Where is the Valley of the Moon Trail located?

The Valley of the Moon Trail is situated in the Jacumba Wilderness, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes east of San Diego. The trailhead is accessible via Exit 77 (In Ko Pah Road) off Interstate 8, followed by a short drive west on Old Highway 80. Look for a gravel parking area marked by a trailhead kiosk. The general GPS coordinates for the trailhead are 32.639876, -116.106808.

What is the difficulty level of the Valley of the Moon Trail?

The trail is considered moderate in difficulty. It spans approximately 9 miles with a total elevation gain of around 1,700 feet. The terrain includes rugged paths, granite formations, and some steep sections, making it suitable for hikers with a moderate level of experience and fitness.

Are dogs allowed on the Valley of the Moon Trail?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the Valley of the Moon Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Given the area's remote nature and potential hazards, it's important to keep pets close and ensure they are well-prepared for the hike.

Is the Valley of the Moon Trail safe for hikers?

While the trail is generally safe and patrolled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection due to its proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border, hikers should remain vigilant. It's advisable to check recent trail reports and contact local authorities for the latest safety information before embarking on the hike.

What gear is recommended for hiking the Valley of the Moon Trail?

Essential gear includes at least 2 liters of water (more in hot conditions), sturdy hiking shoes, a GPS device or offline maps due to the presence of unofficial trails, sun protection, and a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for emergencies. Weather conditions can be extreme, so appropriate clothing is also recommended.

Are there any historical sites along the Valley of the Moon Trail?

Yes, notable historical sites include Smugglers' Cave, associated with tales of 19th-century bandits and smuggling activities, and the Elliott Mine on Tehe’ Peak, which was historically mined for gold and later quartzite. Both sites offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Is parking available at the Valley of the Moon Trailhead?

Yes, there is a large gravel parking area at the trailhead near 48549 Old Hwy 80, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934. Parking is free, and the area is monitored by remote cameras, providing a sense of security for visitors.

What is the best time of year to hike the Valley of the Moon Trail?

The trail can be hiked year-round, but the best times are during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, making hiking potentially dangerous due to heat exposure.

Are there any notable viewpoints along the Valley of the Moon Trail?

Yes, the trail offers several scenic viewpoints, including panoramic views from Tehe’ Peak, where hikers can see Toro Peak, Rabbit and Villager Peaks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and on clear days, as far as Keys View and Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park.

Is the Valley of the Moon Trail suitable for off-road vehicles?

While parts of the area are accessible by high-clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicles, motorized vehicles are not allowed within the Jacumba Wilderness area. Visitors should be prepared to hike into the Valley of the Moon, especially if they do not have a suitable off-road vehicle.

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Valley of the Moon Trail

Distance: 9 miles

Time: 4-6 Hours

Total Climbing: 1700 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Crowds: Quiet

Dogs: Leashed

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🔥 Essential Gear - Closures - Weather - Ask Me a Question

The Valley of the Moon Trail offers a unique desert hike through some spectacular granite formations near the U.S.–Mexico border. Along the way, there’s a smugglers’ cave, abandoned mines, and a stretch of trail right on the border. It’s remote, rugged, and underrated.

Where is Valley of the Moon Trail?

Valley Of The Moon Trail Location — Valley of the Moon Trail is located just over an hour east of San Diego, and just a minute off I-8.

Use this trailhead address:
48549 Old Hwy 80, Jacumba Hot Springs, CA 91934

There is no fee to park here.

Valley Of The Moon Trailhead Security — Given all of the border security, this is probably one of the safest places to park. There are remote cameras here, and I wouldn't worry too much about your vehicle. The lot is massive, and you should never have a problem finding parking.

Valley Of The Moon Damaged Road — If you look at a map or do some research, you'll see other parking areas along the hike route from the main lot. I'd recommend staying in the main parking area that I described because it's more secure, and as you continue up the trail, what's left of the old road can get pretty gnarly.

Gear Recommendations

Valley Of The Moon Ciimate — While you might associate the border area with the low, flat Sonoran Desert, the hike actually starts at 3,000 feet above sea level. Here's a picture from the drive to the trailhead.

Valley of the Moon Trail is in an environment of extremes. In the summer, it can be over 100°F, and when it's cold, the wind chill can push temperatures below freezing. Check the weather link at the start of the guide to make sure you're prepared for the conditions — and for them to change. If it's too hot, don't go.

Bring your backcountry essentials.
Most of the area has cell reception. At some point you may even connect to cell towers in Mexico. If you have a satellite communicator it's prudent to bring it along.
Bring at least 2L of water, more if it's very hot.

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Valley of the Moon Trail Maps

Valley Of The Moon Unofficial Trails — If you look at a satellite map of the area, you'll see trails almost everywhere. It can be tough to navigate without a GPS.

While the name might be Valley of the Moon Trail, there's actually not a single defined trail per se. In fact, there are many different use trails and off-road routes here. It's vital to have electronic navigation because it's not as simple as turn-by-turn directions. Load the GPS file I provided onto your phone, have offline maps, and use them to make sure you're in the right place.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Is Valley of the Moon Safe?

Valley Of The Moon Cbp — Unfortunately, there have been some incidents in this area in the past. I'm not saying this to scare you, but it's important to do a little homework before you head out the door. I actually find it to be a relatively safe place because of the heavy presence of Customs and Border Protection agents.

This hike is generally considered safe, and all areas covered in this guide were deemed secure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the time of writing. However, conditions can change rapidly in border regions due to various factors.

