Anza-Borrego North: Coyote Canyon: Lower Willows

Coyote Creek in the shadows of Lower Willows

Lower Willows is a two-mile slot of dense green foliage along the banks of Coyote Creek. It fills a meandering narrow slot between the mountains west of Anza-Borrego (Bucksnort Mountain, Hot Springs Mountain, San Ysidro Mountain) and the Santa Rosa Mounains. Access is on foot or on horseback. All others must two creek crossings and a difficult bypass road.

The only bad news is that Lower Willows is just inside the part of the part that is closed from mid-June until September 30 to leave the area to the sheep and other wildlife. From October until the June closing, camping near Lower Willows can be a wonderful experience on a night when the frogs and toads are making their music.

Art Morley and Keith Smeltzer describe the birds and plant life in Barbara L. Massey's Guide to the Birds of the Anza-Borrego Desert.

This is a hike with many rewards, not the least of which is being able to walk in the cool waters of Coyote Creek on a hot day. Plan to walk barefoot. The deep mud can pull sandals right off your feet. Shoes are worthless Wear shorts or hiking pants that convert to shorts. Protect your camera and any other fragile possessions in case you slip and fall in the water.

Distance hikers turn north into Box Canyon (formerly known as North Canyon) for longer walks.