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: This is as much an experience as it is a hike. It's a short out and back walk through a small slot canyon that is curiously monochromatic, but fascinating nonetheless. Unless you seek this spot out at an off time don't expect solitude.

Trail sequence: The Slot

Type: Out and back

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation: Min. - 657', Max. - 840'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: heat, some quite narrow sections)

Notes: It's obvious from the track below that our gps program had difficulty maintaining a signal down in the ravine. It is intended only as a general guide to length and direction.

Track: The Slot - Anza-Borrego SP: GaiaGPS, AllTrails

Turn by turn:

  -- Head up over the little mound at the east end of the parking lot to find the left turn down into the canyon. At the bottom turn left and follow the wash as it winds down through the slot.

  -- When you reach the sign that prohibits cars from entering the slot, retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Photo gallery: Flickr

Video: Youtube