Los Coyotes Reservation Campground

Went hiking up to Hot Springs Mountain Peak on 16Mar2024. Just a couple things to know if you’ve never been here. It is $10 per person-cash only. This is a difficult hike. The first couple miles is pretty much a steep climb. After about an hour of that it’ll level off and you’ll be walking on a mostly flat trail with the elevation ascending/descending every so often. My buddy and I wore traditional hiking clothing I.E. t-shirt, shorts, shoes. All of the other hikers wore clothing for cold weather. It was pretty chilly when we went. We didn’t notice it until after we finished the steep climbing portion. I’d recommend bringing a hoodie in ur backpack to throw on just in case. When we were up at the top, my buddy and I were relaxing and eating our snacks that we brought up when we were met by chilly winds and eventually snow. There were piles of snow on the way up but we weren’t expecting to see any fresh snow fall. Due to the limited clothing we were wearing, we decided to head back down as quick as possible because of how cold it got. We had to wrap spare T-shirts around our hands because it got so cold and our dexterity seemed to degrade dramatically. Once we were down from the peak, the snow that was falling turned more like rain/slush so of course our shoes got wet. Despite the cold weather, we both had a great time. From the challenging steep grades at the beginning, to the peaceful stroll through the forest up to the peak and even our expedited descent, it was a hike that we will remember and enjoy talking about in the future. Highly recommend for a group activity. I do not recommend bringing kids mainly because of the steep uphill climb at the beginning and the cold temperatures up at the top. Along the trail, there are old huts built by Native Americans some time ago. While it is cool to see and take pictures with, have respect for the sacred grounds. Don’t leave any trash and for the love of god do not try and knock down a hut. There are signs at the entrance to the trail stating this is mountain lion territory. Recommend you hike in groups, sticking together, and bring tools to defend yourself if needed.

Absolutely stunningly gorgeous! I own classic Ford Broncos and myself and my crew went for a ride to the very top. There are hot springs, campgrounds and endless trails for all levels of skill. Both for off-road vehicles and for hiking. I was very pleasantly surprised at the lack of human destruction and litter. Very clean. Amazing views including being able to see the Salton Sea from the top. Such a great place that we all plan to go again very soon. I also learned that it is the highest peak in San Diego county. As we climbed the mountain, we found ourselves in snow! Yet another pleasant surprise! Highly recommended to those who love nature and won't destroy it. Absolutely beautiful!

Los Coyotes was a memory saver (life saver) when I decided month of I wanted to go camping memorial day weekend. If you know how that goes you know you need to book something months in advance or succumb to first come first serves. Luckily I came across Los Coyotes reservation and then it was a matter of do they allow pets. THEY DO!! For no extra cost at that. We stayed on the more "primitive" side that was close to the hiking entrance they have. Sites aren't labeled so you kinda just set up shop where you fit in at. Weirdly we almost had the grounds to ourselves which was so nice considering it a holiday weekend. It was a little rough for the "bring your own water" but we managed! There's a store not too far to grab some more gallons if needed. Bathrooms are port a potties but they were really clean and a sink was provided. Their website said "strictly no fires" so it was a treat upon hearing at check in that some sites do gave a fire ring and that they have dead wood that we can burn. Bring gloves to carry cause they can be crawling with ants that bite. Other reviews mentioned pesky flies and they were a bit bothersome but that's just being out in nature. Overall can't wait to go back!!

This hike is beautiful and gruelling. Very hot and has fly swarms for the entire hike. The same shade you use has triple the insect count of nonshaded areas. Be prepared bring extra water. $10 to get on the reservation.

Beautiful place but the worst hike I've been on in over a year. The flies were so bad they made it a miserable hike to the peak...

Went camping during memorial day weekend and the entire campsite had just 4 parties, giving us ample of privacy and space. The campsites are not assigned and you just pick wherever you feel like camping. It's honestly bewildering that this place wasn't as crowded as the other campsites during Memorial day weekend. A secret gem, that won't show up on reserve.ca website. Highly recommended if you prefer a more private setting, away from the burstling campsites.