GOSD Day Outing: Dripping Springs Trail
Postponed due to weather
Throughout the year, GOSD hosts a number of events and activities that are designed to explore this wonderful place we call home. This month, we’re heading northeast to explore an area that many have passed by, but not many have explored. It’s in the Agua Tibia wilderness east of Temecula just over the Riverside County line. “Agua tibia” translates as “warm water”. This will be one of our more strenuous hikes, so please be ready for a challenge. We hope to see you out there - and bring a friend!
Hike Leader: Steve Hedge
Meeting Time: 8:30 AM (We need to start as early as possible. So please be on time.)
Distance: 8-10 miles (out and back)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to strenuous
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Up to 3,100’/3,100’ depending on mileage and how far we hike.
Trail Use: Dogs allowed
Description: This trail has an optional additional loop that, if hiked, would bring us to around 20 miles round trip. We will NOT be doing that loop. We will be taking the clockwise approach to the loop (Wild Horse Trail).
Because of the elevation gain, we will only hike in about 4-5 miles. We will then stop for a lunch break and return the same way we came in. We will monitor the group’s stamina to determine when we’ll stop and return.
For more information about this area, please see the book Afoot and Afield San Diego County by Schad and Turner, 2017 second edition, pp. 207-209. This also provides some information on the Agua Tibia wilderness.
Directions:
For drivers taking the 15 north from San Diego. There are two exits for 79. You will be taking the FIRST 79 exit – 79 East Temecula parkway. Please allow at least one hour drive from San Diego to the parking lot for the trail head.
From I-15 exit at Temecula Parkway (CA-79), drive 10 miles east on CA 79 to Dripping Springs Campground, on the right (south) side of the road. If the campground is closed, you can park outside and walk 0.4 mile past the campsites to reach the inner trail head, where you sign in at a register before entering the Agua Tibia Wilderness. The trial mileage given here is keyed to the inner trail head.
As always, please be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen, if not a hat as well. For this trip, please plan to bring a light lunch too.
We hope to see you there!
For any questions this event, please contact the event lead, Steve Hedge.
