Trail Overview
Plum Canyon Road is an out-and-back trail offering scenic vistas. The road’s surface comprises smooth sand and granite. The primary road stretches 1.8 miles, with a spur trail leading to the trailhead of the California Riding & Hiking Trail. The main trail terminates at a dead end, ideal for camping. In most years, the trail is lush with the diverse plant life that characterizes Anza Borrego State Park. The drive out is particularly scenic, providing views of the surrounding mountains.
History
Plum Canyon, located within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, formerly known as “Wagon Wash,” offers a picturesque hiking trail. This trail, constructed before 1913 by cattleman John McCain, served as a crucial wagon road connecting regional ranches. Today, it is incorporated into the California Riding and Hiking Trail (CRHT), providing visitors with a glimpse into the transition of desert flora, unique geological formations, and occasional sightings of bighorn sheep. Contrary to its name, Plum Canyon does not feature plum trees. It is likely a misnomer for the desert apricot (Prunus fremontii) or was named by John McCain, who cultivated plums on his Julian ranch and established a wagon road through this area in the early 1900s. Initially serving as a vital wagon road, the trail has since become narrow and impassable for vehicular traffic due to erosion and rockfalls. Cattlemen utilized this region for transporting cattle, leaving an indelible mark on the agricultural history of the area.
