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.
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