Morteros Trail | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Morteros Trail
in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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Morteros Trail Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This short gradual 0.6-mile round trip hike ascends to an area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park that was once inhabited by Kumeyaay Indians. The Kumeyaay left behind morteros, grinding bowls carved into large boulders along the trail. These Native Americans used the circular morteros over 2,000 years ago to grind local nuts and seeds into meal.

From the well-marked trailhead above Blair Valley, begin hiking southwest toward a gap in the hillside. In no time, the single track reaches a city of boulders on the right side of the pass. There are several footpaths exploring these boulders.

The main trail ends at a prominent obelisk-shaped rock. There are morteros carved into the flat boulder on the far side of the rock. Trace your way back amongst the boulders and hunt out other grinding bowls. When you have seen enough, return down the trail, enjoying a nice view over Little Blair Valley. To learn more about Native American life in the Anza-Borrego Desert, visit the nearby Pictograph Trail. No fee or permit is required to hike Morteros Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, so get out and enjoy.

Morteros Trail Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Morteros along the trail

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, heading west for another seven miles to Route S2. Turn left and drive six miles southeast to Blair Valley. Turn left off the pavement and head east through Blair Valley Campground. From here, it is 3.7 miles over well-maintained dirt roads to the trailhead. There are campsites along the road, as well as a few side roads, so stick to the main channel. Drive 2.7 miles around the north edge of Blair Valley to a T-junction. Turn left, following the sign for Morteros and Pictograph Trail. The trailhead is one mile ahead on the right.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

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

Nearby Trails

	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.
	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.