At the far southwest corner of a small city hides the trail where I saw an eagle soar at eye level, felt the hungry stare of a mountain lion, and scared a skunk into my tent. I sure do miss that tent. Hesperia is located just 90 miles away from Los Angeles along Interstate 15. The city itself has nothing to offer but a great In-an-Out Burger, a number of other chain restaurants, a few grocery stores and a K-mart for last minute, I forgot the bug juice, stops.
If you venture this way from the rest of California, take I-15 towards Las Vegas, through the Cajon Pass and into the High Desert. Exit Main Street, the third exit after the summit of the pass, and take a right. Follow Main street through the city of Hesperia. After passing all of the business centers you will enter a residential area. Keep going, I promise you are getting closer. In just a mile or so the road will start to curve to the right. Stay on this road as it turns into Arrowhead Lake Road. Now you will be treated to a curvy, hilly ride for the next few miles or so. Did I mention the potholes you can actually hide a sub-compact vehicle in? You will pass Hesperia Lakes on the left, then a small bar on the right, and next a few large used-to-be horse ranches on both sides.
Look off to your left and you will no see a large dam structure in the river basin. That is your destination. As you go through some really fun dips, you will start to climb a steep hill. Start looking towards your left for an access road to the spillway. The road is blocked off so you cannot drive across the top of the dam/spillway, but there is plenty of room to park your car. Make sure there are no valuables visible in your car. Lock up, and you are ready.
As you walk along the top of the spillway you can see down into Deep creek on your right, and to your left the Mojave River starts its backwards, upside down journey to Baker. This is one of the few places the river always has water above ground. The local kids hang out and cause trouble down in the rive sand here. Stay out of this area, it can be dangerous due to the locals. I would rather take my chances with the cougars.
After you cross the spillway/dam, a dirt trail will lead you down a steep hillside, and then over to a trail head that switchbacks abruptly up the side of the opposing mountain. At the top you can see a cement structure about the size of an outhouse. This is where you join the Pacific Crest Trail. Take the trail up, and then turn right.
Follow along this trail as long as you want. 4 miles will land you in the middle of some incredible hot springs. a few hundred more will take you to Mexico….whatever suits you.
