Villager Peak

Villager Peak, and its more challenging neighbor, Rabbit Peak #2, are strenuous hikes across a mixture of use trails that loosely follow the spine all the way up from the desert below. Your reward is an incredible view of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Toro Peak and of course Rabbit Peak, along with a view down to Clark Dry Lake, all of Anza Borrego below as well as views of the entire Salton Sea to the east. Many people continue on to Rabbit, but Villager is a worthy and popular destination in itself. There are nice (but dry) dispersed camping sites at the peak.

Route 1 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. The descent is along the same route and the trail is easier to see as you return to your vehicles, There are several wrong ridges that are easy to get onto when descending, but if you keep the desert in view on your right as you descend you will have no problem. This peak is also done as a backpacking trip in combination with Rabbit Peak #2, but there is no water source, so plan accordingly. This hike is best done between October and March, and should not be attempted during the heat of summer.