Car camp - desert hike - boulder walk - star gaze
1 night car camp near Valley of the Moon, San Diego County
getting there from LA
Directions: Trailhead is located just East of Jacumba Hot Springs at a layby off the 8 highway. Link to Google Maps here.
There is an awesome farm nearby where you can camp called Sagewinds Farm High Desert Camp. The first certified organic white sage farm in the world. A 40-acre property with caves, boulders, and views over the border into Mexico.
Time from LA: 3 hours
Total adventure time: 2 days (1-night camping)
When to go: Fall, Winter and Spring are ideal. Avoid summer due to the heat. Always check the weather in case of high wind warnings.
Along the way: Stop by the beach towns of Encinitas or San Clemente along the 5 freeway for an ocean swim and some fresh tacos.
Kit list
Accommodations:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Roll mat
Pillow
Camp chair per person
Firewood + firelighter
Matches or lighter (+spare)
Camping stove
Gas canister (make sure it’s the right attachment valve for your stove!)
Pot & pan
Cutlery
Pen knife
Metal coffee mug
Metal french-press (for morning coffee)
Cooler + ice (to store perishables & beverages)
Food & drink:
Large water canister
Pasta
Primal kitchen tomato & basil sauce
Packeted tuna
Parmesan
Homemade Sweet Lauren cookies
Entertainment:
Outdoor speaker
Book
Sketch pad & pen
Camera & tripod (expect bright stars!)
THE TRAIL
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,223 ft
recommended ENTERTAINMENT
Playlist: Cali 2017 by Frank Walsh
Book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Camera: Sony Alpha
