area Trail Town offers up.

Just a few notes: Mountain biking and off-road vehicles are not allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail, due to its wilderness status. One multi-use trail does intersect with the PCT in the above article. Coyote Cyn Rd or the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail allows mountain bikes and vehicle traffic to transvers it. Please remember this and follow all trail rules and trail etiquette such as “Leave Not Trace”.