Are dogs allowed on Valley of the Moon Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Valley of the Moon Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Valley of the Moon Trail?

No, Valley of the Moon Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Valley of the Moon Trail?

Valley of the Moon Trail is rated difficult. It is 7.2 miles long with 1,535 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

California

Valley of the Moon Trail

Jacumba, California

7.2 mi

Distance

1,535 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 1m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

There is a four wheel drive trail located within the confines of California'sJacumba Wilderness and there are historical treasures waiting to be explored. The man made shelter is named Smugglers' Cave and has ties to Native Americans and Mexican banditos. It is a place where Mexican immigrants can rest during their trek to the United States. At the finish of the trail is an abandoned mine on the side of a mountain. The view of the Salton Sea and Mexico is amazing, as is the view of the Valley of the Moon Wilderness.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:960 ft

Max:1,186 ft

468 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context