Here are the most popular walks and hikes in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego.
Borrego Springs Downtown History Loop
In the 1930s, Borrego Springs was promoted as an area with limitless water and lots of sunshine, a virtual paradise for farmers to grow crops of many varieties. Beginning in the post WWII mid-1940s, real estate development of the residential areas and downtown business area provided Borrego Springs with its own variety of the mid-century modern architecture and interesting history. Many of the buildings and landmarks you see today in downtown Borrego Springs have served a number of different purposes over the years.
ABDNHA created a one-mile walking guide to downtown Borrego Springs that points out many of these locations and tells about our own, unique local history. You can spend part of a morning or afternoon exploring them, stopping along the way for coffee, lunch, ice cream, fudge and shopping.
How to Get There
Pick up the free Downtown History Loop brochure (with map) from the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, next to Carlee’s restaurant, just west of Christmas Circle.
Borrego Springs Church Loop
Four of Borrego Spring’s churches are located in a row on the aptly named Church Lane: Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist and Episcopal. The history of these churches goes back to the 1940s. The library and county park were recently completed in 2018.
ABDNHA created a one-mile walking guide to Borrego’s church loop and adjacent county park that offers interesting bits of history about the churches, nearby monuments and the park. Your walk starts in the county park just east of the library, takes you past the churches and then back through the county park.
How to Get There
Pick up the free Borrego Church Loop brochure (with map) from the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, next to Carlee’s restaurant, just west of Christmas Circle.
Visitor Center Nature Trail
The Visitor Center Nature Trail is a 0.7-mile ADA-approved loop starting at the Visitor Center. The trail features interpretive signs with braille, describing desert plants and wildlife, with benches along the way for resting and enjoying the desert scenery. This accessible and easy trail is ideal for all visitors. Before or after exploring the trail, visitors can head inside the Visitor Center to learn more about the park through exhibits, films and helpful staff. A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How To Get There
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center is located at 200 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. From Christmas Circle, drive west on Palm Canyon Drive towards the mountains for 1.8 miles until you reach a gravel parking lot. Park here and walk on the paved sidewalk towards the Visitor Center. The trail begins just outside the entrance to the Visitor Center.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pg. 5
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 68-69
Visitor Center to Campground Trail
The Visitor Center to Campground Trail is an excellent paved pathway, across a section of flat desert between the State Park Visitor Center and the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. It is perfect for anyone with mobility issues or with little children, and it is in a beautiful location, with sweeping views to the top of Indianhead Peak, the most distinguishable landmark on the skyline. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the plants and animals of the desert. The hike is 1.4 miles round trip.
Around the Visitor Center, there are other pathways, more interpretive signs, and a pupfish pond where you can see these tiny native fish of the desert. Before or after exploring the trail, visitors can head inside the Visitor Center to learn more about the park through exhibits, films and helpful staff. A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How To Get There
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center is located at 200 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.
