Anza Borrego Slot Canyon Dogs
Here in Anza Borrego the grey/blue/brown rocks may not be quite as pretty, but the experience is totally rocking. A wide-open section at the very back of “The Slot” We decided to hit “The Slot” which is a few miles off Hwy 78 1.5 miles east of Borrego on a road supposedly called Buttes Pass. Anza-Borrego Slot Canyon Trail Guide by Chris Emery The Slot Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, known simply as “The Slot,” is an easy out-and-back hike, that winds through a deep and extremely narrow siltstone canyon (just wide enough at points for a single person to pass). Palm Wash is located just inside the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park boundary. The Palm Wash (Calcite Mine) Slot Canyon Trailhead is just off the side of the S-22 about 10 miles west of Salton City. Park at the trailhead on either side of the road. No dogs except on Calcite Mine Rd. The Slot is a 2.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Borrego Springs, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from September until May. Calcite Mine is just under 4 miles long and located near Borrego Springs, California. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes 2-3 hours. You start off on the rough jeep trail down to a wash where you have the option to traverse through a slot canyon.
The Slot Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, known simply as “The Slot,” is an easy out-and-back hike, that winds through a deep and extremely narrow siltstone canyon (just wide enough at points for a single person to pass). Squeezing through the slot is definitely an adventure and a fun way to experience the maze-like quality of Anza Borrego’s desert canyons.
As you approach the trailhead (GPS: 33.182039,-116.214071), it’s worth keeping a close eye on kids, because the canyon drops off steeply in places along the approach trail. The trail starts at the top of the parking lot, in the direction you would go if the road had continued up the hill, and begins with a steep descent into the canyon. Once you’re at the bottom, head left onto the trail.
The mile-long trail drops about 100 feet in elevation as you pass through the canyon. The trail gets so narrow in places, that you may need to take off any backpacks to squeeze through. Kids (and the young at heart) will love exploring the canyon, as there is a surprising geological twist around each corner.
After less than a mile, the slot canyon will open up and you’ll come to a truck trail. You can follow this trail for a bit and then take a left on a trail that will bring you back along the rim of the canyon to the trailhead (which adds about a mile to the hike). Alternatively, we recommend you return back through the slot trail, as it’s more interesting.
Getting There
To get there from Christmas Tree Circle in Borrego Springs, head south on Borrego Springs Road for 12 miles to Highway 78. Turn left on 78, and go 1.4 miles and make a left on Buttes Pass Road. Drive 1.8 miles to the parking lot for the hike. Follow the signs to the slot trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot.
Getting to the slot canyon trailhead doesn’t require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, unless it has rained recently, in which case, check-in at the visitor’s center about road conditions. The slot is about a 20-minute drive southeast of Borrego Springs, and a little tricky to find. The gravel road to the trailhead is easy to miss, and the tiny road sign doesn’t help matters. Even though we set the mileage tracker on our Jeep, we blew right by it the first time and had to circle back.
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Anza Borrego Slot Canyon Dogs For Adoption
Anza Borrego Desert State Park is home to many slot canyons. A favorite that is a simple drive (especially for 2wd cars) is just off of Route 78. Leaving the town of Borrego, take Borrego Springs Road south east through Texas Dip. At the junction of 78 turn left and drive apx 1.5 miles until you see a small sign for Buttes Pass. Turn left and drive the dirt road for less than two miles to the main parking area (stay left along the way unless you also want to visit Hawks Canyon). The trailhead is unmarked but follow the path from the parking lot and you will soon find yourself on the .8 mile trail through the slot canyon.