The purpose of this trip was to attempt to prove out a PCT alternate route, starting in the south near Oriflamme Canyon, and in the North at Coyote Canyon.

Due to time constraints, I did not think it was feasible to start at the south end, but instead started from Tamarisk Grove Campground in Yaqui Pass. I got off the bus around 5pm and started walking towards Grapevine canyon, hitting about 5 miles on my first day.

The valley between Tamarisk Grove and Grapevine Canyon is a gorgeous cactus garden, with a high density of Ocotillo, Cholla, and Agave.

As I climbed into Grapevine, passing 2000 and 2500 ft, the sandy open spaces slowly filled with (invasive) grasses, and the cactus traded places with Tamarisk, Sugarberry, Juniper, and other scrub habitat. Angelina spring is marked by a large number of Cottonwoods, but water was not accessible.

Upon reaching Stuart spring, it was not flowing, but drip-drip-dripping from the pipe. The water in the animal trough looked ..... unappealing. Stuart Spring is essential to this route, and it would be wise to get information on its flow before attempting this hike.

To avoid drinking the gross water, I decided to add bonus miles and also test the alternate PCT connection I had identified around PCT mile 91. Maps show a fire road connection leading to the trail, where a water cache is maintained for hikers. The private property this road cuts through is gated off, and the PCT cannot be accessed by the public this way. While I was lucky that someone driving the road was able to help me with water, you should be prepared to hike through to Ranchita Bodega as a bailout option if water is not available.

After rejoining my intended path it was time for the climb. The road jumps from 2900 to 4100 feet over about two miles. The road is also inter-braided with sections of the old California Hiking and Riding Trail. I missed the first connection, intentionally skipped the second, and joined the CHRT on the third crossing. This section features plants like Great Basin Sagebrush and White Sage, which are not found at lower elevations in the park as they do not tolerate extreme heat well.

After crossing the highway, it's time to descend all the way into the Borrego Valley via the CHRT. This is a very frustrating downhill, as the trail keeps going uphill! On my trip, water was flowing from Pena spring into South Fork Hellhole Canyon, however the weather was cool and I was confident I would make it to the Visitor's Center for a refill. On this descent I saw a group of 6 bighorn sheep.

After reaching the gloriously flat desert floor I booked it to the Visitor's center to refill water and clean up in the sink. Note: the bathrooms have outlets! I foolishly neglected to recharge (well, I wanted to get a better feel for how far my battery bank goes 🤷‍♂️)

After a lot of time wasting, I eventually walked into town to buy a couple stickers and a hamburger. I walked north out of Christmas Circle to begin the road walk to Galleta Meadows sculptures. The Galleta Meadows sculptures are a famous attraction for visitors to Borrego Springs and feature an artist's interpretations of various living, extinct, and fantasy animals.

From the North end of Galleta Meadows the route crosses the road onto Horse Camp road. Ignore all the signs saying "no access to Coyote Canyon and Sheep Canyon" - those are for cars. Upon reaching Vern Whittaker Horse Camp there is another fully featured bathroom with outlets, potable water, even pay showers! However you cannot camp here, it is reserved for equestrians.

From Vern Whittaker, the route follows the horse trail up canyon until it joins with a 4x4 road. Originally I had planned to follow the stream up-canyon, as the map shows trails doing this, but those routes are gone now. I wasted a lot of time and energy trying to stay close to the creek, and eventually backtracked, defeated. The only generally viable route up canyon is to follow the 4x4 road around towards Sheep Canyon. Make sure to collect water at the bottom of Lower Willows before following the road up.

After moving through Collins Valley, the 4x4 road hits a closure where both sides of the canyon are fenced off. Here the trail dips down into the creek, or follows through a gap in the fence, going about a quarter mile further. At this point the canyon necks down tightly and all paths forward disappear. A large unofficial campsite exists here, indicating that this is "the end of the trail" for most people getting this far up canyon.

At this point, I felt like I had accomplished enough for this trip. The connection as I expected it to exist was not there, but all hope is not lost. I believe that Middle Willows can be routed around and intend to come back another time to test this and push for the PCT connection.