From Christmas Circle, just take Palm Canyon Drive straight west for 1.8 miles until you reach a gravel parking lot. Park here and walk on the paved sidewalk towards the Visitor Center. The trail begins just to the north of the restrooms.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pg. 5
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 68-69
Borrego Palm Canyon
The Borrego Palm Canyon trail is the most popular hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It is easy to reach. It is marked and easy to follow. It is not too difficult physically. Best of all, it offers some of the desert’s best attractions: desert bighorn sheep, which are commonly seen in the canyon; birds; reptiles; a pupfish pond at the trailhead; wildflowers; rock formations; a flowing stream; and a palm oasis. The oasis burned in January 2019, but the palms have survived. New life can be seen springing from the blackened trunks and on the ground. The round-trip hike to the oasis is 3 miles. A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive west on Palm Canyon Drive (S-22) towards the mountains for 1.6 miles. Turn right at the campground sign. Follow the road into the campground and drive all the way to the parking area in the very back. This is where the trail starts.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 39
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 76-79
Hellhole Canyon & Maidenhair Falls
Hiking up into Hellhole Canyon to a palm oasis and a little further to Maidenhair Falls is an excellent hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert. If it is hotter than a hellhole in Borrego Springs, head up the trail to Maidenhair Falls for a cool, refreshing spot. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a waterfall. The hike to the palm oasis is 4.2 miles round trip. The additional hike to Maidenhair Falls adds 1.4 miles to the hike, for a total of 5.6 miles round trip. A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive 1.3 miles west on Palm Canyon Road towards the mountains. Turn left on Montezuma Valley Road (Route S-22), and drive 0.8 miles to a large parking area on the right. There is a vault toilet at the far end of the lot away from the start of the trail.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 43
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 70-71
Little Surprise Canyon
Little Surprise Canyon is a favorite spot that local people go to see desert wildflowers in springtime as well as a nice variety of native desert vegetation, along with lizards and other desert wildlife. It is an easy walk. You can just go as far as you want, then turn around and head back. After about 0.1 mile, the canyon forks, stay to the right. After another 0.4 mile, you will come to a dry and rocky waterfall. A short distance after that, the trail gets narrow, and this is a good place to turn around. The view of Indianhead Peak on the way back out is spectacular. Bring your camera! A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive 1.3 miles west on Palm Canyon Road towards the mountains. Turn left on Montezuma Valley Road (Route S-22), and drive 0.8 miles to a large parking area on the right. Walk toward the vault toilet and head south into the canyon, which runs parallel to the road.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 43
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 70
Culp Valley Overlook & Peña Springs
The Culp Valley Overlook (also known as Hellhole Canyon Overlook) is a fairly easy 2.0-mile hike. The route follows along an area that has something not found on most trails in Anza-Borrego: a seeping spring that brings some life-giving water to the desert landscape. The overlook provides expansive views to the east of Borrego Springs all the way to the Salton Sea. We recommend combining the overlook hike with a 0.8-mile side trip to the origin of Peña Springs.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive west on Palm Canyon Drive (S-22) towards the mountains for 1.4 miles. Turn left (south) onto Montezuma Valley Road (S-22) and drive up the mountain for 8.1 miles to mile 9.2. Turn right at the sign for Culp Valley onto the dirt road, go 0.2 miles and turn left, and then another 0.2 miles to the Peña Springs parking lot at the road’s end. The road is generally passable to 2-wheel-drive vehicles, but high clearance is advised. Walk past the north end of the parking area and turn right, into the small wash running down the hill. Continue downhill for 0.7 mile to a boulder outcrop that overlooks the Borrego Valley. Return the way you came.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 50
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 60-61
Glorietta Canyon
Glorietta Canyon is just minutes from Borrego Springs and it offers several options for hiking, all with beautiful scenery, plants and rock formations. You can choose to hike the canyon itself (1.0 mile round trip) or wander up the wash (1.6 miles round trip). You’ll enjoy amazing views of Borrego Valley as you come back out.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, head south on Borrego Springs Road (S-3) for approximately 3.5 miles. After the road bends to the east, look for the second dirt road on the right. Follow this unmarked dirt road up to a small parking area at the trailhead.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 54-56
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 167-168
Alcoholic Pass
Alcoholic Pass will give you a moderate workout with a round trip of 4.6 miles and elevation gain of 800 feet. The hike is not too far from town, and it rewards you with a beautiful saddle at the top, where you can gaze down on Coyote Creek on the west side and Clark Dry Lake on the east. The trail had its start as a Cahuilla trail from the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation to Clark Dry Lake. Early cattlemen Frank and Fred Clark used the trail too, as a direct route from The Clark Valley to Coyote Canyon. The unusual name has no certain origin, although it is rumored that the name came into use because cowboys felt drunk by the time they got off the trail.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, go east on Palm Canyon Drive (S-22) for 0.5 miles. Turn left (north) onto DiGiorgio Road and drive for 4.7 miles to where the pavement ends. Continue on the dirt road for 2.4 miles into Coyote Canyon and look for the Alcoholic Pass trail marker on the right side of the road. This is one of the most heavily travelled dirt roads in the park and is normally accessible with a 2WD for the first few miles.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 36
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 85-86
The Slot
The Slot is a fun 2-mile round-trip hike through a deep and narrow slot canyon, perfect for adventurous explorers of all ages. Kids will especially enjoy the winding, tight passages as they navigate through the unique rock formations. This hike offers a great way to experience the rugged beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A $10 day-use parking fee applies.
