Alcoholic Pass and Coyote Canyon – Anza Borrego State Park – California

Today we decided to go over and check out Coyote Canyon and do not only do some 4WD’ing but also a bit of hiking.

First stop was Alcoholic Pass which was used by both the Cowboys and the Indians. Only about 2 miles or so return trip but with an elevation gain.  Beautiful, beautiful plateau at the top with fantastic views. There is even a guest book you can sign. One of the entries talked about the visitors seeing nude hikers up there.

Trail head marker for Alcoholic Pass

At the beginning of Alcoholic Pass

Heading up and up and up

View down over Coyote Canyon from the trail

Alcoholic Pass trail

A top Alcoholic Pass – Visitors Sign In Book

Box to store book in plastic bags

Some of writings

One of the many lovely drawings in the book

View from Alcoholic Pass down over to Rockhouse Canyon

Heading back down the mountain from Alcoholic Pass

Whew, a tiring hike but well worth it. Back in the car we went to continue on our journey of Coyote Canyon. We decided to stop at Desert Gardens for a rest in the shade and to eat our lunch before venturing on out into the canyon. We continued on and spotted quite a few fantastic boondocking sites…Earthroamer, Earthroamer, Earthroamer! We even passed over a few small creeks, three of them to be exact. Yes, water in the desert. We drove as far as we could until we weren’t sure if our vehicle could make it any further. Time to turn around and head home! Great day!

Lunch stop at Desert Gardens – a nice picnic table and some shade

Yes, we found water in the desert

And we found a nice pair of hiking boots

We hung them on the sign to make them easier to find

Crossing through more water