The closest trail to the south entrance of Zion Nation Park, and one of the best introductions to Zion, is Watchman Trail. This 3.5-mile lollipop loop climbs 500 feet to a rocky bench on the east side of Zion Canyon. The destination serves up stunning views of a nearby tower named The Watchman and several standout rock formations on the walls of Zion Canyon.

From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, the mesmerizing hike begins with a level walk along the east bank of the Virgin River. To the right, above an overflow parking area, there is already a view of The Watchman, a jagged spire topping out 2,500 feet overhead. Thankfully, this trail does not ascend all the way to the summit of The Watchman, which would require merciless mountain climbing. Instead, the trail gradually reaches a landing on the side of the canyon beneath the towering prominence.

The Watchman from the start of the trail

After a quarter-mile river bank stroll, the trail bends to the right, crosses a paved service road, and leaves the canyon floor. A short series of steps on the other side of the road prepare your legs for the 500-foot ascent to come. Progress across a desert landscape with motivating view up Zion Canyon toward a bowl shaped side-canyon.

Looking up Zion Canyon

Just over half a mile from the start, the trail launches into switchbacks built into the north side of the side canyon. After 0.6 miles of climbing, the trail crosses the back of the canyon over two small streams and continues south to the split for the loop.

The trail up to the loop below The Watchman

The half-mile circuit at the end of Watchman Trail is level and scenic. Spindled juniper clings to the rusty soil, leaving room for massive views. The right branch of the loop follows the canyon rim out to the westernmost point of the bench, where the best views up Zion Canyon can be found. The left side of the loop heads straight toward The Watchman, reaching the lip of a side canyon to the south before rounding toward the overlook.

There is a dramatic drop below Watchman Overlook and staggering views in every direction. To the southeast, is the orange pinnacle of The Watchman itself. Further south, beyond the park border, open Utah desert stretches toward the Vermilion Cliffs in Southern Arizona. To the west, on the sandstone wall across from the bench, there is a stunning stretch of Zion Canyon that includes The Alter of Sacrifice (recognizable for the deep red stain on the stone).

Morning light reaches The Watchman

After soaking up the views along the loop, hike the mile and a half back down the trail. Sunrise is an excellent time to explore Watchman Trail, when the transfer from shadow to sunlight is dramaticaly displayed along the walls of Zion Canyon. The trailhead is a short walk from both Watchman Campground and South Campground. If you are bedding down inside the park, Watchman Trail is an excellent way to start your day.

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center at the south entrance of the park near the city of Springdale, walk northwest past the shuttle stop to the bank of the Virgin River. Take the walkway to the north side of the road to the start of Watchman Trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on protrails.com

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Rarely is a mile-long hike as action packed and rewarding as Canyon Overlook Trail. The overlook sits on the rim of Pine Creek Canyon, which adjoins Zion Canyon to provide massive views of thousand-foot tall sandstone bluffs. There are ravines and overhangs along the short trail that will keep you entertained along the way. This excellent hike is appealing to all, especially those with limited time in Zion National Park.

The hike begins from a small larking area on Route 9 (Zion-Mount Carmel Highway) just east of the Mount Carmel Tunnel. Pick up the trail on the north side of the road and begin up a few short switchbacks, gaining a third of the 150 feet of elevation gain between the trailhead and the overlook.

Looking down on the Pine Creek Narrows

Progress along a ledge that looks out over a dark snaking ravine, the Pine Creek Narrows. Those with a fear of heights will cling to the metal railing leading to a short plank bridge. Walk the plank and continue on the trail beneath a large sandstone overhang. This shady spot offers an excellent view of Mount Carmel and its colorful arch shaped midsection. This impressive anticline offers a window into the geological forces that shaped Zion. Continue along the trail past juniper and boulders to the overlook itself, just half a mile from the trailhead.

Canyon Overlook

On the drive up Zion-Mount Carmel Highway from Zion Canyon, you probably notice an arch-shaped overhang on the orange east wall of Pine Creek Canyon. Canyon Overlook stands directly above this formation, known as The Great Arch. The short but wide Pine Creek Canyon spreads west toward Zion Canyon. From the viewpoint above the arch, you will find a broad unimpeded view to the west over Zion Canyon toward the Towers of the Virgin. To the north (right) is a 7,709-foot summit known as the East Temple, which towers over Pine Creek Canyon. To the northwest, on the opposite side of Zion Canyon, is The Sentinel stretches skyward to 7,157 feet. This impressive spire is also visible from Court of the Patriarchs, at the end of the shortest “trail” in the park.

