Central Anza-Borrego: West Butte Borrego Mountain

Desert Varnish, West Butte

Borrego Mountain consists of a West Butte and an East Butte. While the steeper East Butte is part of the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area, the West Butte is a favorite of state park visitors. The peak is a moderately easy hike, while places like its slot canyon (The Slot) is a favorite of explorers and Hawk Canyon attracts campers and seekers of wildflowers. Blossoms usually start to appear in the spring season and may include flowers on its Ironwood trees in late spring.

Getting to the West Butte. From Borrego Springs, take Borrego Springs Road (County Road S-3) southeast. Continue in this direction to 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 left fork and to a point where the road widens into an area suitable for parking just before making a steep downhill drop