Hike #36 Jacumba Peak

52 Hike Challenge 2016 Adventure Series

5.5 miles | +800'

Jacumba Peak sits at an elevation of 3363' just north of Jacumba Hot Springs. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3655th highest mountain in California. The U.S. Border Patrol have used the summit as a lookout point.

Jacumba Hot Springs is a small town in southeastern San Diego County. The town’s name was recently changed to attract visitors to the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa. Previously, is was just Jacumba. This town is chiefly notable for its hot springs and spa, and a large nudist resort. A massacre that occurred in 1880 has been largely forgotten. The town has a population of about 550. It is located 70 miles east of San Diego on Old Highway 80 about 5 miles west of the Imperial County line and ¼ mile from the US/Mexican border. Jacumba lies at 2800′ in a large valley, most of which is in Mexico. A stout metal fence runs along the border just south of town.

For years I've enjoyed off roading and quail hunting in the surrounds hills of this area. The valley just below the peak was previously accessible to the public, but in recent years the landowner has kept the gate locked. This makes for a somewhat awkward, but more enjoyable cross country approach to the peak.