Name: Horsethief Canyon near Alpine
Start: 2025-11-13T09:30:00-08:00
End: 2025-11-13T12:30:00-08:00
Location: horse thief canyon

**4 miles, 600ft ascent**. **No restrooms**. **Hazards** \- a couple of short sections of overgrown trail\. Beautiful views\.

**Description:** We go along Horsethief Road and turn on the Espinosa Trail down Pine Creek through a shaded canyon to a seasonal swimming hole.
Back in the late 1800's thieves used to keep their stolen horses here before crossing the Mexican border just to the south. More recently used by smugglers and migrants. We were last on this trail 1/25.

**Directions:**
**From San Diego:** Take **I-8** east to Tavern Rd in Alpine and turn right. It later becomes Japatul Valley Road. Follow it south about 6 miles then turn right onto Lyons Valley Road and go about 1.5 miles to the big trailhead parking lot on your left near the entrance to the Japatul Fire Station (Forest Rte 16S04).
**Google Maps:** Espinosa Trail
**Apple Maps:** Espinosa Trail
**GPS:** (32º 44.824N 116º 40.123W)
Wear good hiking shoes. Take water, sunscreen and a snack.
Leashed dogs OK.

Text me if you would like to carpool from Los Coches Park and Ride
13516 Camino Canada, El Cajon. I leave there at 8:45am.
Since we will be in the Cleveland National Forest, a $5 Adventure Pass is required. Purchase online at www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74407
Also America the Beautiful pass works.
**CONTACT:** Nick Burke text: 858-264-7787

Nick B.

Philip Erdelsky

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Horsethief Canyon near Alpine

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Horsethief Canyon near Alpine

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