Ghost Mountain Trail

Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Mileage: ~1.4 (round trip)
Style: Out and Back
Fees: None

Starting Out

The trail to Ghost Mountain begins at the Marshall South Trailhead in the Blair Valley area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, the road is typically passable for most vehicles in good weather. A sign pointing to the trail and an informational marker detailing the history of the Marshall Cabin mark the trailhead. The drive to the trailhead is a little exciting adventure in itself.

Trail Features

• Scenic Climb: The trail gradually ascends, offering increasingly expansive views of Blair Valley and the surrounding desert. This hike is most enjoyable during cooler months or early mornings, as shade is limited.

• Historic Route: This path follows the same route the South family used in the 1930s and 1940s to access their isolated homestead atop Ghost Mountain.

• Flora and Fauna: Keep an eye out for desert wildflowers in spring, as well as lizards, birds, and the occasional jackrabbit.

Summit Views - Marshall South Family Cabin

At the summit of Ghost Mountain, you’ll find the ruins of the Marshall South family’s adobe cabin. Built by poet and writer Marshall South and his family, the cabin represents their ambitious experiment in self-sufficient desert living. Stone walls, cisterns, and other remnants of their home are still visible, and interpretive signs provide insights into their story. The actual high point of the mountain is cross-country to the east, but the ruins are a great stopping point to look around and see how a family lived all the way on a mountain top in the desert.

Why It’s a Must-Do

This 2.5-mile hike offers a perfect combination of historical intrigue, stunning desert views, and a manageable challenge. The Marshall South cabin ruins add a unique and thought-provoking element to the journey, making it a must-see for visitors to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.