Calcite Mine Trail 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 long 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 this trek in... Read more.
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Tagged with · California State Parks · Desert Canyons · Free Trails · Mines · Off Trail
Distance: 4 miles · Elevation change: 600 feet
By: Published: Last updated: February 12, 2018
Narrows Earth Trail Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
What Elephant Trees Trail is to desert botany, Narrows Earth Trail is to desert geology. The pamphlet available at the start of this half-mile loop describes the geological features present in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The desert is a great place to learn about geology. Sparse vegetation exposes the earth's rock skeleton, bringing the secrets of the land's formation to bear. ... Read more.
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Tagged with · Borrego Springs · California State Parks · Free Trails · Nature Trails
Distance: 0.5 miles · Elevation change: 50 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 31, 2017
The Slot Canyon Narrows hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park California Slot Canyon Anza Borrego
Simply named The Slot, this narrow siltstone canyon provides one of the most exciting hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This 0.8-mike trek is capped off with a passage beneath a gravity-defying rock span. This short hike has just 100 feet of elevation loss, but the memory will be much more profound. The Slot lacks a defined trail marker. From the parking area, look for footprints... Read more.
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Tagged with · Borrego Springs · California State Parks · Desert Canyons
Distance: 0.8 miles · Elevation change: 100 feet
By: Published: Last updated: December 27, 2022
Elephant Trees Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The elephant tree is likely the most unique plant in the entire Anza-Borrego Desert, and only one such tree stands along this one-mile nature trail. Pick up a pamphlet at the start of this self-guided loop, and enjoy a brief lesson on elephant trees and other more common vegetation. This is a great trail for those interested in learning about plant life in the Anza-Borrego Desert. ... Read more.
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Tagged with · Borrego Springs · California State Parks · Free Trails · Nature Trails
Distance: 1 mile · Elevation change: 50 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 1, 2017
Wind Caves Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
A short hike to a fascinating destination overlooking the Carrizo Badlands begins on the far east side of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This 1.25-mile round trip hike climbs 250 feet to a sandstone formation with wind-eroded pockets that insist on being explored. The hike begins with a quick ascent up the east side of Split Mountain Wash. Climb a series of rocky steps. With each gain,... Read more.
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Tagged with · Badlands · Borrego Springs · California State Parks · Caves · Free Trails · Wind Caves
Distance: 1.25 miles · Elevation change: 250 feet
By: Published: Last updated: June 1, 2017