Combs Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Named for the original homesteader of the area, Combs Peak is the highest mountain of Anza-Borrego State Park, situated just within the park boundaries in its northwest corner. Though relatively easy, the routes are scenic and enjoyable, with splendid views of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio and the Desert Divide far to the north, the Salton Sea to the east, and Toro Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the impressive escarpment that fronts them, to the northeast.
Route 1 is a short hike on the PCT from the south, followed by a short scramble up its east ridge to the summit. Route 2 starts from a dirt road to the north, to join the PCT southbound to scramble up the same east ridge.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take I-15 south to Temecula.
Take the second off-ramp for SR 79, signed “79 South / Indio”. Turn left (east) on SR 79.
Pass through Aguanga in 18 miles; continue 5 more miles to Oak Grove Campground and Ranger Station, then another 3 miles to the Chihuahua Valley Road on the left (paved). Turn left. Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 6.4 miles, the paved road turns sharp right. There is a wide gate and a large metal arch/entrance that leads to a private development. To the right of that is a small dirt road, turn onto that small dirt road.
At 8.0 miles, gate. This gate is sometimes locked. If it is locked, park here. This adds 7 miles round trip.
At 11.4 miles, the road reaches a saddle. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the road here and there is a sign “State Park Property”. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5050′, UTM 378935), hike north 2 miles on the PCT to a saddle (5600′) just east-northeast of Combs Peak.
From here, follow a ducked use trail west up to the summit.
Driving route
Take I-15 south to Temecula.
Take the second off-ramp for SR 79, signed “79 South / Indio”. Turn left (east) on SR 79.
Continue on SR 79 to SR 371 in Aguanga. Turn left on SR 371.
Continue on SR 371 to Kirby Rd (approximately 1.5 miles past Anza). Turn right. Set odometer to zero.
At 1.0 miles, Wellman Rd. Turn left.
At 2.0 miles, Terwilliger Rd. Turn right.
At 5.8 miles, Ramsey Rd. Turn right.
At 5.9 miles, Tule Rd. (becomes Terwilliger). Turn left. Start of dirt road.
At 8.7 miles, Rimrock Rd. Turn left.
At 9.7 miles, Rimrock Rd. Turn right (south).
At 10.6 miles, fork. Go right.
At 10.8 miles, fork. Go straight.
At 11.5 miles, park before the creek crossing at a hairpin turn to the left (wide parking area). If you cross the creek, come back. Just before the parking spot is a gate. The gate may be locked or just closed. If locked, park here and walk to the start of the hike route.
Stay on the main road at any forks.
Hiking route
From the parking spot, walk down the road, just past where the Tule Creek crosses this road. You will be following the Tule Creek bed, but the start is too brushy. Go just past the creek, head southeast, then go to the left to get into the Tule Creek bed.
Follow the creek for 1.6 miles to point where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) crosses the creek bed.
Turn right and follow the PCT to the saddle (5600′) just east-northeast of Combs Peak.
Follow a ducked use trail west up to the summit.
Route Notes
Additional Peak Information
Notes: The ridge to the west of the PCT is called Bucksnort Mountain. Combs Peak is its high point.
The Combs Peak area is typical San Diego County chaparral country, with manzanita, scrub oak, buckthorn, red shanks and chamise densely clothing the mountain slopes.
The peak is located within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The state charges a fee for driving on dirt roads within the park.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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