Anza-Borrego North: Glorietta Canyon

Glorietta Canyon

Glorietta Canyon is an out-of-the-way place at the base of Pinyon Ridge on the west side of the Borrego Valley about three miles south of Borrego Springs. In wildflower season, it always is a good place to look for flowers. If there is a drawback, it is that the unmarked turnoff from Borrego Springs Road at mile 9 can be hard to find, and a two-mile drive on narrow one-lane dirt roads is necessary to get to it.  The road does not require four wheel drive but there are a few rocks in the road you will need to drive around if you have low clearance.

When you reach the trailhead at the end of the road, you have your choice of hiking uphill into the canyon or up Glorietta wash on much flatter terrain.  Either route is an outstanding hike if you just have a few hours and want a nice and scenic day hike.

Hummingbird on Chuparosa, Justicia californica
Acanthaceae

Glorietta Canyon is very close to town but a little tricky to find.  Stop by the ABDNHA store ( one block west of Christmas Circle) for directions if you are uncertain