I had been out to the pictographs a few years earlier with my twins, so I was familiar with this hike. I drove along the dirt road to the trailhead. It was nicer to do this road in my Subaru rather than my Saturn. I parked at the trailhead and set off. The first half mile gains about 300 feet of elevation, so you get a bit of workout. Once you crest the rise, the trail begins sloping gently down. About .8 miles in, I came to the large boulder with several pictographs on it. These were made by the Kumeyaay, one of two main Native American groups that made their homes in Anza-Borrego and the surrounding regions.
I decided since I did not have to worry about my twins this time, I would continue to the Smuggler Canyon overlook. From here I was rewarded with a fantastic view of the Vallecito Valley. I retraced my route and was back at the car, ready to call it a day. One more hike to do and this challenge was complete!