Rabbit Peak #2

The complex of peaks containing Villager, Rosa Point and Rabbit rises up dramatically from the desert floor and beckons the passerby to climb them. The highest of these is “Big Rabbit”, the most difficult hike on the HPS list, a test piece for HPS hikers. Rabbit and Rosa Point are also on the Desert Peaks Section list. Among the rewards of navigating this spectacular ridge: views of the dramatic drops to Clark Dry Lake, the often snow covered Toro Peak, the expanse of the Salton Sea, and the vast badlands of Anza Borrego State Park which are awe inspiring. On a clear day, one can see as far as Arizona and Mexico; but, be sure to keep your eye on the more immediate desert terrain, with its loose shale and variety of thorny cacti.

Route 1 begins the same route as Villager Peak Route 1, then continues on to Rabbit. The route follows a mixture of use trails that loosely follow the spine all the way up. The hike begins with a flat walk across the approach terrain before crossing a boulder field and a sand wash. The hike then climbs quickly and it stays to the east of the cliff edge until the 3,800′ “plateau”. The trail closes in on the cliff a few times, but never to the point of feeling dangerous. The ocotillo, yucca and cholla cacti are everywhere, so maintaining a single focus on the hike is wise. As you approach the false peaks in the last 3 miles, there are options to go up and over them or stay east along a variety of use trails. There are rock cairns marking much of the trail, but certainly not all. The final approach to Villager is not particularly clear where the top is, but if you keep heading up (or use your GPS app), you will find it. From Villager the trail traverses another 3.75 miles with numerous ups and downs to the summit of Rabbit. The reward is an incredible view of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Toro Peak and of course Villager Peak, along with a view down to Clark Dry Lake and all of Anza Borrego below. The descent is along the same route and the trail is easier to see as you return to your vehicles. There are several false ridge, however, but if you keep the desert in view on your right you will have no problem. The final portion to the desert floor requires careful route finding when done in the dark, which you will likely, be so don’t forget the headlamp and fresh batteries. This peak is also done as a backpacking trip, camping at the peak of Villager. There are good dispersed campsites but there is no water source, so plan accordingly. Rabbit is best done between October and March, and should not be attempted during the heat of summer.

Route 2 begins from orchards southeast of Indio with a shorter, but equally difficult hike. Route 3 takes a shorter route up from Clark Dry Lake, but expect this route to be more exposed and even steeper than the other options to the top. Rabbit is one of the most strenuous hikes in SoCal.