Dominguez Spring Trail

Dominguez Spring Trail is a remote out-and-back from the Dominguez Trailhead area on River Road to an ephemeral spring basin beneath Dominguez Mountain. The mapped spring outing is about 13.5 miles round trip, with around 1,200 feet of climbing; plan for roughly 7 to 8 hours on foot with stops. I'd save it for hikers who want a long desert day and are comfortable with the rough drive in.

The route crosses scrubby desert with scattered cacti and succulents, aiming for the drainage between the Punta de la Sierra cliff band and Dominguez Mountain. Grades stay gentle as it climbs toward the spring confluence. The payoff is the Sierra Quemada skyline and the two landforms drawing close around that drainage. For a photo, frame the drainage between the cliff band and peak so the route's entry into the range reads clearly.

Descriptions use different endpoints. This mapped spring-basin outing is about 6.7 miles out. A longer primitive route is described at 10 miles into the Sierra Quemada, reaching rock-house remains and several springs. The route line here follows the shorter spring-basin hike; expect to return by the same approach and confirm your turnaround before leaving the road.

Dominguez Spring is ephemeral and often dry, though it can flow more after rainy periods. Carry all the water you'll need and keep out of the spring. The nearby DT-1 primitive campsite has no shade, toilets, or other amenities; camping there requires a backcountry permit. Pets aren't allowed on park trails.