Rabbit Peak, Mile High Mountain, Rosa Point, Pyramid Peak in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Hike Rabbit Peak, Mile High Mountain, Rosa Point, Pyramid Peak Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Class 2 26.6 miles 10700 gain 11-15 hrs Loop Jan 6, 2023
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Rabbit Peak, Mile High Mountain, Rosa Point, Pyramid Peak GPX Track

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Getting to Rabbit Peak is a somewhat popular desert adventure, but it seems to be normally done as a backbacking outing due to its length. It's a summit that's haunted me for years, mostly because I'd been up to Villager Peak when I was an itty newbie hiker and couldn't bring myself to reach Rabbit Peak on that hike. Now I've been saving Rabbit Peak for when I could also loop in Mile High Mountain and Rosa Point since separating them into two hikes would mean repeating quite a bit of the same stuff. Whiley was psyched on this proposed route, but I went to bed the night before coming to terms with the fact that I'd only make it Rabbit Peak because I was sick, the daylight hours were minimal, and our proposed route stats daunting for this early in the mountain-fitness year. Our friend Kevin drove from NM to join us on Rabbit Peak to check out the area for his first time, certainly a committment and I applauded his stoke. The three of us ultimately had completely different route plans and time schedules, the result being we only passed each other at various points along the route while not actually hiking together at all. I thought it was pretty silly, but I also had a lovely time pushing myself in the mountains alone. I even managed to keep my headphones off and just be in my thoughts *gasp*.

I woke up feeling a lot better, and after a slow morning to get myself amped I started well after sunrise. Typical. Whiley had already jogged off to do the loop in reverse, starting with Pyramid Peak. Her reasoning was that she wanted to get the rougher and somewhat unknown terrain out of the way early. I chose to head up to Rabbit Peak first since it was the summit I wanted most. In hindsight, I'd say doing my route in reverse (the way Whiley went) is maybe more prudent since you have the Villager Peak Trail to descend on if it gets dark, though I had a blast ascending all the way to Rabbit Peak first on one big straight ridge shot. Kevin had started a couple of hours before and we had a cute little text exchange where he poked fun at my late start as he reached the summit of Villager Peak.

There's initially not a clearly defined trail through the desert, but it seems everyone gets funneled into the proper trail within the first half mile. This trail took me to the very start of the southern ridgeline of Villager Peak, where led clearly along the crest, gaining elevation quickly. Fortunately the grade isn't ridiculously steep, so I was able to make really good time as the ibuprofen kicked in and I started enjoying the morning. Along the way to Villager Peak, I got a glimpse toward Mile High Mountain, toying with the idea of going for it later in the day. About halfway to the peak, the west face of the ridgeline shifted in character, becoming an eroded and gorgeous cliff that paralleled the trail.

At about 4600' the trail became a little harder to follow since the ridge crest creeped into Class 2 terrain. Going the wrong way may result in harder scrambling, so I recommend making sure you're paying attention. Past the Class 2 portion the route eased up a bit, a hilly slope leading to the summit of Villager Peak. I didn't waste any time and continued toward Rabbit Peak, the trail significantly less easy to follow. I suppose many more hikers head up to Villager Peak than schlep out to Rabbit Peak, and the lack of clear trail demonstrated as much. Overall you can't go too wrong, though I recommend sticking to the crest for most stretches. Veering too far left or right on the slopes means some bushwhacking or side-hilling to get back. Even if I lost the trail for a short time I would always find it again shortly after. The route from Villager Peak to Rabbit Peak requires a few major notable dips, as well as some minor ones. Of course these humps need to be overcome on the way back as well to reascend Villager Peak, resulting in aroung 7,800 feet of vertical gain if you're just doing Rabbit Peak as a out-and-back and omit the additional Mile High Mountain loop extension. I texted Whiley to warn her that the route was lumpier than we expected, for which I received the simple response, "you're lumpy". I reached the base of Rabbit Peak, an 800+ foot ascent on a steeper slope leading to a flatter, forested area and ultimately the Class 2 summit boulder.

Shortly before returning to Villager Peak I passed Whiley, who told me the route from Pyramid was great and there weren't any surprises. I was feeling excellent and still had plenty of water, so I committed to doing this long-awaited extension. She can't keep all the fun to herself! This meant my next peak was Mile High Mountain, which required a significant chunk of vertical loss and regain to reach. On my way down from Villager Peak I kept scoping a viable descent off its eastern slope. It was steep everywhere so I thought my best option would be to descend along the crest back the way I had come up for as far as I could before dropping east toward Mile High Mountain. I think my route worked well, since dropping off sooner would have resulted in a longer stretch of steep, loose stuff.

Once at the saddle, I started up toward Mile High Mountain on a social trail that materialized, surprisingly easy to follow. It became notably more loose at one point, but didn't exceed Class 2. I continued along the ridge crest from the summit, which had a nice social trail all the way to Rosa Point. I thought the views coming down toward Rosa Point was the best of the day. The Salton Sea was an excellent backdrop for Rosa Point, and the ridgeline snaked into the distance for what seemed forever. Along the way there were at least three significant bumps that started wearing me down a little. Fortunately all the hard stuff was over and the rest of the hike wouldn't have significant climbs or scrambles.

