Canyon sin Nombre (dayhike)

Trip Date: 1/1/2016

Location: Anza-Borrego State Park

Permit/Pass: None required

Trail map: SPmap

Directions: Exit from Interstate Highway 8 in Ocotillo, CA, and turn left (north) onto Imperial Highway (S2) to head into the town of Ocotillo. Follow S2 as it turns left (west) and then veer northwest for about 13 miles. At the sign for Canyon sin Nombre turn right onto the dirt road and drive about a mile to the canyon entrance on the left. There is parking to the side of the road here.

From Julian, CA, pick up state highway 78 and travel east 11.3 miles to a right (south) turn onto state highway S2. Follow S2 34.4 miles to the sign for Canyon sin Nombre on the left. Turn left and drive about a mile to the canyon entrance on the left.

Synopsis: This canyon hike is also a popular four-wheel drive track, and you may have to share with some motorized vehicles. Despite that, it can be a beautiful hike, especially the upper part of the canyon and some of the interesting side canyons that are accessible as you descend gently down to the canyon mouth.  

Trail sequence: Canyon sin Nombre / unnamed side canyon / unnamed side canyon / Canyon sin Nombre

Type: Out and back

Distance: 4.7 miles (including side canyon trips)

Elevation: Min. - 703', Max. - 922'

Rating: Moderate (factors: scrambling, heat, route-finding)

Notes: There are a few fun side canyons here, some including short slots and interesting scrambling. Be sure your route-finding skills are up to snuff if you take one of the longer detours. 

Track: Canyon sin Nombre - Anza Borrego SP

 

Turn by turn:

  -- Some guides begin this hike at the road (S2). We chose to drive down the first portion of dirt track for about a mile to where the actual canyon begins. It will be obvious as you approach the canyon opening that this sharp turn to the left (west) is a good place to park if you're not driving the canyon.

  -- Proceed by following the road through beautiful rock formations (watch for the fascinating veins and rock layers that end and continue on either side of the road cuts). The canyon opens up and begins to flatten after a mile or so. We chose not to continue all the way down to the canyon mouth and headed back in order to explore some of the side canyons we'd seen. 

[It would be hard to give a Turn by turn account of these side trips. We took two little diversions, as can be seen from the track but there are no markers and there are often forks, even in the slots, where you pick your path. Suffice it to say that exploring these spots can be really fun, but can also get you turned around and even lost if you don't keep track of the turns you've taken and the directions you've traveled. If you're not confident you can find your way back to the main canyon road then don't venture too deep into these spots.]

  -- Head back up the canyon road on the return trip.

Photo gallery: Flickr