At sunrise, you can watch the light first illuminate the orange walls of Zion Canyon. At the end of the day, you can see the sun disappear over Zion. Both are excellent times to visit Canyon Overlook Trail. The view is sure to impress at any hour of the day; this short hike really delivers.

Watching the sun set over Zion Canyon

To get to the trailhead: From the park visitor center, drive 1.5 miles north on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (Route 9) to Canyon Junction and turn right on Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (Route 9) and continue another 4.5 miles. Take a series of switchbacks up to the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. Drive through the tunnel. On the other side, make an immediate right into a small parking lot. Walk across the road and begin hiking.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Riverside Walk This level 2.8-mile walkway is a popular place to hike and swim, following the Virgin River to the bottom of the narrows north of Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Canyon Overlook Trail on birdandhike.com

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on Utah.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on localhikes.com

Canyon Overlook Trail on trails.sierraclub.org

Zion National Park on wikipedia.org

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Riverside Walk accesses the notorious narrows north of Zion Canyon, making it one of the most popular trails in Zion National Park. To the end of the trail (at the start of the narrows) and back is a 2.8-mile hike over a level walkway bordering the Virgin River. Those looking to escape the Utah summer heat can leave the trail at any of several river access points to take a refreshing swim.

Riverside Walk begins from the Temple of Sinawava, where 3,000-foot rock walls form an amphitheater at the north end of Zion Canyon. The wheelchair friendly paved trail gains just sixty vertical feet as it follows the east bank of the Virgin River. Enjoy views of the passing water (and reflected orange sandstone walls) on the way to a small pool on the right, approximately ¾ of a mile from the start. Maidenhair ferns form a hanging garden on the rock face, resembling a miniature Emerald Pools.

A pool along the trail

Beyond the pool, march up a short rise and continue up the narrowing canyon. The ingress squeezes between sheer rock walls and elegant bends in the river.

Most who hike Riverside Walk do not stop at the end of the trail, and press on through water than can be waist to chest deep. By trail’s end, the canyon is just a hundred feet wide. Those who venture further upstream can see that it become narrower still. The gap between the thousand foot tall canyon walls shrinks to just twenty feet.

If you are continuing another two miles to Orderville Canyon, or trekking deeper into the narrows, be prepared for river hiking in potentially dangerous conditions. Flash flooding does occur. Those serious about hiking the narrows may prefer the 17.5-mile one-way descent through the narrows from Chamberlain’s Ranch to the Temple of Sinawava (at the start of the Riverside Walk), an epic backpacking excursion.

After exploring as much of the narrows as you wish, return down the Riverside Walk. This trail is easy, with nice scenery and crowds. An fee is required to enter Zion National Park, but the park shuttle to the trailhead is free. No permit is required to hike Riverside Walk, but a wilderness permit must be obtained to backpack through the narrows.

The Virgin River along Riverside Walk

To get to the trailhead: Between May and October, access to Zion Canyon is restricted to shuttle traffic only. From the Zion National Park Visitor Center, take the park shuttle to the final stop at the northernmost end of Zion Canyon, Temple of Sinawava.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                             

These photos were taken in July of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Weeping Rock This 0.4-mile hike visits an alcove in the sandstone wall of Zion Canyon where water seeps out of the rock, nourishing hanging gardens and plentiful vegetation.
	Hidden Canyon This 4.5-mile hike ascends the east rim of Zion Canyon above Weeping Rock, and then crosses dramatic cliffs to reach a hanging canyon housing a small natural arch.
	Angel’s Landing This 5.2-mile hike takes an incredible route up the east rim of Zion Canyon ascending to a towering slab of sandstone jutting into the center of the canyon. The expansive views and thousand foot drop-offs have made this trail world famous.
	Emerald Pools This 2.6-mile loop visits three tiers of enchanting pools by incorporating the Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools Trails.
	Court of the Patriarchs This 0.1-mile walk heads up a short rise in the center of Zion Canyon to offer a nice view of the surrounding sandstone peaks.
	Watchman Trail This 3.5-mile lollipop loop reaches a panoramic overlook on the side of Zion Canyon.
	Canyon Overlook Trail This one-mile round trip hike visits a scenic viewpoint looking west over Zion Canyon.
	More trails in Utah Explore other hikes in Utah outside of Zion National Park.

 

Camping

 

Zion Campgrounds There are two large campgrounds at the south end of Zion canyon and another near Kolob Canyon.

