A portion of the trail is located in the Pine Creek Wilderness. The eastern end of the trail is non-wilderness and goes through chaparral.
Details
Length:
6.4 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
4 - 5 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
2200
Elevation Range:
2200 feet to 4000
Elevation Change:
1800
Season:
Year Round
Additional Details:
The western end of trail is mostly through oak woodland and riparian. The eastern end is mostly through chaparral. Espinosa crosses Pine Valley Creek which is a popular day use location.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Japatul end – I-8 east from San Diego to Japatul Road. Go South on Japatul Road to Lyons Valley Road. Turn South on Lyons Valley Road to the Japatul Fire Station turnoff. The trailhead is located to the left just after leaving Lyons Valley Road. Corral Canyon end – I-8 east from San Diego to Buckman Springs Road. Drive south on Buckman Springs Road 3.6 miles to Corral Canyon Road. Turn right on Corral Canyon Road and drive 4 miles to the trail. Vehicles should park near a green gate on the right side of Corral Canyon Road. The trail is reached by going around the gate, walking down the road ½ mile to an obvious place where the trail takes off to the left.
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