Dripping Springs Trail

The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resuming a climb to the southwest. A ridge ascent leads to another traverse and the crossing of the only potential water along the trail (seasonal). After crossing the drainage, a short set of stacked switchbacks is climbed leading to a climbing traverse to the trail terminus on the northwest ridge of Agua Tibia Mountain. This is the junction with the Palomar-Magee Trail and occurs in a nice oak grove, suitable for setting up camp if you have the right equipment (and a backcountry permit).

Get great views of the "Big Four" peaks to the north: Santiago Peak, Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto, as well as High Point and the 200" telescope on Palomar Mountain, nearly all the time.

By the way, the namesake for the trail and campground is not found on the trail or at the campground. The Dripping Springs are found below the campground on the north side of SR-79, 1.11 miles away.

Photos: pdpolena, pdpolena