 

More Info

 

Zion National Park on hikespeak.com

Riverside Walk on birdandhike.com

Riverside Walk on utah.com

A shuttle and trail map for Zion Canyon on Utah.com

The official website for Zion National Park

 

Hellhole Canyon is backed up against the San Jacinto Mountains just southwest of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center in Borrego Springs. The ominously named canyon is home to Maidenhair Falls, a seasonal 20-foot waterfall that makes a refreshing hiking destination on a hot day in the California desert. If you are visiting the park in early spring, or any time rains bring water to Hellhole Canyon, Maidenhair Falls should be on your itinerary. The trail to the mouth of the canyon is wide and well maintained, but when the canyon narrows, rock scrambling is mandatory and there is only a faint path to follow to the top of this 5.5-mile round trip hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Starting from the same trailhead as the California Desert Hiking and Riding Trail, head west toward Hellhole Canyon. There are three canyons visible from the start of the trail. Hellhole Canyon is furthest to the left, and conveniently that’s exactly where the trail will take you. A quarter mile from the start, go straight through a junction with California Desert Hiking and Riding Trail, which heads up into the mountains to the left. A single track coming in from the right connects to the visitor center, which is a more distant starting point for this hike.

The start of Hellhole Canyon Trail

Progress up the wide alluvial fan outside Hellhole Canyon, passing between ocotillo, creosote bush, and other desert brush. A mile and a half from the start, the trail enters the canyon. An old track splits to the right heading closer to the creek bed past an old mountain lion warning sign. The more traveled trail continues along the south wall, eventually dropping across the creek bed to reunite with the other path and continue up canyon. If there is at least a trickle of water flowing down the sand, the waterfall ahead should be full of life.

The trail becomes less defined as the canyon walls close, requiring you to scramble over rocks and dance around vegetation. Pass a small cluster of palms at around mile 2.15 and press on to a larger oasis 1/3 of a mile up the canyon. Many hikers turn back here, trading in the relief of the falls for the shade of the palms. With that, the trail grows even fainter.

Hellhole Canyon Oasis

Make your way up along the creek, following traces of trails toward a common destination. Sycamores and cottonwoods are as thick as thieves, huddled along the bottom of this thin riparian zone. A slight 10-foot waterfall just below Maidenhair Falls might be confused with the desired cascade. Do not stop here! Continue a few hundred feet up a rocky slope to reach the more impressive Maidenhair Falls.

The sound of tumbling water leads to a twenty-foot waterfall in the center of the canyon. Maidenhair ferns adorn the moss-covered rocks around the falls, giving the waterfall its name. Thankfully it is not called Hellhole Falls, as that title would be ill suited for such a serene seasonal cascade. Maidenhair Falls is approximately 2.75 from the trailhead (the exact distance can vary depending on your route up the canyon). After an arduous climb, step into the calf-deep pool and shower yourself below the falls. The cool waters will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized for the entire hike down the canyon.

Maindenhair Falls

Indeed Maidenhair Falls is an excellent place to hike in the Anza-Borrego Desert. If it is hotter than a hellhole in Borrego Springs, head up the trail to Maidenhair Falls for an exhilarating cold shower. No fee or permit is required to hike to Maidenhair Falls, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 1.3 miles west on Palm Canyon Road. Turn left on Montezuma Valley Road (Route S22), which is 0.4 miles before the park visitor center. Drive 0.8 miles south and turn right into the large dirt parking area at the trailhead (just before the road heads up the mountain). There is a bathroom at the far end of the lot away from the start of the trail.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

A small memorial to the 200th trail report on hikespeak.com assembled in Hellhole Canyon

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Borrego Palms Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Calcite Mine Trail This 4.25-mile trek climbs 600 feet to a historic mine site, exploring exciting narrows along the way.
	The Slot This 1.2-mile hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Rainbow Canyon Trail This 2.2-mile adventure follows an undeveloped trail up a colorful canyon full of vibrant rock formations and desert plants.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

An article on Maindenhair Falls by Jerry Schad in the San Diego Reader

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maindenhair Falls on modernhiker.com

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maindenhair Falls on calipidder.com

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maindenhair Falls on hikemasters.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Borrego Palms Canyon is a wide trench descending west to east down the San Ysidro Mountains just west of Borrego Springs. The creation of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park began in the 1930s with the protection of this palm tree filled canyon. The popularity of the trail exploring Borrego Palms Canyon has endured, even as the park has expanded to protect a thousand square miles of southeastern California. This 3.25-mile loop ascends 450 feet to a shady oasis in an alluring desert canyon.

The trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palms Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an eight-dollar day use fee is charged. This is the only trailhead in the park that requires such a fee.

