Grapevine Mountain in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Hike Grapevine Mountain Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Class 2 5.9 miles 1800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Feb 22, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Grapevine Mountain GPX Track

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We decided to hike Grapevine Mountain by starting at an easily-accessed Pacific Crest Trail trailhead on the peak's south side. This peak is higher in elevation than others in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, featuring more grasses and less rocky desert terrain. From the trailhead, we followed a short spur trail to join the PCT. From here, it was a gloriously pleasant hike along the almost laughably tame trail that switchbacked slowly up the foothills. Granite Mountain was visible to the south for much of this hike, as was the busy San Felipe Road below. We enjoyed the slightly shifting views as we made progress along the PCT, discussing the joys of having a nice dinner and pie in Julian CA nearby.

Once past the first couple of miles of trail walking, we reached a drainage that the PCT briefly dips into before continuing merrily to the west, but this was our cue to leave the well-maintained trail and get our uphill hiking legs on. From within this drainage, we started directly north by exiting the drainage on a steep slope to gain the south ridge of Grapevine Mountain. We noticed many parties had continued through this drainage and taken a more meandering route slightly farther west. To sample that route, we returned that way on our way back, and while it was just as steep as our route, it was less direct. I didn't include this in my attached map since both Chris and I preferred this more direct route option. There were occasional agave clusters and light Class 2 sections on the steep slope, but overall, it was a typical desert ascent along this ridge.

The south ridge became more gradual as the summit of Grapevine Mountain came into view ahead, but there was a minor false summit along the way. The undulating ridgeline was more sandy/grassy opposed to rocky now, an enjoyable sunset walk with expansive views in all directions. A faint social trail appeared along the crest, but it's clear where to go regardless. Grapevine Mountain's summit is an excellent perch for viewing the greater Anza-Borrego Desert State Park landscape to the north.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Grapevine Mountain
3955 ft
875 rise

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Spur trail to reach the PCT.
Spur trail to reach the PCT.
Along the meandering PCT.
Along the meandering PCT.
Higher up along the PCT switchbacks.
Higher up along the PCT switchbacks.
The PCT leads into the drainage seen ahead. That's where we leave the trail.
The PCT leads into the drainage seen ahead. That's where we leave the trail.
Approaching the drainage.
Approaching the drainage.
Chris seen ascending a steep slope out of the drainage to start up the south slope of Grapevine Mountain. Most parties seemed to choose to continue through the drainage, but we're unsure why.
Chris seen ascending a steep slope out of the drainage to start up the south slope of Grapevine Mountain. Most parties seemed to choose to continue through the drainage, but we're unsure why.
Heading up the Class 2 south ridge/slope.
Heading up the Class 2 south ridge/slope.
View back, the drainage we came out of seen right of center.
View back, the drainage we came out of seen right of center.
Lots of cacti, but overall easy to avoid.
Lots of cacti, but overall easy to avoid.
Along the ridge crest, Grapevine Mountain seen ahead.
Along the ridge crest, Grapevine Mountain seen ahead.
A lightly steeper section along the way to the summit.
A lightly steeper section along the way to the summit.
View back along the ridgeline.
View back along the ridgeline.
Grapevine Mountain seen ahead.
Grapevine Mountain seen ahead.
Summit of Grapevine Mountain, view south. You can see Granite Mountain in the center.
Summit of Grapevine Mountain, view south. You can see Granite Mountain in the center.
Grapevine Mountain, view west.
Grapevine Mountain, view west.
Grapevine Mountain, view east. Whale Peak seen on the right.
Grapevine Mountain, view east. Whale Peak seen on the right.

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!