Anza, California sits in a quiet pocket of Riverside County, which means getting here takes a little more intention than pulling off a freeway exit — but the drive itself is part of what makes the trip feel like a real departure.
From San Diego, plan on roughly two hours via Highway 79 through Aguanga, a route that winds gently through ranch land before climbing into the mountains. From the Los Angeles area, expect closer to two and a half hours, typically routing through Temecula and up Highway 371 or 79. Coming from Palm Springs, the drive over Highway 74 — the Pines to Palms Highway — is genuinely one of the more scenic approaches, climbing from desert floor to pine forest in a fairly short stretch.
A few practical notes: cell service gets patchy in stretches once you’re off the main highways, so it’s worth downloading offline maps or writing down the last few turns before you lose signal. The mountain roads are well maintained but do wind, so allow a little extra time, especially if you’re driving after dark or in winter when temperatures can dip enough for icy patches at higher elevations.
As for what to pack: layers matter more here than almost anywhere else in Southern California. Days can be warm, especially in summer, but evenings cool down fast at this elevation, and a swimsuit for the hot tub is a given year-round. Sturdy shoes are worth having even if you’re not planning a serious hike, since the property and nearby trails involve uneven ground. If you’re coming in cooler months, bring a proper jacket — mountain nights here are colder than the drive up might suggest.
Fill up on gas before you leave the highway, since options thin out once you’re close. Beyond that, all you really need is a bit of patience for the winding roads and an appetite for the view once you arrive.
Check availability and start planning your route.