The start of Borrego Palms Canyon Trail

Pick up an informative pamphlet and begin hiking west up the wash outside Borrego Palms Canyon. Numbered markers coincide with entries in the trail guide that tell the story of the canyon as you hike. The trail passes through a variety of cacti and other desert vegetation. In the early spring, a surprisingly active stream flows out of Borrego Palms Canyon. Follow the trail back and forth over the creek bed a few times to arrive at a marked junction one mile (and 300 vertical feet) from the start. To the left, an alternate trail heads back to the campground. Hike this way on the return to add an extra quarter-mile to the trek, along with wider views and varied scenery.

Turn right, continuing up the canyon toward the oasis. Downed palm trunks scattered around the mouth of the canyon are evidence of damage from a flash flood that tore through Borrego Palms Canyon in 2004. As the trail becomes slightly more rugged, amble over and around rocks to reach a small cluster of palms 1/3 of a mile from the junction. Press on to the grand oasis of California fan palms just ahead.

The first cluster of palms

Borrego Palms Canyon Oasis

Relax in the shade of one of the largest palm oases in California. A far less-traveled track continues up Borrego Palms Canyon toward season waterfalls and an ascent trail to Indianhead Mountain.

On your way back down the canyon, continue straight through the junction to return via the alternate trail. This single track climbs 90 feet up and over an alluvial fan south of the canyon itself, providing new views on the way back to the trailhead.
This 1.25-mile track crosses through thriving cacti, ocotillo and other desert brush, and sees less foot traffic than the main trail up the canyon.

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 1.5 miles west on Palm Canyon Drive to an unmarked service road just past Route S22, and 0.2 miles before the park visitor center. Turn north and drive one mile to the entrance of Borrego Palms Canyon Campground. Pass through the $8 day use fee station and drive to the trailhead at the west end of the campground.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Calcite Mine Trail This 4.25-mile trek climbs 600 feet to a historic mine site, exploring exciting narrows along the way.
	The Slot This 1.2-mile hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Rainbow Canyon Trail This 2.2-mile adventure follows an undeveloped trail up a colorful canyon full of vibrant rock formations and desert plants.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Fortynine Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Lost Palms Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on sierraclub.org

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on modernhiker.com

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on greeneadventures.com

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on localhikes.com

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on san-diego-travels.com

Borrego Palms Canyon Trail on takemytrip.com

The official state park webpage for Borrego Palms Canyon Trail

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

For an exciting 2.2-mile hike on an undeveloped trail through a colorful canyon, make your way to Rainbow Canyon, located south of Blair Valley in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A bit of scrambling is required on this hike, to climb several sloped dry falls within the canyon. There is 250 feet of elevation gain between the trailhead and the turnaround point, with plenty to see along the way.

From the unmarked trailhead along route S2, begin hiking northeast toward Rainbow Canyon. Follow the path up the wash, crossing a metal fence toward the mouth of the canyon, 1/3 of a mile from the trailhead. The alluvial fan below the canyon is surprisingly lush, populated by agave and cholla cacti. Ahead, these desert plants broaden the spectrum in the already colorful canyon. Rainbow Canyon does not appear to be a large water source, and one wonders how the vegetation can be so vibrant here. Aside from several smooth pour-overs, there is little evidence of water flowing down the canyon. Perhaps there is more going on underground than meets the eye.

Rainbow Canyon

Not long after entering Rainbow Canyon, and just under half a mile from the start, you will arrive at the first of eight dry falls. Make your way over the angled six-foot dry falls and continue up the canyon through pronounced rock walls. None of the dry falls are too vertical or too challenging to be climbed by fit hikers, and ropes are not needed.

Rainbow Canyon carves through metamorphic rock that has been folded over into swirling colorful patterns (kind of like a rainbow). Layers of brown, red, and yellow, stand next to blacks and grays, while veins of mineral deposits add glistening lines to the spectacle. Rainbow Canyon offers an impressive display of the geological forces at work in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Take your time, and examine all the unique rocks along the way.

After the third dry falls, and 0.7 miles from the start, stay to the right at a fork in the canyon. Ahead, a few more dry falls come in quick succession, including a fun pair of dry falls that are nearly on top of each other. This is an excellent spot to gain a perched view down Rainbow Canyon.

A dry falls in Rainbow Canyon

At mile 1.1, the canyon tapers out and widens, becoming less adventurous. The canyon continues for another two miles toward the south end of Blair Valley, but turn around here and enjoy a fun descent over the ornately colored dry falls. Juniper trees appear along the slopes at the top of the canyon, serving as an indicator that you have reached the end of the hike (if you lost count of the dry falls).

