Horsethief Canyon

GPS Coordinates
32.747131,-116.669386

Distance 3.6 miles
Elevation gain: 498 feet / its a grinder up on the way back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Location: near Alpine

>> You will need an adventure pass - you can get them at REI <<

Hello Dog Hikers. It's been a while. I twisted my ankle and then I pretty much enjoyed the time off catching up with friends and family. It had been a while since I had every weekend off but I'm ready to go back out on the trails!

Directions: Can also use coordinates 32.747131,-116.669386. Take I-8 East to the Tavern Road exit 30. Turn right (south) onto Tavern Road. Continue on Tavern Road for approximately 2.8 miles where it will turn into Japatul Road. Continue on Japatul Road for approximately 7 miles. Turn right onto Lyons Valley Road and continue for 1.5 miles until you see the sign for the Japatul Fire Station on the left. Turn left onto the Forest Service Road 16S04 and the large parking area will be on your left.

As its name implies, Horsethief Canyon was once used by thieves to corral stolen horses before heading for the Mexican border. These days the area has a less notorious reputation and is more frequently visited by hikers than criminals. This hike travels along the western section of the Espinosa trail, through some stunning oak woodlands to the beautiful Pine Creek. Also, note that this is a “reverse” hike – you’ll be doing the easy downhill hike into the canyon at the start, and the more rigorous uphill climb out of the canyon comes at the end.