Is It Safe to Hike the Border? Valley of the Moon Trail

Video Description

Hiking where the border wall ends: smuggler's cave, abandoned mines, and a wonderland of rocks rivaling Joshua Tree. *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear *Maps & Printed Directions:* https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/hiking-san-diego/valley-of-the-moon-trail/ Valley of the Moon is one of the most incredible and underrated hikes you can do near the US-Mexico border. In this guide, I take you through the entire hike — starting from the Jacumba Wilderness parking area and heading deep into the desert along unofficial trails. We’ll visit Smuggler’s Cave, a historic hideout dating back to the 1800s, climb up to Elliot Mine for sweeping views, and wander through the incredible granite formations that give Valley of the Moon its name. Because this hike is right along the border — in some areas just steps away — I’ll cover everything you need to know about safety. There’s no wall here, and while it's generally safe, there are a few zones you’ll want to avoid. I’ll share what I learned directly from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents about current conditions, including why areas near Blue Angel’s Peak can be risky. Along the way, I'll also share tips for staying found in a confusing web of use trails, how to prepare for the extreme desert conditions, and what gear you’ll want to bring. If you're ready for a real adventure off the beaten path — and maybe even get a “Welcome to Mexico” text on your phone — this guide has everything you need to hike Valley of the Moon safely and enjoyably. --- *Chapters* 00:00 Hike Overview 01:22 Tricky Hike Start 02:23 Hike Dangers 03:20 Wild Horses 04:33 Smuggler's Den 07:00 Elliot Mine 08:45 Valley of the Moon 09:32 Mexico Border 11:25 Hiking Gear 11:53 Desert View Tower 12:16 Blue Angel's Peak --- *Links:* * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy --- *Camera Gear Used:* * Hike Camera: https://amzn.to/3RIFCDI * Studio Camera: https://amzn.to/42k4W9z * Studio Lens: https://amzn.to/44lrw2J * Field Camera: https://amzn.to/3Yu2Otc * Field Lens Wide: https://amzn.to/42azZVd * Field Lens Normal: https://amzn.to/3G0HMwb --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.