How To Get There
From the junction of Borrego Springs Road and Highway 78, drive for 1.5 miles east on Highway 78. Turn left (north) onto the Buttes Pass jeep road. Drive 0.9 mile to a fork, and take the left fork for another 0.8 miles to a parking area. While 4WD is not usually necessary, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to the rough road conditions.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 64-67
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 157-158
Hawk Canyon
Hawk Canyon is known for its unique geology, diverse plant life, and the birds that inhabit the area, including the hawk for which it is named. Located on the west mesa of Borrego Mountain, the canyon is framed by beautiful sandstone cliffs that reflect an ancient marine environment. The area is part of the active San Jacinto Fault Zone, with the Coyote Creek earthquake fault running along the east mesa. The 1968 Borrego Mountain earthquake, which registered 6.5 on the Richter Scale, left visible fault scarps in the landscape.
In spring, Hawk Canyon becomes a vibrant display of wildflowers, with dozens of species blooming. Ironwood trees blossom in May and June, while Smoke Trees bloom in June and July. Throughout the year, the canyon’s cliffs and plant life provide shelter and food for a variety of animals, birds and insects.
How To Get There
From the junction of Borrego Springs Road and Highway 78, drive for 1.5 miles east on Highway 78. Turn north (left) onto the Buttes Pass jeep road and follow the jeep road for 0.9 mile. Take the right fork. Park before the steep downhill drop or walk if driving in soft sand is a concern. Hawk Canyon is just to the left after the hill.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 64-65
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 159
Wind Caves
Bill Kenyon Overlook
Bill Kenyon Overlook offers a short 1-mile hike to a fantastic view. This is a great hike at sunset, as the distant mountain ranges take on subtle hues and shadows drift across the bajadas.
How To Get There
From the junction of Borrego Springs Road and Yaqui Pass Road, drive for 4.7 miles south on Yaqui Pass Road (S-3) towards the Tamarisk Grove campground. At mile marker 2.1, turn left (east) into the Yaqui Pass dry camping area and park near the trailhead sign.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pgs. 17-18
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 64-67
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 157-158
Cactus Loop
The Cactus Loop is a 1.1-mile moderate hike, with some hills to climb, across from the Tamarisk Grove campground. You will have an opportunity to view a wide variety of cacti. The trail boasts plenty of ocotillos, desert agave and brittlebush as well.
How To Get There
From the junction of Borrego Springs Road and Yaqui Pass Road, drive for 6.5 miles south on Yaqui Pass Road (S-3) to the Tamarisk Grove campground. Park along the fence outside the campground. The trailhead begins across the road to the north.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pgs. 18-19
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 76-79
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 165
Yaqui Well Nature Trail
The Yaqui Well Nature Trail is a serene 1.6-mile round-trip walk leading to a desert waterhole, a prime birding location in Anza-Borrego State Park. Beginning across from Tamarisk Campground, this easy trail features educational signage along the way, offering insights into the local ecology and the importance of the waterhole for wildlife. With its peaceful atmosphere and excellent opportunities for birdwatching, it’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
How To Get There
From the junction of Borrego Springs Road and Yaqui Pass Road, drive for 6.5 miles south to just past the Tamarisk Grove campground. The trailhead is located across across from Tamarisk Campground to the west. There is a small parking area near the trailhead.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pgs. 18-20
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 76-79
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 164-165
Narrows Earth Trail
The Narrows Earth Trail is an easy 0.5-mile loop trail on a geological theme, with 500 million year old rocks and the clearly visible line of an earthquake fault. During highway construction in the 1930s, explosives were stored near the point where the trail begins, giving the wash the name of Powder Dump Wash. At the high point of the trail, you can explore a nameless narrow canyon with dry waterfalls and steep walls. If you happen to be here when the Chuparosa is in bloom, keep an eye out for an unusual variation—yellow flowers instead of the normal bright red.
