Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Hiking where the border wall ends: smuggler's cave, abandoned mines, and a wonderland of rocks rivaling Joshua Tree.
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Valley of the Moon sits right where the border wall ends near Jacumba, California. The hike loops through granite formations that rival Joshua Tree, plus Smuggler's Cave (a hideout from the 1800s) and the ruins of Elliot Mine. Some sections run within feet of the border itself. I spoke with CBP agents about current conditions and which zones to avoid. Navigation is tricky since most of the route follows unofficial trails through rock mazes. Bring offline maps, start early for cooler temps, and understand that this is remote desert with real exposure. If you're comfortable with route-finding and want a rock wonderland without the crowds, this delivers.
00:00 Hike Overview
01:22 Tricky Hike Start
02:23 Hike Dangers
03:20 Wild Horses
04:33 Smuggler's Den
07:00 Elliot Mine
08:45 Valley of the Moon
09:32 Mexico Border
11:25 Hiking Gear
11:53 Desert View Tower
12:16 Blue Angel's Peak
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*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
Hiking where the border wall ends: smuggler's cave, abandoned mines, and a wonderland of rocks rivaling Joshua Tree.
*Gear I'm Using Now:*
* inReach: hkgy.co/inreach
* Hiking App: hkgy.co/app
* Watch: hkgy.co/watch
* Shoes: hkgy.co/shoes
* Pack: hkgy.co/backpack
* Rescue Insurance: hkgy.co/insurance
*Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):*
hikingguy.com/gear
*More Hiking Content*
* Website: hikingguy.com
* Patreon: patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Monthly Hiking News (free): patreon.com/c/hikingguy
* Subscribe: youtube.com/c/Hikingguy
Valley of the Moon sits right where the border wall ends near Jacumba, California. The hike loops through granite formations that rival Joshua Tree, plus Smuggler's Cave (a hideout from the 1800s) and the ruins of Elliot Mine. Some sections run within feet of the border itself. I spoke with CBP agents about current conditions and which zones to avoid. Navigation is tricky since most of the route follows unofficial trails through rock mazes. Bring offline maps, start early for cooler temps, and understand that this is remote desert with real exposure. If you're comfortable with route-finding and want a rock wonderland without the crowds, this delivers.
00:00 Hike Overview
01:22 Tricky Hike Start
02:23 Hike Dangers
03:20 Wild Horses
04:33 Smuggler's Den
07:00 Elliot Mine
08:45 Valley of the Moon
09:32 Mexico Border
11:25 Hiking Gear
11:53 Desert View Tower
12:16 Blue Angel's Peak
---
*Disclaimer:*
Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.
