Slot Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert CA

• 5-star hike
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 100 to 300 feet
• Ocotillo Wells, CA | San Diego Region
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A stunning aerial view of a slot canyon, showcasing the intricate and narrow rock formations carved by erosion over time. The canyon walls are steep and rugged, with shadows cast by the setting or rising sun highlighting the texture and depth of the landscape. The surrounding terrain is arid and barren, with sparse vegetation visible on the horizon. This image captures the natural beauty and geological features of slot canyons, which are often sought after by hikers and photographers for their unique and dramatic scenery.

Looking down into the narrow canyon from above.

The wild and arid expanse of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is less than two hours East of San Diego, on a spectacular journey that's so scenic you'll hardly notice the long drive. However, there's a good chance you'd still miss this impressive slot canyon near Ocotillo Wells if you didn't know what to look for - when we journeyed out there wasn't a sign in sight to direct you down the dirt trail to the trailhead.

Often known as just "The Slot" this well-travelled path snakes through a tight siltstone canyon with 40-foot high walls towering above you. Our recommended clockwise route follows the off-roading trail heading West, drops into the canyon down a steep sandy slope, and leads up the slot canyon back to the parking lot.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Slot Canyon Out-and-Back 0.7 mi out-and-back, moderate, gain 100 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Slot Canyon Clockwise Loop 2.2 mi loop, moderate, gain 300 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

Initially the slot is wide enough to accommodate four-wheel-drive vehicles, but eventually becomes so narrow you're going to wish that you hadn't eaten so many cheeseburgers last week. We didn't do a good job of capturing the narrow slot canyon in photos, though we did make a poor-quality video that we link to in this article to give you a good impression of what to expect.

An alternative approach is to immediately drop into the canyon from the trailhead. We don't think this is the best way to experience this geological marvel, but we can understand that some would want to eschew the two mile desert walk in favor of getting straight to the heart of the site. Unfortunately this does result in problems where two-way foot traffic meets the tightest of canyon spots, and this is best overcome by arriving early or at off-peak times.

A side-by-side comparison of two photographs taken in a desert canyon. The left photograph shows a person walking through a wide, sandy canyon with steep, rocky walls and a clear blue sky above. The right photograph depicts a narrower section of the canyon with towering rock formations and a small patch of blue sky visible through the top. Both images highlight the rugged and dramatic landscape of the canyon, showcasing the natural beauty and geological features of the area.

Approaching the narrows. | Winding gradually uphill.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is best explored in the shoulder months to avoid the heat, and particularly in late February and early March when wildflower displays can carpet the desert floors.

We assume it is intentional that there are no signposts leading from State Route 78 to avoid crowding the area. Locating the dirt road off the highway should be easy when using our driving directions link at the top of the page. Follow the dirt road for 1.8 miles until you reach the trailhead where the road takes a sharp left turn.

A person hiking on a sandy, inclined trail in a desert-like environment. The person is wearing a light blue shirt, beige pants, and a backpack, and is holding a bottle and a piece of cloth. Another person is visible in the background, also hiking up the trail. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the landscape features rocky hills and distant mountains.

A sandy descent into the canyon from on the loop trail.

Bring cash as trailhead parking requires a fee payment unless you already paid at the Visitor Center some 17 miles distant, but close to Borrego Springs. This short hike is a popular attraction for this State Park, so try and arrive early - particularly on weekends and holidays when the parking lot fills up quickly.

If you're heading West when you've finished exploring the park, consider checking out the small town of Julian where you can stretch your legs and explore the gold-rush era town with an ice cream in hand. The town is also well known for its locally baked apple pies, made with the fruit from locally grown apple orchards.

A scenic desert landscape at sunset. The sun is setting behind a range of mountains, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. The foreground features rugged, rocky terrain with sparse vegetation. A vehicle is visible on a dirt road, adding a sense of scale and adventure to the scene. This image captures the beauty and vastness of a desert environment during the golden hour, highlighting the contrast between the warm colors of the sunset and the cool tones of the mountains.

Sunset over the Vallecito Mountains.

Tangents:
• Trailspotting: YouTube Video
• Official: CA State Parks
• AllTrails Public: The Slot
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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