Palm Canyon Trail: At the western edge of Borrego Springs, next to
the Palm Canyon Campground in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Just minutes
from Christmas Circle. See an oasis of native palms, interesting geology,
lots of lizards along the way, and if you are lucky, maybe even some desert
bighorn sheep. This is the most popular, well-used trail in Anza-Borrego. 3
miles roundtrip and moderately strenuous.
State Park Visitor Center to Campground Trail
Travel between the Visitor Center and Palm Canyon Campground on a
concrete walkway with interpretive panels. Easy, level walking. 1.2
miles roundtrip.
Glorietta Canyon and Wash
Glorietta Canyon is just minutes from Borrego Springs and it offers
several options for hiking, all with beautiful scenery, plants and rock
formations. You have your choice of a trail that climbs to a saddle
overlooking the surrounding desert or a wash that winds its way into the
desert. This is a fantastic hike any time of the year but it is
especially beautiful in the spring when the brittlebush and other plants
are blooming. 1 mile roundtrip.
To reach Glorietta Canyon you need to take a dirt road; four-wheel drive
is not needed. The road is marked on the State Park map, but you might
want to ask directions if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Kenyon Overlook Trail
A short walk with a fantastic view. An easy walk from the parking lot
beside the Yaqui Pass Road (S3). This is a great hike at sunset, as the
distant mountain ranges take on subtle hues and shadows drift across the
landscape. 1 mile easy roundtrip.
Narrows Earth Trail
.5 mile loop trail with self-guiding brochure that
describes the geology of the area. Park off of Highway 78. It's 4.7
miles east of Tamarisk Grove.
Slot canyons
are wonderful places to explore, especially with older children. There are
many slot canyons in the Anza-Borrego Desert and two of them are close to
Borrego Springs.
Stop by the ANDNHA Nature Center to ask for directions if you are not
familiar with these areas.
Borrego Mountain - West Butte Slot Canyon. From Christmas Circle drive 11.5
miles south on Borrego Springs Road and then turn left on Highway 78. Go 1.5
miles to mile marker 87.2 and turn left on to the dirt road. Drive one mile
to a parking area. Four wheel drive is not required for this road but a high
clearance vehicle is advised. There is no marker for the trail but the upper
end of the slot canyon lies directly ahead the parking area, in the
deep-looking trench that you can see from the edge of the parking area. You
will see several paths that lead down from the edge of the parking lot. Be
careful as loose gravel can make for tough footing. When you get to the
bottom turn left and continue into the slot canyon.
South Palm Wash. This beautiful wash is easy to walk through, but four wheel
drive is advised to get to it. From Borrego Springs take Highway S-22 east
(towards Salton City) and go until mile marker 38. Look carefully on your
left for a parking area, as it's easy to miss. It is directly across from a
roadside callbox. From the parking area proceed carefully down the steep
road for .1 mile and you will come to a wash. Turn left and drive
approximately .5 miles to the beginning of the slot canyon. This slot canyon
is much better for small children.