This is an action-packed hike up a less-traveled canyon. No fee or permit is required to hike Rainbow Canyon, so get out and enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 5 miles southwest on Borrego Springs Road. Turn right on Route S3 (Yaqui Pass Road) and drive 7 miles south over the ridge to Tamarisk Grove. Turn right on Route 78, and head west for another seven miles to Route S2. Turn left and drive 11 mile south, passing Blair Valley, to mile marker 27.7. Park on the east shoulder of the road, on the outside of a broad curve. Pick one of a few paths leaving the road that unite in the wash below Rainbow Canyon.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	The Slot This 1.2-mile hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Borrego Palms Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Calcite Mine Trail This 4.25-mile trek climbs 600 feet to a historic mine site, exploring exciting narrows along the way.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Rainbow Canyon Trail in AFOOT & AFIELD SAN DIEGO COUNTY by Jerry Schad

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

For a brief period at the start of America’s involvement in World War Two, this area was heavily mined for its high-grade calcite, a mineral then used to make bomb sights. This approximately 4-mile expedition follows an old mining road into the Santa Rosa Mountains, crossing a narrow ravine with slot canyons that hikers may explore to add variety and excitement to the trek.

From the not-entirely-well-marked trailhead on route S22 east of Borrego Springs, begin down Calcite Mine Road, which immediately drops seventy-five feet into Palm Wash. Continue up the dirt road across desert badlands toward the mine built into Pyramid Peak. You are hiking up a 4X4 road so look out for occasional vehicle traffic.

Calcite Mine Road crosses Palm Wash toward Pyramid Peak

The road dips into a ravine 1.4 miles from the start, and half a mile from Calcite Mine. Above and below the road are narrows open only to hikers. To venture up the ravine to the mine site, leave the road and turn left. After a few hundred feet, the ravine narrows to just a few feet wide. Weave your way through winding water-swept sandstone, climbing a few pour-overs that obstruct the path.

Hiking up the narrows

The trench eventually widens and arrives at a ten-foot dry falls. Retreat a few hundred yards and look for a steep track ascending through a gap on the east wall of the canyon. Climb to the rim and turn right, marching east on a faint and sometimes invisible footpath. Worry not, the mine is near. Hike over a low ridge and across the top of a small depression to reach the mine. You will pass to the left of a tall porous rock formation before stepping down to a large turnaround area at the top of the road.

This is the mine site, though there is no rusting equipment to identify the location. Look below your feet and you are sure to spot a few pieces of calcite glistening on the ground. Calcite Mine played a brief but important role in U.S. history. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, military specialists pinpointed this rich deposit of optical-grade calcite, an essential material in the manufacturing of precision bomb sights and anti-aircraft weaponry. The discovery led to vigorous trench mining, which came to an end as quickly as it began when a synthetic substitute was created that held the same optical qualities as calcite and was less expensive to produce.

The top of Calcite Mine Road and the mound southeast of the mine

There are footpaths leaving Calcite Mine in several directions. Take the opportunity to explore. A track descending southeast to a rocky mound offers nice view over the vast badlands. The Salton Sea is visible to the east, a full 1,300 feet below Calcite Mine at 226 feet below sea level. North of Calcite Mine is the aptly named Locomotive Rock, a long prominent formation with jagged steps that stands out from the landscape, and is identifiable from the trailhead. A rugged jeep trail drops into the canyon below Locomotive Rock, allowing even greater exploration.

Locomotive Rock

When you are ready to head out, hike half a mile back down the road to the ravine where you first went off-road to explore the narrows. Now turn left to head downhill through a lower slot.

Sunlight entering the narrows

After 0.45 miles of fun, the narrows join a larger branch of the canyon. Turn right and stride down to the top of another 4X4 road. About a quarter mile down the wash, turn right up a steep jeep road. The road is faint, but it is very important not to miss this turn. If you continue down the wash, it will angle progressively further to the east, away from the trailhead, resulting in a frustrating unplanned extension of several miles. It is quite easy to lose your sense of direction in these winding desert channels, which is why it is important to hike with a reliable map, and useful to carry a GPS device. Assuming you don’t mistakenly continue down the wash (man, that would be frustrating…), hike up out of the wash and down the connection road until it meets up with Calcite Mine Road. Turn left and return to the trailhead, less than a mile away.