After the quick detour to get Rosa Point's summit I continued along the ridgeline on a still very clear social trail as it dropped steeply to the south, bypassed a significant hill, and led all the way up to Pyramid Peak, the final summit of the day. This peak is very pretty, though far less tall than the previous peaks on the route. I wanted to reach it mostly because it would provide a really nice somewhat well-established descent route option, especially since it was looking more likely I'd be losing light soon and was looking foward to getting down to a reported old miner trail. The descent from Pyramid Peak starts by following its southern ridgeline, then taking a less-clear social trail onto a very minor humped ridge where the terrain is overall clear of brush and rock. I descended without issue for about 1000 feet, though toward the end of this little ridge the trail became a bit harder to follow as it dropped into a drainage below.

It's important to note that this drainage will not lead back to the trailhead. I almost missed a critical exit point where I needed to leave the drainage to gain a very old miner trail. This trail ascended west from this drainage and up into the hills, gaining a couple hundred vertical feet. I was able to stick to the miner trail the entire way as it crested a minot saddle and headed down into a major wash below. If you decide to do this hike in reverse, locating this miner trail from within the wash could be tricky. I followed this wash and then through random open desert to get back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Villager Peak
5756 ft
596 rise
2
Rabbit Peak
6640 ft
1200 rise
3
Mile High Mountain
5320 ft
1090 rise
4
Rosa Point
5000 ft
280 rise
5
Pyramid Peak
3480 ft
360 rise

