Trail Overview
Pinyon Mountain Road is an 8.8-mile point-to-point trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, designed for experienced off-roaders. The first 6.5 miles climb into Pinyon Mountain Valley and allow two-way traffic. Past the valley, the trail becomes a strict west-to-east one-way route featuring extreme obstacles.
The first major obstacle is "The Squeeze," an 83-inch-wide rock gap on an off-camber descent. This is followed by a rugged rock garden, a waterfall climb, and "Heart Attack Hill"—a steep, rutted drop-off. The route ends at the junction of Hapaha Flats Road and Pinyon Wash. Four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, at least 33-inch tires, and traction lockers are required.
Difficulty
The trail's surfaces are rutted, rocky, and sandy with steps not exceeding 24 inches, with considerable slickrock surfaces. Water does not exceed 12 inches, but some mud is possible. Good ground clearance and driving skills are needed. 4WD, tall tires (33-inch plus), and traction-adding devices (locker, limited slip) are required. Above-average driving skills are desirable. A winch would be a plus. Enhanced suspension travel and good ground clearance are also required.
History
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, encompassing nearly 600,000 acres of the Colorado Desert. Its name honors the 18th-century Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and 'borrego', the Spanish word for the region's native desert bighorn sheep. The vast, protected wilderness features dramatic badlands, rugged mountains rising up to 5,500 feet, and rich desert ecosystems inhabited by golden eagles, kit foxes, and bighorn sheep.
Access Description
All vehicles entering Anza-Borrego Desert State Park must be fully highway-legal and street-registered; green or red OHV stickers are not permitted on park roads. Because there is no cellular service once you pass Pinyon Mountain Valley, visitors must travel fully prepared with recovery equipment, extra water, and emergency gear. The nearest full services are located in Borrego Springs.