Hiking the Garnet Peak to Champagne Pass Loop can be done as a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. You will hike on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), climb to the top of Garnet Peak and relish in the views of the Anza Borrego Desert. There are optional side trails that you can take (to Storm Canyon, Monument Peak) so bring a map/ compass if you feel like tackling those. It's a pretty straight forward hike that is easy to follow and as you get to Oasis Springs, you can set up to camp if you are staying the night or this is where you can eat lunch and turn around to head home.

Photos: Eric Gorski, concep007, Eric Gorski