Looking down Calcite Mine Road toward the trailhead

This figure-eight shaped lollipop loop visits enthralling narrows and a mine site important to history of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Calcite Mine is 1.9 miles from Route S22 over the mine road, and a little further through the narrows. Plan to hike at least a quarter mile around the mine site on this varied 4.25-mile trek with 600 feet of elevation between the low and high points. No fee or permit is required to visit Calcite Mine and the adjacent narrows, so get out enjoy.

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive east for 4.3 miles on Palm Canyon Dive. The road bends north, becoming Pegleg Road. After 2.4 miles, the road turns east onto Borrego Salton Seaway (Route S22). Drive another 12.4 miles to the trailhead. There is a large turnout on the north side of the road near mile marker 38. Calcite Mine Trail begins 0.2 miles to the east (marker 38.2). Directly across from the trailhead, there is a smaller pullout on the south side of the road near emergency call box 382. Park in either spot, and walk to the display panel at the start of Calcite Mine Road, which describes the history of Calcite Mine.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                           

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Borrego Palms Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	The Slot This 1.2-mile hike descends through a narrow canyon beneath a natural rock span that is among the most photographed landmarks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Rainbow Canyon Trail This 2.2-mile adventure follows an undeveloped trail up a colorful canyon full of vibrant rock formations and desert plants.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Golden Canyon – Gower Gulch Loop in Death Valley National Park This 4-mile loop travels up canyons and across badlands in a stunning region of the park near Furnace Creek.
	Contact Mine in Joshua Tree National Park This 3.9-mile hike ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree.
	New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike travels an old mining road before summiting the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Wildflowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

Calcite Mine Trail on sandiegoreader.com

Calcite Mine Trail on modernhiker.com

Calcite Mine Trail on signonsandiego.com

Calcite Mine Trail on calipidder.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Simply named The Slot, this narrow siltstone canyon provides one of the most exciting hikes in the Anza-Borrego Desert. This 1.2-mike trek is capped off with a passage beneath a gravity-defying rock span. There is only 100 feet of elevation loss on this short hike, but the memory will be much more profound.

There is no trail marker for The Slot. From the parking area, look for footprints leading down into the ravine below. Left of the trailhead, just to the right of a dirt road continuing east, there is a wide path that appears to descend into the canyon. This is not the way. The winding trail cliff’s out above a dry falls in a side canyon above The Slot. The correct route is the narrow steep-looking track that drops right off the rim of the ravine, straight ahead from the parking area.

Slowly descend into the trench. The trail is steep, but not nearly as steep as it looks from above, dropping less than fifty feet. There are no more optical illusions from here, just eye-popping natural wonders.

Turn left and venture down to The Slot. The siltstone walls grow taller and narrower. A tenth of a mile from the start, the canyon becomes quite narrow. Hopefully you did not eat a big breakfast, because you will need to squeeze through course walls that are shoulder width apart, and less in places.

The shaded slot provides cool relief from the desert above. Progress through the narrows for 0.3 miles to the highlight of the trek, a slanted rock slab bridging a narrow gap in the canyon. This scepter-shaped block appears to have broken off one wall and come to a comfortable resting place between the two. The precarious feature could fall at any moment, but it remains lodged overhead, trapped in some loophole of the earth’s gravitational pull.

The Slot

Not far below, the canyon widens and the trail meets the top of a jeep road. One option is to walk down this road a ways to a junction, and turn left to loop back to the start, adding over a mile to the hike. It is probably better to turn around when you meet the road and hike back up through the slot. The trail is enjoyable a second time, and probably many more beyond that.

The back of the rock bridging The Slot

To the north of the parking area, a trail ascends to the 1,207-foot summit of West Butte in the Borrego Mountains. From the summit, one can hike west along a ridge to the dirt road below The Slot, and return to the trailhead through the canyon for a 3.5-mile loop. For more information on this variation of the hike, consult Jerry Schad’s Afoot & Afield San Diego County.

To get to the trailhead: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 11.5 miles southwest on Borrego Springs Road. Turn left on Route 78 East and drive 1.5 miles to mile marker 87.2. Turn north on the unmarked Buttes Pass Road. Drive one mile up this dirt road to a fork, and make a left on Borrego Mountain Wash. Continue another mile to the parking area for The Slot. Low clearance vehicles may have to stop a quarter mile from the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

       
                   

These photos were taken in March of 2011. Click to enlarge.

