Hikes
Here are the most popular hikes in Anza-Borrego. Click on the button for more details about each hike.
The Visitor Center Nature Trail is a short 0.25 mile self-guided trail that starts right outside of the park visitor center. See native plants along the way, as well as native pupfish in a small waterhole. Day use fee.
The Visitor Center / Campground Trail is a paved trail that travels between the park visitor center and Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Easy, level walking. 1.2 miles roundtrip. Day use fee.
The Borrego Palm Canyon trail is at the western edge of Borrego Springs, next to the Palm Canyon Campground in Anza-Borrego State Park. Just minutes from Christmas Circle. See an oasis of native palms, interesting geology, lots of lizards along the way, and if you are lucky, you might see some desert bighorn sheep. This is the most heavily used trail in Anza-Borrego. 3 miles roundtrip. Day use fee.
Hellhole Canyon – Palm grove & Maidenhair Falls. Just minutes from Borrego Springs. Day use fee.
Little Surprise Canyon – This is a beautiful little canyon with fascinating geology and wildflowers in season. Just minutes from Borrego Springs. Day use fee.
Glorietta Canyon – This canyon is just minutes from Borrego Springs. It offers several options for hiking, all with beautiful scenery, plants and rock formations.
The Slot – Have lots of fun exploring this deep and narrow slot canyon! Two miles of dirt road driving are required to get to the starting point of this hike. 4WD is generally not required, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. 2 miles roundtrip.
Bill Kenyon Overlook – Enjoy this short walk with a fantastic view. It is an easy walk from the parking lot beside the Yaqui Pass Road (S3). This is a great hike at sunset, as the distant mountain ranges take on subtle hues and shadows drift across the bajadas.
Cactus Loop – This is a self-guided moderate hike, with some hills to climb, across from Tamarisk Campground. 1 mile roundtrip.
Yaqui Well Nature Trail – This is an easy walk to desert water hole and popular birding spot. The trail starts across from Tamarisk Campground. 1.6 miles roundtrip.
Narrows Earth Trail – Hike this 0.5 mile loop trail right off of Highway 78. Self-guided brochures are available, describing the geology of the area. Park off of Highway 78, 4.7 miles east of Tamarisk Grove.
Pictograph Trail – Combine these two short hikes in Blair Valley to see many pictographs and morteros. 2 miles roundtrip.
Morteros Trails – Combine these two short hikes in Blair Valley to see many pictographs and morteros. 2 miles roundtrip.