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 for just over five miles. Before you reach the stop sign veer to the right onto Deep Well Tr., then merge onto Yaqui Pass Rd. heading directly south. Stay on Yaqui Pass for 4.5 miles, then take a left into a nondescript rocky parking area. At the southern end of the gravel lot you'll find the trailhead.
Synopsis: Along with a beautiful view to the south, there's an interesting plaque and an interpretive sign at the terminus of this short, mostly flat out-and-back hike through the rocky mid-elevations of Anza Borrego. The barrel cactus will likely be your only companions here.
Trail sequence: William Kenyon Overlook trail
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation: Min. - 657', Max. - 840'
Profile:
Rating: Easy (factors: heat)
Note: This is the longer trail to the overlook. Just a bit farther south on the road there is another trail that climbs quickly up to the viewpoint but we feel the actual Bill Kenyon trail (the one in this guide) is more scenic.
Track: Bill Kenyon Overlook - Anza-Borrego SP: GaiaGPS, AllTrails
Turn by turn:
-- The trail is easy to follow. You essentially travel south, the circle west for a few hundred feet before returning to a generally south, the southwest, then west mile ascent to a ridge overlook area.
-- Near the destination you pass a junction with the shorter overlook trail on the right (west). Be sure not to turn off.
-- After enjoying the view return the way you came, taking care not to turn left onto the alternate trail.
Photo gallery: Flickr
Video: Youtube