Stretching across the rugged outback of Borrego Springs, California, the Peg Leg Smith Liar’s Contest hike invites adventurers to engage with a landscape stubbornly untamed. This 5.2-mile loop challenges you with just under 900 feet of elevation gain, winding across sunbaked ridges and hardy desert scrubs. The trail’s uneven dirt and rocky scrambles require sturdy footwear and a careful step, with cacti and creosote bushes standing like silent sentinels alongside.

Starting near the trailhead at the Palm Canyon Campground, the path quickly rises, revealing incredible panoramas of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park below. The quiet here is clipped only by the wind, which seems to dare you on, pushing your pace or whispering of the desert’s hidden secrets. Each bend presents fresh encounters — patches of brittle cholla acting like nature’s own defenses, and distant hawks circling with sharp eyes, keeping watch.

Though this hike is shorter than many desert excursions, its ecological intensity and terrain demand respect. Begin early in the day to avoid the desert heat, especially during summer months when temperatures can push well past 90°F. Carry at least two liters of water per person; the dry air drinks your hydration quickly. Long sleeves and sun protection are essential—not just for the well-known sting of sunburn but for the prickly challenge of cactus spines.

The Peg Leg Smith route doesn’t oversell itself as an easy stroll but rewards perseverance. Reaching the overlook at Liar’s Contest Spring offers not just a cool rest but a chance to appreciate how fiercely this desert remains itself: harsh, beautiful, and relentlessly honest. Watch for desert bighorn sheep and the occasional roadrunner, as they move through this cracked earth with practiced grace. Use poles if balance is a concern on steeper scrambles; the descent demands as much attention as the climb.

For anyone staying nearby, Borrego Springs offers practical accommodations with a small-town feel, serving as a perfect base for day hikes or extended explorations. The local air hums with dry desert heat by afternoon but cools rapidly as stars bloom overhead—a reminder of the raw environment you’ve tamed just a bit.

In sum, this hike isn’t just about reaching a viewpoint. It’s an encounter with a desert that won’t yield easily but will reward every step with moments of sharp clarity and rugged beauty. Equip yourself well, pace your energy, and keep alert—the Peg Leg Smith trail dares you to meet the desert on its own terms.