false hope hill

Molino Basin to Agua Caliente Hill – 10/31/2015

Updated - Posted - Charles Miles

Grass, grass and more grass – the Bellota Trail is covered in grass – hiding the trail and occasionally making the footing…interesting… Water is flowing at West Spring Tank and we almost get our feet wet at the junction with the La Milagrosa Trail.

Desert Tortoise using FR4445 above Agua Caliente Canyon. October 2015.
Desert Tortoise using FR4445 above Agua Caliente Canyon. October 2015.

Not long after turning onto FR4445 and beginning the descent into Agua Caliente Canyon we find a desert tortoise – perhaps enjoying a break from the tall grass?

Plentiful flowing water in Agua Caliente Canyon! A nice reason to pause before the long climb up to the Agua Caliente Hill Trail, past False Hope Hill and to the summit!

Water flowing in Agua Caliente Canyon at the FR4445 crossing. October 2015.
Water flowing in Agua Caliente Canyon at the FR4445 crossing. October 2015.
Agua Caliente Trail below False Hope Hill - heading for the summit! October 2015.
Agua Caliente Trail below False Hope Hill – heading for the summit! October 2015.
Butterflies and flowers at the end of October on the Agua Caliente Hill Trail. October 2015.
Butterflies and flowers at the end of October on the Agua Caliente Hill Trail. October 2015.

Molino Basin Parking Area, Bellota Trail, La Milagrosa Trail, FR4445, Agua Caliente Hill Trail, Agua Caliente Hill South Trailhead – 13.8 miles, +3200’/-4500′ of elevation gain/loss.