Pinyon Mountains Loop

The Pinyon Mountains Loop is a 28.8-mile route in the Pinyon Mountains, located in Anza Borrego State Park. The route primarily follows dirt roads, besides the singletrack stint to the top of Whale Peak, and though it is easy to follow, its consistent elevation gain and sections of steep climbing make for a nice desert challenge. Besides Whale Peak, included as an out-and-back in this route, there are numerous opportunities for climbing peaks, including Pinyon Mountain and Sunset Mountain. There is no water, and it is probably just best to avoid this area in the heat of the summer. The route begins from Pinyon Wash Road, an easy-to-miss dirt road off of Highway 78, and just west of the Narrows Earth Trailhead. Pinyon Wash Road can be driven for a few miles before being blocked off. The route follows Pinyon Wash itself until passing through a hiker-only gate near mile 7.5, where it connects to Pinyon Mountain Road. The road here is steep and rocky at times, and the vehicles that attempt to come through do seem to have to turn around. Near mile 10.5 is the junction to the singletrack up to Whale Peak, about a 5.5-mile out-and-back to a relatively popular peak in Anza Borrego. There are some great camping sites near the junction, with great views of the Santa Rosa Range, as well as a spot along the summit trail. After Whale Peak, our route continues to follow Pinyon Mountain Road, which may have a good deal more vehicle traffic on this west side. After a brief jaunt on the California Riding and Hiking Trail, the route takes Mine Wash and the Mine Wash Road. Hikers can cross anywhere along the bajada from Mine Canyon to reconnect to Pinyon Wash.