Hot Springs Mountain is located in the Peninsular Ranges in California. The mountain rises to an elevation of 6,535 feet (1,992 m) and is the highest point in San Diego County. Some snow falls on the mountain peak during winter. It is located in a remote region of the county, 4 miles from the community of Warner Springs, 12 miles from Borrego Springs, and 50 miles from San Diego. The mountain and its immediate surroundings belong to the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians. As of 2011, the mountain can be accessed via a gated dirt road, and prospective hikers are admitted to the reservation subject to a nominal entry fee.
The peak offers a spectacular view of the San Diego, San Bernandino, and Imperial Counties on a clear day. To the north, the San Jacintos and San Gorgonio Peak can be seen, and on a very clear day, Mount Baldy can be seen too. Toro Peak and San Rosa Mountain are visible due northeast. Looking east, the Anza-Borrego Desert Park is visible, along with the Salton Sea. To the south, the Cleveland National Forest is visible, especially Cuyamaca Peak, the second highest point in San Diego County. On a very clear day, urban San Diego can be seen across the mountains. Finally, to the west, the extreme vastness of the Pacific Ocean is visible, even Catalina Island. Palomar Mountain is also a point of interest.
From 2010 through 2012, the mountain and the surrounding land were leased by the tribe to a military training business Eagle Rock Training Center. The business was evicted in early 2012 at the conclusion of an acrimonious court dispute.
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—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)