We’ve been out to Anza-Borrego in Borrego Springs, CA a dozen times, but it was always a day trip. This time we decided to drive out to Borrego Springs from San Diego and spend 2 nights and 2 days there. A semi-staycation.
Our agenda:
- Friday:
- Travel day
- Get to Borrego Springs late
- Saturday:
- Hike Hellhole Canyon
- Hike The Slot
- Sunday
- Hike Borrego Palm Canyon
- See the desert sculptures
- See the desert bloom
- Drive home
Hellhole Canyon / Maidenhair Falls

Hiking Hellhole Canyon: What You Need To Know
- Difficulty: Somewhat difficult. You will need to scramble at times
- Hike type: Out and back
- Distance: 5.0 miles
- Our Highlight: The waterfall at Maidenhair Falls
- Note: This is our go-to hike in Borrego Springs
Pictures of Hellhole Canyon / Maidenhair Falls



Our Experience Hiking Hellhole Canyon / Maidenhair Falls
The best time to hike Hellhole Canyon is early March. The weather is just right during the day (high 60s / low 70s), and due to the winter storms, your chances of seeing a running waterfall are pretty good.
If your goal is to find the Maidenhair Falls, you will need to hike up the canyon about 5 or 6 oases in. I say 5 or 6 as some times one oasis will look like it spreads out quite a bit and it’s difficult to count 1 oasis, 2 oasis, etc.
If you see running water during your hike, there is a waterfall; it’s just a matter of finding it. The waterfall is about 2.5 miles from the parking lot. Keep track of your distance to do your best to find it.
The hiking path gets less certain as you get closer to the Maidenhair Falls. Do your best to follow the trail (you won’t get lost because you are in a canyon), but you can walk by the waterfall. Try to listen for the water. And follow the water (duh) as best you can.
Borrego Palm Canyon

Hiking Borrego Palm Canyon: What You Need To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate, less difficult than Hellhole
- Hike type: Out and back or loop, depending on how you hike it
- Distance: 2.9 miles
- Our Highlight: The third largest palm tree oasis in California
- Note: Park at the trailhead near the campground, NOT at the visitor center for this hike. Parking at the visitor center adds 2 additional miles to your hike.
Pictures of Borrego Palm Canyon



Our Experience Hiking Borrego Palm Canyon
Borrego Pam Canyon is easier than its neighboring Hellhole due to the shorter trail and less scrambling. It also has a charm all its own that makes it worth a hike.
As you make your way up the canyon, you will see 15 markers that correspond to a narrative on a map that you can pick up at the trailhead.
The oasis is a sight to be seen. It’s remarkable what grows in the harsh desert climate.
We took the alternative trail back to the parking lot. We went off trail but found our way back without much issue. Similar to Hellhole, you are hiking in the canyon and can get only so lost.
The Slot Canyon

Hiking The Slot: What You Need To Know
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hike type: Loop, but you can also hike an out-and-back trail
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Our Highlight: Slot canyons are awesome
- Note: It can get windy at times
Pictures of The Slot in Borrego Springs



Our Experience Hiking The Slot
You can go out and back or hike a loop. The choice is yours. Either way you approach The Slot, you will have a great hike.
The Slot is a very easy hike with plenty of shade due to the high slot canyon walls. There are a few tight spots where you may need to take off your backpack but nothing crazy tight.
Get there early as the parking lot is small and can fill up quickly during the on-season.
Desert Blooms

I’m shocked every time I see life in the desert, be it rabbits, frogs, or coyotes. The spring blooms are no different. It’s pretty special to see wildflowers in the middle of the desert. They come and go so fast.
Springtime is the best season to see the blooms. Similar to waterfalls, blooms show themselves after the desert rains.
Borrego Springs Bloom Pictures



Borrego Springs Sculptures

“I have an idea. Let’s put rusted-out sculptures in hard-to-reach areas in the desert.”
As best I can tell, that was the pitch. And someone bit. And no wonder. The sculptures are awesome.
Pick up a map from the visitor center in Borrego Springs that will show you where you can find all of the sculptures. Some can be found right off the asphalt roads, but other sculptures demand because they are only accessible from a dirt road.
A car with clearance can be helpful at times, but it is not necessary based on my experience. Watch your clearance and drive slowly.
Our Favorite Borrego Springs Desert Sculptures Include:
- The serpent
- All of the horses
- The dinosaurs
They are all pretty great
Pictures of Borrego Springs Desert Sculptures



Video of Borrego Springs Desert Sculptures
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Borrego Valley Inn. It is a magical adults-only self-check-in inn with pools and hot tubs, perfect after hiking all day.
One of the pool areas is fenced off, and is a clothing-optional pool. You do you.
We stayed in one of the smaller rooms and had plenty of space, including a little backyard where we could go and look at the night sky in private.
Summary
Borrego Springs is a great desert trip, especially if you live in San Diego. It’s so close, easy to get to, and a welcomed change of pace.