 

Video

 

Hiking through “The Slot” in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from Seth Smigelski on Vimeo.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Calcite Mine Trail This 4.25-mile trek climbs 600 feet to a historic mine site, exploring exciting narrows along the way.
	Narrows Earth Trail This 0.5-mile self-guided hike explores the geology of the park.
	Borrego Palms Canyon Trail This 3.25-mile loop visits a popular palm tree oasis in a canyon west of Borrego Springs.
	Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls This 5.5-mile hike visits a 20-foot waterfall in a canyon near Borrego Springs, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in the California Desert.
	Pictograph Trail This 1.8-mile hike visits rock paintings drawn by Kumeyaay Indians who lived in the Anza-Borrego Desert thousands of years ago.
	Morteros Trail This 0.6-mile hike visits a village of boulders once occupied by Kumeyaay Indians who left behind Morteros, grinding bowls carved into the rock.
	Rainbow Canyon Trail This 2.2-mile adventure follows an undeveloped trail up a colorful canyon full of vibrant rock formations and desert plants.
	Elephant Trees Trail This easy one-mile loop offers a lesson in desert botany including the rare Elephant Tree.
	Wind Caves Trail This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation that begs to be explored.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	Grotto Canyon in Death Valley This 2 to 4 mile hike requires a bit of climbing and is a lesser-visited trail in Death Valley.
	Sidewinder Canyon in Death Valley This 4 to 7 mile hike visits narrow slot canyons full of pour-overs, carve outs, and dark passages that beg to be explored.

 

Camping

 

Anza-Borrego Desert Campgrounds There are four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and extensive roadside camping to accommodate your visit to California’s largest state park.

 

Flowers

 

See more wildflowers in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park The desert bloom brings out Barrel Cactus, Bigelow’s Monkeyflower, Ocotillo, and more.

 

More Info

 

The Slot in AFOOT & AFIELD SAN DIEGO COUNTY by Jerry Schad

The Slot on about.com

The official website for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

 

Contact Mine was in operation at the start of the 20th century, extracting gold and silver from the mountains south of Twentynine Palms, California. A hundred years of desert decay have left the mine rusty but recognizable. The old road to the mine is worn down and eroded, now just a little-used hiking trail. This 3.95-mile round trip trek ascends 700 feet up a wash, a canyon, and an old road to a mountainside mine site that offers a glimpse into the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.

There is no trail marker for Contact Mine. To locate the trailhead, drive half a mile south of the north entrance on Route 12 (Utah Trail) and pull into the parking area on the southwest side of the road. There is a kiosk displaying information about the park, but no mention of Contact Mine. Hike southwest past the kiosk, following the footsteps of previous hikers across open desert toward a pile of distinct boulders. After 0.15 miles, and just before reaching the rock formation, you will hit a wash. Turn right heading up the wash toward the canyon carved into the mountains to the west. There is more evidence of an actual trail from this point on.

Looking up the wash

After half a mile of brisk cross-desert travel, a line or rocks directs traffic to a small track exiting the wash to the left. Follow this trail, and its periodic cairns, on a course paralleling the wash. The wash becomes choked with boulders as it meets the canyon, while the fading mine road remains navigable. After another 0.37 miles, and just over a mile from the start, the trail drops into the canyon at a Y in the drainage. Take a few steps up the smaller right fork and relocate the trail ascending the ridge up the center of the Y. The fading road rises above the left fork, which is the main channel of the canyon.

The road becomes steeper, climbing toward the back of the canyon where it makes a broad curve to the left. The quality of the stone construction is apparent as you tackle the remaining 500 feet of elevation up to the mine.

Looking down the old mining road

The trail crosses a saddle into a neighboring branch of the canyon and angles to the right. At this point, 1.65-miles from the start, Contact Mine comes into view for the first time. Continue the last quarter mile to the old mine site. The trail breaks up just below the mine, so make your own way across the slope strewn with a surprising amount of rusting remnants. A mound of discarded gravel forms the base of Contact Mine. Either scramble up the rock pile, or circle up to the mine, where old machinery, rail tracks, and covered mine shafts are still in place.

Contact Mine

Enjoy the nice view down the canyon from Contact Mine before returning the way you came. The hike back is easy and downhill, with wide vistas beyond the canyon toward the Pinto Mountains. This unmaintained trail sees few visitors and provides a secluded desert hiking experience. There is no permit required to hike to Contact Mine, but a park entrance fee must be paid to reach the trailhead.