How to Get There
From the junction of Yaqui Pass Road (S-3) and Highway 78, turn east onto Highway 78 and drive 4.7 miles to the trailhead on the south (right) side of Highway 78.
Note: This area is included in the Triangle driving tour, described on the Drives page. Pick up the free Texas Dip/Highway 78/Yaqui Pass Triangle Tour brochure (with map) from the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs, next to Carlee’s restaurant, just west of Christmas Circle.
Book References
Weekender’s Guide, Pgs. 19-20
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 155
Kumeyaay Village Site in Mine Wash
Kumeyaay Village Site is an important historical location within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, showcasing the lives of the Kumeyaay people who inhabited the region for thousands of years. At the village site, visitors can observe morteros, stone depressions used for grinding food such as seeds and grains. These ancient grinding stones offer insight into the daily lives of the Kumeyaay. Interpretive signs around the site explain the Kumeyaay’s connection to the land and their survival techniques in the harsh desert environment. The village site is accessible via Mine Wash, making it a popular stop for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.
How To Get There:
From the junction of S-3 and Highway 78, drive east on Highway 78 for 2.7 miles until you reach Mine Wash Road. Turn right and drive 1.6 miles up the road to reach the Kumeyaay Village Site, marked by a sign next to a boulder pile. The area is easy to explore with its historical significance and abundant morteros scattered throughout.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 68, 75
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 153-154
Coachwhip Canyon
Coachwhip Canyon offers a great way to immerse yourself in the Borrego Badlands in a place where you don’t need four-wheel-drive. The main attractions here are the scenic walls of the canyon, reddish-yellow sandstone sculpted and pockmarked with holes from the eroding effects of wind and water. Kids will love climbing on the rounded rocks. In springtime this is also a good place to see desert wildflowers.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive east on Palm Canyon Drive (S-22) toward the Salton Sea for 15.2 miles. The entrance to the canyon will be on the north side of the road at mile marker 34.8, across from the entrance to Arroyo Salado. The dirt road into the canyon is generally firm enough that 4WD is not needed, although there are some rocks to maneuver around and high clearance is advised. The road forks after about 0.5 mile. The left fork leads to an area of deeply eroded rocks, and the right fork ends in a place with steep canyon walls on all sides. Walking along the roadway is flat and easy, and there is plenty to see no matter which fork you choose.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 23-24
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 119
Truckhaven Rocks
The Truckhaven Rocks are a fascinating collection of colorful sandstone formations rising above the desert floor. These massive outcrops are among the oldest sedimentary rocks in Anza-Borrego. The hike to the “Rocks” from the highway is a fairly strenuous 1.4-mile round trip.
How to Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive east on Palm Canyon Drive (S-22) toward the Salton Sea for 15.9 miles to a parking area on the north side of the highway at mile marker 35.5. Hike up the the wash to the east of the “Rocks” for about 0.5 mile, then climb up out of the wash and skirt along the south side of the formations for 0.3 mile before dropping back down into another wash that takes you back to the highway.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego, Desert Volume 1, Pgs. 20-21
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 120
South Palm Wash
South Palm Wash is a popular hike, about 3.0 miles round trip. Once you get down into the wash from the highway, turn left and walk up the sandy wash. After 0.6 mile, the wash narrows, and you will pass under a natural bridge. Another 0.3 mile brings you to a 0.1 mile narrow slot canyon with 60-to-80 feet high sandstone walls. The wash continues for another 0.2 mile to a “hole-in-the-wall” among the boulders. Walk through this window and continue another 0.1 mile to a fork. Go to the left and walk 0.1 mile to the bottom of a dry waterfall. Return the way you came.
