Class 2 4.6 miles 1100 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Apr 11, 2023
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Combs Peak GPX Track

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Combs Peak is the high point of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but unlike the majority of the State Park, it's located in a totally different biome, characterized by chaparral than desert foliage. It's also low enough in altitude that trees don't grow here, so its panoramic summit views are not blocked. While this is a pretty short hike, the drive out is somewhat lengthy. The road to the trailhead is good, though more weary passenger car drivers might be weary attempting the last half mile where it gets a little rutted and rocky.

Most of the hike to Combs Peak uses the Pacific Crest Trail, so I was happy to make quick work along the well-groomed trail. Weaving along the eastern slope of Combs Peak, the PCT very gradually ascends to a shoulder on the peak's east side. Here there were a few PCT through-hikers packing up their tents at what seems to be a popular camp spot. I don't think I'll ever understand the desire to backpack for months, but to each their own! I just don't see how they could walk right by Combs Peak and stomach not reaching its summit.

I passed the various tents along on the PCT for a few hundred feet past the shoulder, then noted an obviously-placed cairn marking a social trail that leads away from the official PCT and directly west toward Combs Peak. Enough people use this social trail that I found it easy to follow. The social trail is a bit loose at times and includes a short Class 2 section as it climbs up toward the summit. It's also significantly more steep than the PCT was, so I was happy for that pleasant trail warm-up. Near the summit, multiple divergent spur trail options materialize, but all seem to lead to the high point.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Combs Peak
6193 ft
1313 rise

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Starting along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Starting along the Pacific Crest Trail.
The PCT wraps around the slopes, in and out of various foothill drainages.
The PCT wraps around the slopes, in and out of various foothill drainages.
View back toward the trailhead.
View back toward the trailhead.
Some nice views even at the start of the hike.
Some nice views even at the start of the hike.
Combs Peak seen ahead. The PCT leads to the shoulder seen right of center.
Combs Peak seen ahead. The PCT leads to the shoulder seen right of center.
You can see the PCT carved into the mountainside ahead. Combs Peak top left.
You can see the PCT carved into the mountainside ahead. Combs Peak top left.
View back from the shoulder.
View back from the shoulder.
At the shoulder, Combs Peak seen top left.
At the shoulder, Combs Peak seen top left.
The social trail used to access Combs Peak comes in on the left.
The social trail used to access Combs Peak comes in on the left.
Starting up the steep social trail.
Starting up the steep social trail.
View back toward the shoulder (center).
View back toward the shoulder (center).
More steep stuff on the way up to Combs Peak.
More steep stuff on the way up to Combs Peak.
Short Class 2 section.
Short Class 2 section.
Just below the summit, a shot back the way I came.
Just below the summit, a shot back the way I came.
Combs Peak summit, view west.
Combs Peak summit, view west.
Combs Peak summit, view north.
Combs Peak summit, view north.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!