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.
25 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
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.
10 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
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.
20 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
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.
10Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
Cactus Loop Trail
Self guided moderate hike, with some hills to climb, across from Tamarisk Campground.
15 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
Narrows Earth Trail
This is a 0.5 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.
15 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do this hike!
Slot Canyons
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.
The Slot
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 0.1 mile and you will come to a wash. Turn left and drive approximately 0.5 miles to the beginning of the slot canyon. This slot canyon is much better for small children.
25 Points in your Explorer Guide if you do either of these hikes!
