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This strenuous hike goes from the top of the La Quinta Cover parking lot to the Sawmill Trailhead in Pinyon Pines.


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Map Key

14.7

Miles

23.6

KM

Point to Point

4,812' 1,467 m

High

316' 96 m

Low

5,350' 1,631 m

Up

1,619' 493 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

59%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Overview

At 14.7 miles long, this hike should really be done with a shuttle set up at the end. This is a great rugged adventure for those looking for that kind of thing. The route uses several trails climbing up to the pass between Martinez Mountain and Sheep Mountain. It descends to Cactus Spring before climbing to Pinyon Pines.

Need to Know

Navigation skills are needed. It is recommended that you have this GPS route and the ability to follow trail clues. The Guadalupe Trail is unmaintained and is marked very faintly by stacked rocks, plastic tape, and an occasional plastic trail marker. Some of the route follows dry stream beds and it is not recommend to be in them when there is a possibility of thunderstorms. There is no water along the way, except for a chance at Horsethief Creek, so you must bring plenty of water. The uphill portion of the hike is within sight of the Coachella Valley so there is a chance of cell phone service during this portion. One MUST be prepared for a wilderness experience.

Description

This trail is marked difficult because much of the trail is not maintained and therefore takes greater navigational skills. The route goes uphill because it is easier to see the trail going uphill than downhill.

From the parking lot at the south end of the La Quinta Cove, follow the connector trail to the Boo Hoff Trail. In 2.9 miles at the top of the Boo Hoff Trail is the beginning of the Guadalupe Trail. It is not marked, but as soon as the trail veers to the east (left) you'll want to continue straight up the drainage. It is best to be using the Hiking Project mobile app at this point for GPS guidance. The Guadalupe Trail climbs south-southwest up the Santa Rosa Mountains and crosses three to four drainages/dry streambeds on the way.

You'll pass through several microclimates with distinct vegetation as you climb to almost 5,000 feet at the saddle between Martinez Mountain and Sheep Mountain. The end of the Guadalupe Trail descends from the battle to intersect with the east-west running Cactus Springs Trail. Take a right to head west on the Cactus Spring Trail and you'll gradually descend about 1,000 feet to Horsethief Creek and Cactus Spring before climbing again to its end at the Sawmill Trailhead in Pinyon Pines. The hike takes you through a very remote section of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is best done during the cooler months as temperatures will be brutally hot in the summer.

History & Background

The Guadalupe Trail was likely the historic path that Cahuilla Indians who used to go from the desert to the mountains seasonally. There is an old cowboy camp on Guadalupe Creek at about 4,000 feet that you'll encounter.

Contacts

Shared By:

Mitch Moldenhauer

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#2703

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#348

in California

#2,703

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2,692 Since Mar 4, 2018
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Photos

A view north over the La Quinta Cove with most of the climb completed.  From here, drop down into Guadalupe Creek.
Mar 4, 2018 near La Quinta, CA
View back down the trail
Nov 24, 2018 near La Quinta, CA
Turning off from the main wash onto the Cactus Spring trail....if you carried on straight at this junction you would join the Guadalupe trail to the east. Martinez Mtn. is in the background.
Mar 16, 2018 near La Quinta, CA
Taking a break in Horsethief Creek
Mar 16, 2018 near Rancho…, CA
Looking north over La Quinta and the Coachella Valley.  This photo shows a typcal trail marker in foreground.
Mar 4, 2018 near La Quinta, CA
Looking south as you begin the descent to the Cactus Springs trail via the wash. Toro Peak is hidden in the clouds.
Mar 4, 2018 near La Quinta, CA
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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Apr 2, 2019
George Reece
Great hike, need lots of water, elevation gain 5561 ft., April 2, 2019, had lunch and rest at cowboy camp 15.2mi
Mar 5, 2019
DJ Jimenez
Great hike! 14.1mi — 9h 04m
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