Central Anza-Borrego: Hawk Canyon

Say's Phoebe Waits for a Meal 

Hawk Canyon is noticeable for its geology, its plants, and its birds, especially the one it was named after. Hawk Canyon is inserted into the west mesa of Borrego Mountain

The beautiful sandstone cliffs of the area are evidence of an ancient marine environment. The Coyote Creek earthquake fault runs north and south on the east side of the east mesa of Borrego Mountain in the highly active San Jacinto Fault Zone. The Borrego Mountain earthquake of 9 April 1968 was logged at 6.5 on the Richter Scale. Earthquakes have made their mark here in the form of fault scarps.

In spring, this little canyon can be a wonderland of flowers with dozens of species. The Ironwood trees blossom in May and June. The Smoke Trees are in bloom in June and July. Whatever the season, the cliffs and plants provide shelter and sustenance to a variety of animals, birds, and insects.

Getting to Hawk Canyon. From Borrego Springs, take Borrego Valley Road (County Road S-3) southeast. Continue in this direction at La Casa del Zorro where S-3 turns south. Where Borrego Valley Road ends at Highway 78, turn east and go 1.3 mile to Buttes Pass Road on the north. (NOTE: Buttes Pass Road is an unpaved but driveable jeep trail. There is a brown state park road sign, but shrubs conceal the entrance so watch carefully. One mile north on Buttes Pass Road take the right fork to a point where the road widens into an area suitable for parking just before making a steep downhill drop. Park before driving downhill. If you have any concerns about your ability to drive in soft sand, leave your car here and walk down the hill, making the first left turn into Hawk Canyon.