How To Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive 18.5 miles east on S-22 towards the Salton Sea. The Calcite Mine trailhead is marked by a kiosk on the north side of the highway at mile marker 38.2. You can park on either side of the highway and start your hike down the jeep road. Turn left when you reach the wash at the bottom.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 14, 17
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 138
Calcite Mine
The Calcite Mine offers a moderate 3.6-mile round trip hike with a 500-foot elevation gain. Known for its historical significance, this trail leads to an old World War II-era calcite mine once used for optical-grade calcite in military technology. The route provides impressive views of the Salton Sea and desert landscapes, with rocky terrain, boulders and unique geological formations. Hikers can explore abandoned mine shafts and spot desert wildlife like bighorn sheep and tortoises.
How To Get There
From Christmas Circle, drive 18.5 miles east on S22 towards the Salton Sea. The Calcite Mine trailhead is marked by a kiosk on the north side of the highway at mile marker 38.2. You can park on either side of the highway and start your hike down the jeep road.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 14-16
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 138-139
Ghost Mountain
Ghost Mountain (also known as the Marshal South Trail) is a 1.2-mile round-trip hike leading to the historic homestead of Marshal South on Ghost Mountain. The moderately challenging trail climbs 500 feet, offering sweeping views of the Blair Valley and surrounding desert landscapes. At the top, hikers can explore the remnants of South’s adobe house (Yaquitepec), where he and his family lived during their experiment in desert self-sufficiency in the 1930s and 1940s. Informative signs along the way share insights into the South family’s life and their unique attempt at desert living.
How To Get There
The trailhead for the Ghost Mountain is located off State Route S2, about 3 miles from the Blair Valley turnoff. Follow signs for Ghost Mountain to find the parking area. The nearest services are available in Borrego Springs.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 92-94
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 120
Pictograph Trail & Smugglers Canyon Overlook in Blair Valley
The Pictograph Trail is a great way to view one of over 50 rock art sites in Anza-Borrego. This is a moderate 1.8-mile hike that takes you through pinyons and junipers, plus the usual desert plants. You will eventually come to a large rock with symbols that were painted by the Kumeyaay Indians.
If you want to catch a great view, continue on for another 1.0 mile roundtrip to Smugglers Canyon Overlook. The Sawtooth Mountains and Laguna Mountains are visible from the south.
How to Get There
From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway S-2 (also known as Scissors Crossing), drive south on S-2 for 5.7 miles to the Blair Valley turnoff at mile marker 22.9 on the left side of the road. The Blair Valley road and dirt road conditions can often change, but this road is usually OK for high clearance vehicles. 4WD is always advised. On the Blair Valley road, drive east and then south for 1.2 miles along the base of the hills until you come to an arrow directing vehicles to go to the right. Go another 1.7 miles to a fork, turn left, go another 0.2 mile and then left again 2.0 miles to a parking area at the end of the road.
Book References
Weekenders Guide, Pgs. 24-26
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 92-97
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 245-246
Morteros Trail
The first part of the Morteros Trail is a relaxed stroll, just 0.2 miles to the site of a prehistoric Kumeyaay village. However, don’t be misled by this easy part; the remaining 2.8 miles round trip are strenuous, and several places will require careful boulder scrambling. There are lots of desert plants along the way. At the end of the route, where the canyon drops off sharply, you will have views to the Vallecito Stage Station and the Laguna Mountains. As you get started, spend some time exploring the village site, there are many morteros and metates ground into the rocks were food has been prepared.
How to Get There
From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway S-2 (also known as Scissors Crossing), drive south on S-2 for 5.7 miles to the Blair Valley turnoff at mile marker 22.9 on the left side of the road. The Blair Valley road and dirt road conditions can often change, but this road is usually OK for high clearance vehicles. 4WD is always advised. On the Blair Valley road, drive east and then south for 1.2 miles along the base of the hills until you come to an arrow directing vehicles to go to the right. Go another 1.7 miles to a fork, turn left, go another 0.2 mile and then left again for 0.5 mile to a parking area on the right side of the road.
