Sombrero Peak is located at the southern end of Anza-Borrego State Park in San Diego County, California. The hike to Sombrero Peak starts in Indian Gorge (Indian Valley). Smoke trees and Palm trees dot the area. Often in the springtime there is a good wildflower display in this area.

Other sites in this area include the Carrizo Badlands, Wind Caves, Mortero Palms, and many canyons to explore. Nearby peaks include Whale Peak and Jacumba Mountain.

Getting There and Route Information

Directions to Start of Hike:

From Highway S-2 at mile 46.1 (2 miles N of the Bow Willow Campground turnoff), turn west onto a dirt road called Indian Valley Road (a good dirt 2WD road)and drive through Indian Gorge. After 2.5 miles the road splits, with branches going into the north and south forks of Indian Valley. Keep left at this junction and drive into the south fork about 2.8 miles to the road's end near the mouth of a canyon dotted with a few palms.

Hiking Route Directions:

From the parking area at the end of the road, climb straight up the ridge to the south until you reach a flat at elevation 2900 feet. From here climb southwest over point 3840+ to Sombrero's boulder-studded summit.

About Anza-Borrego State Park

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the Colorado Desert is the largest desert state park in the contiguous United States. The park name is derived from a combination of the name of Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word "borrego," referring to bighorn sheep. The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Animals in the park include roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as desert iguanas, chuckwallas and four species of rattlesnake.

Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from from San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs. Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with views of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.

Camping

Developed Campgrounds in Anza-Borrego State Park:

For all reservations, call 800-444-7275. Borrego Palm Canyon offers five groups sites. Groups require 6-month advance reservations; 7-day limit. Fee charge.

Borrego Palm Canyon -- 52 hookup sites, 65 non-hookup, 5 group sites, water, flush toilets, showers, phone and fire rings. 2.5 miles west of Borrego Springs near Visitor Center. Fee charged.

Vernon Whitaker Horse Camp -- 10 sites for campers with horses only, 8 miles north of Borrego Springs. Fee charged.

Bow Willow -- Southern part of the park - Bow Willow Canyon. 16 primitive sites with chemical toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. Fee charged.

Tamarisk Grove -- 27 RV sites, at junction of California Route 78 and County Road S-3. Water, flush toilets, showers, phone and fire rings available. Fee charged.

Yaqui Well -- 10 numbered sites with pit toilets; across from Tamarisk Grove Campground. More sites available. No fee.

Sheep Canyon -- Northern part of the park. A few sites with pit toilets and picnic tables. No fee.

Mt. Springs Canyon -- A few sites with chemical toilets. No fee. Bow Willow Region.

Culp Valley -- A few open sites just inside the west park entrance on Road S-22. No fee. Anza region.

Arroyo Salado -- A few open sites. No fee. Borrego Badlands region.

Yaqui Pass -- Open sites 7 miles east of Route 78 and County S-3 near Cactus Loop and Kenyon Overlook trails. No Fee.

Fish Creek --A few open sites. No fee. Fish Creek region.

Blair Valley -- Numerous open sites near Marshal South Home, Morteros and Pictographs Trails located off County Road S-3 south of California 78. No Fee.

Anza-Borrego Park Backcountry Camping:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but it is one of the few California parks that allows open camping throughout its 600,00 acres. There is no charge for this type of camping. Just find a nice spot along one of the backcountry roads and set up camp.

External Links

Pictures of my hike to Sombrero Peak:

http://kathywing.smugmug.com/gallery/2298902

Sierra Club's Desert Peaks Section Climbing Archives for Sombrero Peak

http://angeles.sierraclub.org/dps/l2a/dps0502.htm