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From the trailhead, I set out through the desert until funneled into this main trail. The ascent to Villager Peak follows the ridge in the center of this photo.
From the trailhead, I set out through the desert until funneled into this main trail. The ascent to Villager Peak follows the ridge in the center of this photo.
The trail leads through this wash to get to the start of the ridge.
The trail leads through this wash to get to the start of the ridge.
View back, the trailhead is somewhere in the center of this photo.
View back, the trailhead is somewhere in the center of this photo.
Progress along the ridgeline. It's a mostly tame slope, but has some steeper sections.
Progress along the ridgeline. It's a mostly tame slope, but has some steeper sections.
View back along the ridge.
View back along the ridge.
A flatter section along the way.
A flatter section along the way.
One of a couple of steeper sections, light Class 2.
One of a couple of steeper sections, light Class 2.
Villager Peak becomes visible.
Villager Peak becomes visible.
Great views of the eroded west face of the ridgeline.
Great views of the eroded west face of the ridgeline.
View back toward the ridgeline.
View back toward the ridgeline.
Continuing along the ridgeline.
Continuing along the ridgeline.
Looking back where the trail parallels the cool rim.
Looking back where the trail parallels the cool rim.
Wider shot back into the desert below.
Wider shot back into the desert below.
Villager Peak center.
Villager Peak center.
Another shot back at my progress.
Another shot back at my progress.
Approaching the slightly trickier Class 2 section.
Approaching the slightly trickier Class 2 section.
Light Class 2, though leaving the trail could result in harder scrambling.
Light Class 2, though leaving the trail could result in harder scrambling.
A shot back as I start up the Class 2 stuff.
A shot back as I start up the Class 2 stuff.
Higher up, a view back. Mile High Mountain seen on the left. I'll be back later in the day for you!
Higher up, a view back. Mile High Mountain seen on the left. I'll be back later in the day for you!
A false summit before reaching Villager Peak.
A false summit before reaching Villager Peak.
Pretty tame slope and ascent from here.
Pretty tame slope and ascent from here.
View back below the false summit of Villager Peak.
View back below the false summit of Villager Peak.
Villager Peak just ahead.
Villager Peak just ahead.
Villager Peak summit, view west.
Villager Peak summit, view west.
Villager Peak summit, view toward Rabbit Peak (right). Onward!
Villager Peak summit, view toward Rabbit Peak (right). Onward!
First drop down from Villager Peak. Rabbit Peak seen top right.
First drop down from Villager Peak. Rabbit Peak seen top right.
View back toward Villager Peak.
View back toward Villager Peak.
More progress along the many humps from Villager Peak to Rabbit Peak.
More progress along the many humps from Villager Peak to Rabbit Peak.
A shot back at another drop.
A shot back at another drop.
There's usually a very clear trail, though sometimes it's a little less obvious, like here.
There's usually a very clear trail, though sometimes it's a little less obvious, like here.
View back toward Villager Peak. Mile High Mountain also seen center.
View back toward Villager Peak. Mile High Mountain also seen center.
Rabbit Peak poking out on the right.
Rabbit Peak poking out on the right.
Some steeper sections along the rolling ridgeline.
Some steeper sections along the rolling ridgeline.
Rabbit Peak ahead.
Rabbit Peak ahead.
View back, Villager Peak on the right.
View back, Villager Peak on the right.
Last major dip before ascending to Rabbit Peak, seen right. The remaining ridgeline seen center.
Last major dip before ascending to Rabbit Peak, seen right. The remaining ridgeline seen center.
Approaching the base of Rabbit Peak.
Approaching the base of Rabbit Peak.
It's pretty steep up to the summit.
It's pretty steep up to the summit.
Rabbit Peak ahead.
Rabbit Peak ahead.
There is a trail, but it's often difficult to follow for the last slope ascent to the summit.
There is a trail, but it's often difficult to follow for the last slope ascent to the summit.
Close-up at the ridgeline I just did, Villager Peak seen top left.
Close-up at the ridgeline I just did, Villager Peak seen top left.
Looking back, just before reaching the summit. Mile High Mountain is seen on the left. It looks awfully far away.
Looking back, just before reaching the summit. Mile High Mountain is seen on the left. It looks awfully far away.
Rabbit Peak summit ahead, the boulder.
Rabbit Peak summit ahead, the boulder.
Class 2 summit block.
Class 2 summit block.
Rabbit Peak summit, view north toward Toro Peak and Mount San Jacinto.
Rabbit Peak summit, view north toward Toro Peak and Mount San Jacinto.
I backtracked to Villager and descended. Mile High Mountain is next, seen on the left.
I backtracked to Villager and descended. Mile High Mountain is next, seen on the left.
My chosen descent spot.
My chosen descent spot.
View back toward the Villager Peak ridge. I came down the slope in the center since it seemed less steep than other options.
View back toward the Villager Peak ridge. I came down the slope in the center since it seemed less steep than other options.
Heading up Mile High Mountain on a good social trail. There's a steep section, seen here.
Heading up Mile High Mountain on a good social trail. There's a steep section, seen here.
View back down toward the saddle.
View back down toward the saddle.
The rest of Mile High Mountain's ascent was pretty chill.
The rest of Mile High Mountain's ascent was pretty chill.
Mile High Mountain just ahead.
Mile High Mountain just ahead.
View back from Mile High Mountain toward Villager Peak, Rabbit Peak seen on the right.
View back from Mile High Mountain toward Villager Peak, Rabbit Peak seen on the right.
Continuing along the ridge, a social trail making progress easier. Ahead is one of a few big lumps to hike up and over.
Continuing along the ridge, a social trail making progress easier. Ahead is one of a few big lumps to hike up and over.
View back toward Mile High Mountain.
View back toward Mile High Mountain.
Along the ridgeline.
Along the ridgeline.
Another shot back.
Another shot back.
Rosa Point seen on the right.
Rosa Point seen on the right.
Close-up of Rosa Point, the Salton Sea in the distance.
Close-up of Rosa Point, the Salton Sea in the distance.
Continuing along the ridgeline, yet another lump to go over. Rosa Point seen left.
Continuing along the ridgeline, yet another lump to go over. Rosa Point seen left.
Quick hike over to Rosa Point.
Quick hike over to Rosa Point.
View back along the lumpy ridgeline, just before reaching Rosa Point.
View back along the lumpy ridgeline, just before reaching Rosa Point.
View from Rosa Point.
View from Rosa Point.
Onward, Pyramid Peak seen center.
Onward, Pyramid Peak seen center.
Pyramid Peak seen left. A social trail leads steeply down.
Pyramid Peak seen left. A social trail leads steeply down.
View back up toward Rosa Point (top right).
View back up toward Rosa Point (top right).
Descending the ridge.
Descending the ridge.
Another shot back up at the steep social trail descent from Rosa Point.
Another shot back up at the steep social trail descent from Rosa Point.
Image 68 from gallery
The trail bypasses the hump ahead. Pyramid Peak seen poking out on the left.
The trail bypasses the hump ahead. Pyramid Peak seen poking out on the left.
Pyramid Peak ahead.
Pyramid Peak ahead.
Approaching Pyramid Peak.
Approaching Pyramid Peak.
Final bit to the summit, still a nice social trail.
Final bit to the summit, still a nice social trail.
View back toward Rosa Point, much higher up.
View back toward Rosa Point, much higher up.
Heading down from Pyramid Peak. I took a social trail leading to the minor ridge on the right.
Heading down from Pyramid Peak. I took a social trail leading to the minor ridge on the right.
Close-up of the minor ridge I followed, seen center.
Close-up of the minor ridge I followed, seen center.
Faint social trail along the minor ridge. It led down into a wash below.
Faint social trail along the minor ridge. It led down into a wash below.
I stuck to the wash for a short time, then exited via a crucial mining trail.
I stuck to the wash for a short time, then exited via a crucial mining trail.
Along the mining trail, which leads out of the wash (seen left) and into the hills above.
Along the mining trail, which leads out of the wash (seen left) and into the hills above.
View back along the mining trail, which is a little eroded, though still easy to follow.
View back along the mining trail, which is a little eroded, though still easy to follow.
At the top of the hills, the mining trail descends into the wash below, seen top right. From there I could just head through the desert back to the trailhead.
At the top of the hills, the mining trail descends into the wash below, seen top right. From there I could just head through the desert back to the trailhead.
Within the wash, a shot at the hidden spot where I came down from the mining trail into the wash.
Within the wash, a shot at the hidden spot where I came down from the mining trail into the wash.

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