To start your hike, follow the well-used trail to the village site, then stay to the left and continue walking down the canyon towards the south. After 1.2 miles there are several large boulders overlooking the area where the canyon drops off sharply. This is a good place to stop, enjoy the view, and return the same way that you came.
Book References
Weekenders Guide, Pgs. 24-26
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 92-95
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 244
Box Canyon
Box Canyon is a California Historical Landmark (#472). The Southern Emigrant Trail, later known as the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, went through this canyon, which was originally too narrow for the wagons to pass through. Using hand tools, the Mormon Battalion widened the canyon, making the route much more accessible.
The best way to experience this canyon is to arrange a car shuttle, using two vehicles. This way, you can start your hike at the top of the canyon and follow the the fairly easy 1.6-mile trail downhill to the bottom of the canyon.
How to Get There
From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway S-2 (also known as Scissors Crossing), drive south on S-2 for 8.9 miles to a small drainage area at mile marker 26.3 on the east (left) side of the road. Leave one vehicle here. Drive the second vehicle with all of the hikers north on S-2 for 1.5 miles, back up to a small parking area at mile marker 24.7 on the north (left) side of the highway. Park here, and then cross the road to the south side. Walk a few steps, then turn right and follow the California Riding & Hiking Trail as it parallels the road to the west. After 0.3 mile, the trail drops into the canyon. Continue 0.6 mile to the top of a dry waterfall. You can bypass this waterfall on the left and continue down the wash for 0.7 mile until you reach the first vehicle.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pg. 98-99
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 213
Hornblende Canyon
Hornblende Canyon offers a couple of hike options. You can opt for an easy 2.2-mile hike up the canyon to a dry waterfall and back. For those up to a more strenuous 3.6-mile hike, you can bypass the dry waterfall to the left and continue on for another 0.7 mile past mine tailings to an old Kumeyaay site where you can see many morteros (grinding holes) and metates (grinding slicks) in the boulders. Turn around and head back the way you came. The canyon contains a wide variety of desert plants, including cacti, desert apricot, brittlebush, apricot mallow and dudlyea. This is an excellent spring hike when the flowers are blooming.
How to Get There
From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway S-2 (also known as Scissors Crossing), drive south on S-2 for 8.8 miles to a small parking area at mile marker 26.1 on the south (left) side of the highway. Cross the road to the trailhead on the north side.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert, Volume 1, Pgs. 98-100
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pg. 213
Sombrero Peak
The route to Sombrero Peak is fairly short at 1.5 miles (3.1-mile round-trip), but you climb 2000 feet over the boulder-covered slopes to get there. At the top, you are rewarded with wide views across Southern California and into northern Mexico.
How to Get There
From the junction of Highway 78 and Highway S-2 (also known as Scissors Crossing), drive south on S-2 for 29.2 miles and turn right onto the Indian Gorge jeep road. 4WD is recommended, but the road is often passable to most high clearance vehicles. Drive for 2.8 miles and park at the end of the road. Climb straight up the ridge to the south until you reach a flat spot, then continue to the west and then southwest to the boulder-covered summit of the mountain. Go back the same way.
If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can park just off of the highway and explore on foot. The road forks in less than a mile. Both the left fork and right fork lead to more interesting rock formations. The area is small enough to check out both forks.
Book References
Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert Volume 2, Pg. 153
Anza-Borrego Desert Region, 6th ed., Pgs. 222-223
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water on your hike! We also suggest bringing a hat, sunscreen and snacks.
Dogs are not allowed on any park hiking trails. The only exception is the paved path between the Visitor Center and the Borrego Palm Canyon campground. However, you are always welcome to hike with your dog on any of the park’s 500 miles of dirt roads and jeep trails. Here are a few suggestions:
- Coyote Canyon
- Inspiration Wash
- Old Culp Valley Road
If you bring your dog to Anza-Borrego, remember to clean up after your dog.