Before heading out, it's advisable to check recent trip reports on platforms like AllTrails for the Valley of the Moon Trail and Blue Angels Peak to see current trail conditions and any user-reported issues.
Contacting the local CBP office can provide up-to-date information on safety and any advisories. When you call, mention your plans to hike in the Valley of the Moon area and inquire about any current concerns. While they may note that there's always some level of risk, they can offer guidance on areas to avoid based on recent activity.
Remember that risks exist in many hiking areas, not just near borders. Personally, I've always felt secure hiking in this region, largely due to the significant law enforcement presence. While I've occasionally seen individuals crossing the border, they've consistently kept their distance or avoided contact.

Valley of the Moon Hike Directions

Valley Of The Moon Directions 2 — There's a confusing sign at the trailhead that makes it seem like you should go straight to start the trail, but that's not the correct way to go.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 3 — Instead, head down the dirt road that leaves the parking lot.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 4 — You'll have a short stretch on the initial road before it turns and starts to climb. You might see CBP agents here — it probably doesn't hurt to say hello and let them know you're hiking Valley of the Moon.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 5 — The initial climb away from the highway isn't the hardest you'll ever do, but it'll definitely wake your legs up.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 6 — Towards the top, we're going to leave the wider dirt trail to visit Smugglers Den. Again, it helps to have electronic navigation, but you can also look for this big rock — right past it, you'll leave the trail.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 7 — Hike left onto the much smaller trail past the last rock. You'll also be entering the Jacumba Wilderness Area here, a protected area that's supposed to be kept in the state it was before man arrived. In reality, the BLM allows off-roaders into this area, so the rules aren't too strictly enforced.

Unlike most of my trail guides where I show you every intersection and turn, that wouldn't be practical here at the Valley of the Moon because of the dozens, if not hundreds, of unofficial trails all over from here forward. I'll show you the main landmarks and what to look for, but again, make sure you bring this route on your GPS or phone along with offline maps.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 8 — The trail isn't as wide as the first part of the hike, but it is well-trodden. The shorter hike just to Smugglers Den can be popular.

If you're lucky, you might spot some wild horses, burros, or cattle. The wild horses are allegedly descended from animals that escaped or were abandoned by Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago. This is not an official grazing area, so any cattle you see have likely wandered off from wherever they're supposed to be.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 9 — At about 1.8 miles, you'll reach Smugglers Den.

An old BLM web page has this description of Smuggler's Cave: "A natural hollow in one of the boulders is known as Smugglers Cave. Many tales have been told about the cave. The earliest account ties the cave to the December 1875 holdup at the old Campo Store. According to this story, one of the bandits was wounded and chased by a posse to Smugglers Cave, where he was flushed out and finished off. Other accounts involve the smuggling of Chinese laborers and contraband across the Mexican border to the cave at the turn of the century."

Valley Of The Moon Directions 10 — You can also enter the cave. At various times I've seen trash, full water bottles, and other supplies left inside. Whether it's used by people smugglers or campers, who knows?

In recent years, the area around Jacumba Hot Springs and the Valley of the Moon has been a hotspot for human trafficking. Activity had slowed down considerably when I documented this guide, but there have been times in the past when it was very active.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 11 — Continue on another use trail back to the main dirt track we left earlier. The wind turbines in the distance are across the border in Mexico.

The wind turbines, called La Rumorosa I, supply power to nearby Mexicali. Other turbines in the area also supply power to the United States. According to the Border Energy Forum, the La Rumorosa region has the second-highest wind energy potential in Mexico.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 1 — Make the left back on the main dirt road to continue.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 12 — I included a waypoint for a viewpoint that's a minute off the trail. From there, you'll get views of Toro Peak, about 15 miles south of Palm Springs, along with Rabbit and Villager Peaks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Keys View and Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 13 — Continuing on, you'll see a split. We're going to take a detour to the right up to the top of Tehe' Peak to see Elliott Mine and to get some incredible views of the Valley of the Moon from above.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 14 — You'll see several mine shafts at Elliott Mine. There's not a lot of information about the site, but I believe Jim Elliott was first looking for gold. Later, the mine was sold and used for quartzite, but today it's abandoned. There are two big shafts, so be very careful — the sand on top of the granite can be slippery, and you don't want to fall in.

The BLM warns: Entering mines or mine shafts is dangerous. Poison air and cave-ins can and do occur.

When you're done at the top of the peak and at the mine area, continue back down on the trail you came up earlier.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 15 — As you continue into Valley of the Moon, bear right.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 16 — After a short distance, you'll see a fence — this is the border. You'll notice that people have crossed it quite a bit. The trail follows the border for a bit.

The actual border lies a short distance back from the fence. This area is in a state of change — new border wall construction has been approved, although I'm not positive if it affects this exact spot. The government has also been sending troops to the border, and this area could be closed to hikers at some point. As I mentioned earlier in the guide, it's important to do your homework before showing up here.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 18 — The rest of the hike is spent wandering among the beautiful granite formations here, which are reminiscent of Joshua Tree. It's not hard to see why this is a popular spot for San Diego climbers. When you're ready to head back, just retrace your steps.

Valley Of The Moon Directions 19 — On the way back, you don't have to retrace your steps to Elliott Mine or Smugglers Den — you can just continue on the main road back to the trailhead. That's the hike!

Desert View Tower Side Trip

Valley Of The Moon Directions 20 — If you have a little extra time, the Desert View Tower is worth a stop. It's a funky piece of local history just a few minutes' drive from the Valley of the Moon trailhead.

The real estate developer who built Jacumba also built this tower in 1922. It was originally built as a roadside attraction with a restaurant and gift shop. Today, it still stands and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.