Overview
This desert peak is another one that has a use trail much of the way. Other nearby peaks are higher. But Rosa has a more unrestricted view of the Salton Sea. Mostly Desert and Hundred Peaks Section, Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club, members and guests are the ones who do this summit. Perhaps a few dozen of these determined summiteers climb this point each year.
Getting There
At 12.8 miles east from the traffic circle in Borrego Springs, CA, on S-22, the signed Thimble Jeep Trail leaves the paved highway to head south. A sign on the north side of the road warns to pack it in, pack it out. There is a wide shoulder here to park several cars. Across the highway, there are many more primitive parking spots This parking op is about the S-22 road highpoint before it descends down to the Salton Sea and CA 86. It is about a mile west of the signed Palo Verde Wash dirt road.
The Fourth Edition of the Desert Peaks Guide, published by the Desert Peaks Section, gives fine directions, with maps, to climb all of 99 DPS listed peaks. You can contact them by their website, and mail a check of about $30 with postage costs.
Otherwise, you need to be a trained desert navigator, and route-finder, to ascend this summit. You can head for the wash that climbs toward the peak, to then climb left to the ridge with a use trail. Or you can gain the ridge with a use trail about a mile from the vehicle parking. Some dropping down (at least 300 feet) is mandatory to follow the standard routes. There is still some cross-country travel necessary to follow this route. Don't expect any help from anyone else--not many will climb apart from a busy weekend. There are absolutely no trail signs, or much of anything, to tell you which way to go. Only a very few ducks point out any use trail.
There are many ways you might go, but the easiest way seems to be class 1 or 2. The almost 5,000 feet of gain round trip offers a good conditioning event. I read two 8X entries in the register. The use trail allows for a fairly quick ascent and descent; allow some 5-6 hours to the top. Fine views are had all of the way up.
Red Tape
No passes, permits, or fees seem to be required, but you may wish to register or leave word with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park rangers. You will be entering a desert wilderness area.
When To Climb
The best time to climb is when it is cooler, and not summer! November to March are nice times before the thermometer rises. You can suffer heat stroke when it gets warm or hot, and hikers have died, from this climb, at the wrong time of year.
Camping
Desert backpacking can be done, with all water carried in. Car camping is all primitive in the immediate area, with no fees required. A large State Park fee campground is located west of Borrego Springs, CA, but it seems it is usually full about the popular times to visit (holidays, flower season).
There are no huts or fees. Lodging is available about Borrego Springs, CA.
Mountain Conditions
Contact the California Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for any information.
External LinksImages
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Calif. Desert Peaks
