Hike Combs Peak Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Apr 11, 2023 — Combs Peak is the high point of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but unlike the majority of the State Park, it's located in a totally different biome, characterized by chaparral than desert foliage. It's also low enough in altitude that trees don't grow here, so its panoramic summit views are not blocked. While this is a pretty short hike, the drive out is somewhat lengthy. The road to the trailhead is good, though more weary passenger car drivers might be weary attempting the last half mile where it gets a little rutted and rocky.

Most of the hike to Combs Peak uses the Pacific Crest Trail, so I was happy to make quick work along the well-groomed trail. Weaving along the eastern slope of Combs Peak, the PCT very gradually ascends to a shoulder on the peak's east side. Here there were a few PCT through-hikers packing up their tents at what seems to be a popular camp spot. I don't think I'll ever understand the desire to backpack for months, but to each their own! I just don't see how they could walk right by Combs Peak and stomach not reaching its summit.

I passed the various tents along on the PCT for a few hundred feet past the shoulder, then noted an obviously-placed cairn marking a social trail that leads away from the official PCT and directly west toward Combs Peak. Enough people use this social trail that I found it easy to follow. The social trail is a bit loose at times and includes a short Class 2 section as it climbs up toward the summit. It's also significantly more steep than the PCT was, so I was happy for that pleasant trail warm-up. Near the summit, multiple divergent spur trail options materialize, but all seem to lead to the high point.