Will the new militarized border zone close Valley of Moon Climbing?

In Recent News....

The Department of Interior on Wednesday (Dec 10, 2025) said it would transfer jurisdiction along most of California's international border with Mexico to the Navy to reinforce “the historic role public lands have played in safeguarding national sovereignty." The newly designated militarized zone extends nearly from the Arizona state line to the Otay Mountain Wilderness, traversing the Imperial Valley and border communities including Tecate.

Per my question to ChatGPT about the legality of US citizens in the new zones

1. You can be physically present there
These areas are still on U.S. land, and your citizenship doesn’t by itself bar you from being there. However…

2. They are treated like “military property”
By designating these stretches of borderland as National Defense Areas, the federal government treats them similarly to a military installation. That means:

Signs may be posted marking the boundaries and warning that the land is under military jurisdiction.

Entering without permission can be treated as trespassing on military property — a federal crime.

The military zone is in effect for 3 years 

Last time I climbed at VoM some assholes were shooting their rifles up into the canyon where we were climbing (on purpose in an attempt to freak us out). I haven’t been back since. Good times in America these days.

i just received a message from somebody, who received a message from somebody, regarding my post above.  my post does not in any way mean to say that people who don't fit the walmart mold shouldn't be allowed to climb there. dead opposite actually. my post is a completely and utterly scathing rebuke of how the current administration is treating a lot of perfectly good people. i don't care if you are green and have 4 legs and 5 arms. you should be able to climb there without people harrassing you. 

slimwrote:

i just received a message from somebody, who received a message from somebody, regarding my post above.  my post does not in any way mean to say that people who don't fit the walmart mold shouldn't be allowed to climb there. dead opposite actually. my post is a completely and utterly scathing rebuke of how the current administration is treating a lot of perfectly good people. i don't care if you are green and have 4 legs and 5 arms. you should be able to climb there without people harrassing you. 

when blind rage overrides reading comprehension. I WANT TO BE MAD!!!!

1. Not that anyone climbs at Valley of the Moon anymore, but in case someone reads this that actually likes climbing locally (and doesn’t mind a little choss)VOM is open and easier to access than ever before. The road up to the gauntlet is  in great condition. It was recently patched up and you can easily get an all wheel drive up it.
   Not sure when or if it will be closed off but for now it’s open and weather is perfect for climbing.

Joe has been there way more than me, but for decades the traditional Border Patrol has already been patrolling the area at random times.  And has always had the authority to ask questions.

edit:  about 200 yds east of the main camping area, the land changes to Wilderness, where it would be difficult to make big changes.  Off roaders have illegally removed the signage, but public vehicles and off-roading is Illegal in the Wilderness.  Most of the climbing is in the Wilderness.

Joe Brophywrote:

1. Not that anyone climbs at Valley of the Moon anymore, but in case someone reads this that actually likes climbing locally (and doesn’t mind a little choss)VOM is open and easier to access than ever before. The road up to the gauntlet is  in great condition. It was recently patched up and you can easily get an all wheel drive up it.
   Not sure when or if it will be closed off but for now it’s open and weather is perfect for climbing.

Thanks for this update, Joe. Will likely be heading out there next month. I’ll be sure to shoot you a text when we lock in dates.

Need to do my yearly romp on battleship chains!!

I’d be happy to join you Buzz. Weather has been really nice thus far.
The road to the top of the gauntlet is in tip top condition. If you fancy yourself a choss wrangler, now is as good as ever to get out there. Who knows when/if it will be closed off. Hopefully it will remain open for us.🙏

Get it while you can. 

Joe Brophywrote:

I’d be happy to join you Buzz. Weather has been really nice thus far.
The road to the top of the gauntlet is in tip top condition. If you fancy yourself a choss wrangler, now is as good as ever to get out there. Who knows when/if it will be closed off. Hopefully it will remain open for us.🙏

Get it while you can. 

How cleaned up is it? Think a 2wd tundra could make it? Haven't been out there in years.

Gene,

You will have no problem getting a 2 wheel drive truck up to the gauntlet. From there its probably a mile walk in to the main area.

Joe Brophywrote:

Gene,

You will have no problem getting a 2 wheel drive truck up to the gauntlet. From there its probably a mile walk in to the main area.

Thanks!