Kellys Grade to Borrego Springs — Pinyon Ridge Desert Divide
3,000 feet of desert gravity on loose dirt.
Kellys Grade is the kind of road that earns its reputation before you even reach the steep stuff. Starting off County Road S22 near the Montezuma Valley, the route threads through pinyon pine and chaparral before pitching down a series of loose, rutted switchbacks toward the Borrego Valley floor 3,000 feet below. The grade itself — a legitimate 20% pitch in places — demands full attention, controlled throttle, and working brakes. Scattered granite boulders test your line selection on the descent, and the views across the Salton Sea basin are the kind that make you forget you’re trying not to destroy your rig.
This is a one-way descent route for most rigs — attempting it uphill in a loaded overland vehicle is miserable and rough on hardware. You need a high-clearance 4WD with low-range and reliable brakes; trailer tow vehicles should skip this one. The grade is best in October through April when temperatures are survivable. No permit required. Fuel and water in Borrego Springs before or after. Cell service vanishes on the grade. Worth every foot of elevation dropped.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with low-range |
| Nearest town | Borrego Springs, CA |
| Land manager | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park / County of San Diego |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parks.ca.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Kellys Grade?
Only if it's a true high-clearance 4WD with low-range — this isn't a trail for street-biased SUVs or 2WD anything. Stock 4Runners and Tacomas with factory skids can make it, but you will use low-range and you will scrape if you're not paying attention on the rocky sections.
What months is Kellys Grade actually drivable?
October through April is the sweet spot — summer heat in the Borrego Valley regularly hits 110°F and makes the descent genuinely dangerous for both vehicle and occupants. Winter can bring brief snow or ice near the 4,200-ft top, so check conditions before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this trail?
No permit is required to drive the route itself, but if you're camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park you need a valid California State Parks day-use or camping fee paid — self-registration at dispersed sites is required. No fee just to drive through.
What's the nastiest section and what should I actually expect?
The upper descent off Pinyon Ridge is the crux — loose decomposed granite, off-camber shelf road, and steep grades that punish anyone who skips low-range or runs too hot on their brakes. One bad line on the loose stuff and you're sliding sideways toward nothing; take it slow, pick your line early, and don't ride the brakes the whole way down.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on the trail?
Borrego Springs has gas at the end of the run, but the town is small — fill up before you head into the backcountry because there's no guarantee the pumps aren't dry. There is zero reliable water on the trail itself, so carry everything you need for the day plus emergency reserve.
Trail track
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