Secret Canyon Trail

Ok… my review is actually for The Horsethief Trail. your destination to water is in the Secret Canyon area…
This is not the 13 or 15 mile one that starts in Pine Valley. Only 3.2 miles.
This one is on page 278 of The Afoot and Afield book by Jerry Schad.
For exact directions Google Horsethief Canyon Trail.
Enjoy, it is beautiful and for water at bottom only spring or winter is best.

Secret Canyon is AWESOME!
Not the most suitable trail if you are looking for broad expansive vistas, but the trail meanders through some amazing local topography and you get to see much undisturbed natural flora.
The trail has many warnings about illegal immigrants and smugglers, but for the most part illegal immigration routes have moved eastward and the trail is safe.
The trail begins with a big descent into the Pine Creek Wilderness area, then follow the sign to make the turn onto Secret Canyon Trail from the main Espinosa Trail. There are AMAZING stands of old old old and giant Manzanita and old Black Oaks. The stream bed gurgles away below and the trail, while narrow and somewhat technical, is never too steep or difficult.
For refreshments after making this hike, head to Alpine Brewery after! SOOOOOO yummy.