A winch rusting at Contact Mine

To get to the trailhead: The hike begins from the parking area four miles north of the intersection with Pinto Basin Road and Park Boulevard, which is half a mile south of the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park near the city of Twentynine Palms. There are signs posted for the parking area on the southwest side of the road, but no markers for the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                                 

These photos were taken in November of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Fortynine Palms Oasis The 3-mile round trip hike visits a cool desert oasis.
	Arch Rock This 0.3-mile loop visits a natural arch in the granite formations around White Tank Campground.
	Desert Queen Mine This 1.6-mile hike follows a level trail to an overlook before crossing a canyon to visits the ruins of one the most profitable gold mines in the California desert.
	Wall Street Mill This level 1.55 to 2.15-mile hike visits a well-reserved gold mill, exploring the mining history of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Wonderland Wash This level 2.1-mile hike travels past the ruins of Wonderland Ranch up a use trail into the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Barker Dam This level 1.5-mile loop visits a small foreign-looking reservoir within the Wonderland of Rocks.
	Hidden Valley This one mile loop circles the interior of a small valley surrounded by tall rocks that serves as an excellent bouldering arena.
	Lucky Boy Vista This level 2.5-mile hike visits a modest overlook at the site of an old mine.
	Warren Peak This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Inspiration Peak This 1.2-mile hike leaves the crowds at Keys View for even grander views at a 5,550-foot summit that looks out on the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, Mount San Jacinto, and much of Joshua Tree National Park.
	Mastodon Peak This 2.6-mile loop visits a 3,400-foot summit with panoramic views of southeastern Joshua Tree.
	Lost Palms Oasis This 7.2-mile hike visits a desert oasis nestled between mountains in the southeast corner of the park.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

 

Similar Trails

 

	New York Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Silver Peak in Mojave National Preserve This 8.5-mile hike summits a 6.365-foot peak in the Granite Mountains.

 

Camping

 

Joshua Tree Campgrounds There are nine campgrounds with 500 total sites spread throughout the park to facilitate your visit.

 

Wildflowers

 

Joshua Tree Wildflowers The desert in bloom is something any outdoor enthusiast in California should see.

 

More Info

 

Contact Mine in HIKING CALIFORNIA’S DESERT PARKS by Bill and Polly Cunningham

Contact Mine on redtrails.com

Contact Mine on mojavetravelers.com

The official website for Joshua Tree National Park

 

Devils Kitchen Trail is located near the south end of Colorado National Monument at the bottom of rugged No Thoroughfare Canyon. This 1.2-mile hike ascends 225 feet to visits an intriguing rock formation on the side of the canyon where tall boulders have enclosed a rock grotto.

No Thoroughfare Canyon

There are a pair of junctions along the way, and the path gets faint toward the end, so follow the directions on this one. Devils Kitchen Trail starts out quite level, actually loosing 20 feet of elevation over 0.13 miles leading to the first junction. Follow the sign and turn right, taking the single track up No Thoroughfare Canyon. After another 0.13 miles make a left at the second junction leaving the canyon bottom toward Devils Kitchen.

Devils Kitchen lies within a tower of tall boulders perched on the south side of No Thoroughfare Canyon. As the trail heads south, you will begin to ascend the 225 feet of elevation gain. Follow the dirt track as it swings to the right and begins up a series of steps cut into the rock. At the top of the stairs, the trail fades. March straight uphill to the tall standing bounders. Ascend slick rock slope to the opening on the left side of the boulders, and steps inside.

Steps up to Devils Kitchen

The rock encluser creates a cool arena that attracts many visitors. Climb up the wall on the east side of the grotto to a window overlooking No Thoroughfare Canyon. When you are satisfied with the view, or can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen and return the 0.6 mile single-track to the trailhead.

Devils Kitchen

To get to the trailhead: From the east entrance of Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, drive 1/4 mile south on Rim Rock Drive and turn left into the parking area for Devils Kitchen Trail (and No Thoroughfare Canyon Trail and Old Gordon Trail). From the opposite direction, drive 17.8 miles from Saddlehorn Visitor Center to the start of the trail. There is a picnic area with bathrooms directly across from the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

Photos

 

                                       

These photos were taken in June of 2010. Click to enlarge.

 

Nearby Trails

 

	Coke Ovens Trail This one-mile hike visits a line of sandstone domes decorating the rim of Monument Canyon.
	Monument Canyon Trail This 7-mile hike travels down into Monument Canyon to visit the tallest freestanding rock formation in the park.
	Otto’s Trail This 0.75-mile round trip hike visits an overlook near the Pipe Organs with an excellent view of Independence Monument and Monument Canyon.
	More trails in Colorado Explore other destinations in Colorado National Monument.

 

Camping

 

Saddlehorn Campground This 80-site campground is the only designated camping area in Colorado National Park, conveniently located near Saddlehorn Visitor Center.

 

More Info

 

Colorado National Monument on wikipedia.org

Colorado National Monument on summitpost.org

The official website for Colorado National Monument