95 Miles, 2.5 hrs driving time from downtown San Diego

Route: San Diego (I-8), Julian (SR79), Borrego Springs (SR78)

Last 6 mi's requires 4WD.  Water crossings, rocks

Gate sometimes closed at 6 mi mark.  Call Borrego Ranger Station for status.

Take Palm Canyon Rd from Borrego Springs circle east to Di Gorgio Rd. (left)

Take Di Giorgio Rd north into desert.  Note: Pavement ends without warning!!

Jeep trail requires 4WD after 5 mi mark at Lower Willows

Total canyon distance 1.5 mi's each way

Moderate hike difficulty.  Requires: rock scrambling, some route finding, tree climbing (really!!), non-technical climbing

Perennial water in Cougar Creek.  Bring filter.

Camp sites at mouth of Cougar & Sheep Canyons

Beginning elevation 1,610 ft.

Max elevation 2,441 ft

Elevation gain +839 ft

Steep in spots.  Requires some non-technical climbing

4WD required 5 mi's after leaving pavement on Di Giorgio Rd.

Gate sometimes closed at Lower Willows (6.4 mi mark).  Call Borrego Ranger Station to confirm status.  Adds 5 mi's to hike each way if gate is closed.

Jeep trail ends at Sheep Canyon.  Hike 0.7 mi south to mouth of Cougar Canyon (turns SW).