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A desert wonder almost up to Southern Utah standards.


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Map Key

13.8

Miles

22.2

KM

Loop

1,356' 413 m

High

224' 68 m

Low

1,369' 417 m

Up

1,368' 417 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs No Dogs

This is an off-trail route with few to no signed or defined trails.

Overview

Split Mountain is unique geographical region of Anza-Borrego State Park. Explore the split itself including a dramatic anticline, ascend a ridge with great views of Lyceum Wash, drop through sandstone formations, and complete the loop.

Need to Know

This route is best from November to perhaps March when it is reasonably cool.

Description

This is a "strike across the desert" style hike. There are no official trails or signage but many sections have an obvious course of action. You should be able to get any car to the trail start in the route with a bit of care, though you can park just off Split Mountain Rd. (where this route is mapped from) if you have any doubts.

Proceed SSW in the wide Fish Creek Wash which narrows as you approach the split in the mountains. The split itself is very interesting. At 1.8 miles you'll see a prominent anticline on your right which is accompanied by a sign describing the geology. Exit the split and take the North Fish Creek Wash about 4.5 miles along the hike.

At 5.1 miles proceed up Lycium Wash for about a mile and at 6.2 miles leave Lycium Wash and proceed up a narrow wash to gain a spot elevation of ~1100 ft at 7.0 miles and a good lunch spot. This is not an official trail but as mapped is referred to as the Lycium Ridge Route. Traverse the ridge with great view of Lycium Wash to your left. Eventually you must leave the ridge which is a slight scramble. This works best at a saddle in the ridge at 9.7 miles.

This takes you down to the Split Mountain Flats Wash Route, another unnamed, off-trail route. Follow the narrow wash back through Split Mountain. Proceed another 2.5 miles though a series of wide washes. This stretch takes longer than it looks but eventually Split Mountain Rd. will come into view and it is difficult to miss the wide wash where your card is parked.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Kidd

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#4221

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Recommended Route Rankings

#599

in California

#4,221

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761 Since Dec 5, 2018
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Photos

Hikers descending a spot elevation on the Split Mountain Loop
Dec 5, 2018 near Salton…, CA
View into Lyceum Wash
Dec 5, 2018 near Salton…, CA
Approaching the southwest exit of Split Mountain
Dec 5, 2018 near Salton…, CA
Two hikers at the anticline in the split of Split Mountain
Dec 5, 2018 near Salton…, CA
Hiker sizing up Lyceum Wash
Dec 5, 2018 near Salton…, CA
Hiker descending the ridge above Lyceum Wash. Hike drops rightward at the saddle at the lower right.
Dec 5, 2018 near Borrego…, CA

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