Trip Date: 3/10/2018

Location: Anza-Borrego State Park

Permit/Pass: Anza Borrego SP is huge, and mostly not patrolled. However, during the busy time of year for this desert park (winter) there may be rangers collecting a $10 fee at the Visitor Center.

Directions: From the intersection of S22 and Palm Canyon Dr. in Borrego Springs (town located in the middle of the park) head east for about a mile and a half to Christmas Circle. After entering the traffic circle take the second exit onto Borrego Springs Dr. (also S3) and continue through the stop sign at just over five miles for a total of about 11.5 miles in a generally southeast direction where you eventually reach CA Highway 78. Turn left and drive a mile and a half to a left turn onto a the sandy Borrego Mountain Wash. Follow this track 0.8 miles north to a parking lot. The trailhead for The Slot is up and over a mound at the east end of the lot.

Synopsis: For those who want a high-view glimpse out to the east side of the park and beyond, this is an excellent little jaunt up to the top of a craggy ridge. If you're hiking The Slot, then make a bit longer day of it and try out this trail.

Trail sequence: north Slot / The Ledge / West Buttes trail

Type: Out and back

Distance: 2.4 miles

Elevation: Min. - 791', Max. - 1209'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: heat, rocky trail, a few short steep sections)

Notes: The West Buttes Summit is more like a hill top, but it has a terrific view out to the east desert and the Salton Sea. Consider our track below, and, unless you don't mind an enjoyable little side trip, keep your eyes open for the left turn up toward the summit. Watch for cairns.

Track: West Buttes - Anza-Borrego SP: GaiaGPS, AllTrails

Turn by turn:

  -- When we closed up our car and headed up the trail at the east end of the parking lot we came to a little junction with a left turn down into The Slot. This was our intended hike, but as we followed a large group of people down into the little ravine we decided to take a course opposite of theirs. So when they turned left to head west into the slot canyon, we turned to the right and headed up. We soon realized that this was not going to be the actual "Slot" hike, but continued on up the widening gully feeling the pull of exploration.

  -- After a few hundred yards we followed an exit up to the left and continued on to a feature that, as we later found out, is called The Ledge. It's a precipitous overlook out to the north east. From here we followed the trail in a northeast direction as it climbed into the rocky hills.

  -- If you're heading to the summit area keep an eye out for a left turn (there was a cairn but we missed it) that leads north up to a shallow saddle in the hills.

  -- Follow the sometimes faint trail out to the summit view area.

  -- Return the way you came, staying alert to the right turn that brings you back down toward the southwest. On your outward trip it's wise to note landmarks indicating the location of the parking lot. Having done so you should be confirm that you're on course to return to your car. You can skip the Ledge and the gully on your way back.

Photo gallery: Flickr

Video: Youtube