HORSETHIEF CREEK

Hike Guide: Cactus Springs Trail to Horsethief Creek

Location: Santa Rosa Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest
Trailhead: Highway 74, about 16 miles from Highway 111, just west of the Sugarloaf Cafe

Overview

This hike offers a chance to leave the desert floor behind and step into the lower forests of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Following the historic Cactus Springs Trail, once used by the Cahuilla people, the route combines natural beauty with a touch of Old West history.

Trail Highlights

• Dolomite Mine: Early in the hike, you’ll pass the remains of an abandoned dolomite mine. (Dolomite was once used in plaster production.) Leave with a small piece of rock as a natural souvenir.
• Horsethief Creek: According to local lore, this was once a hideout for rustlers who stole horses from the San Diego region and rebranded them here. The remains of a manzanita corral can still be found near the creek.
• Turnaround Point: A scenic grove of cottonwood and sycamore trees, complete with a running stream—an ideal spot to relax, enjoy lunch, and cool off.

Key Details

• Distance: Approximately 5 miles round trip (out and back)
• Elevation Gain: 1,230 ft, but note this is an inverted hike—most of the climb is on the return.
• Difficulty: Moderate – Advanced (due to the uphill finish).
• Best For: Hikers looking for history, solitude, and a refreshing streamside destination.

Tips

• Carry plenty of water—there is no reliable water, including the creek.
• Pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy at the turnaround grove.
• Be prepared for the uphill hike back to the trailhead.
• Watch for loose dolomite rock near the mine site. Hiking poles would be helpful, but not required.