Outbound Collective logo

Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon

Borrego Springs, California

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.25 miles

Elevation Gain

450 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Madison Sankovitz

This hike is fantastic because it winds through a desert canyon and ends at a palm oasis. You will get to experience a variety of ecosystems throughout a short journey.

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fee is charged. This is the only area in the park that requires such a fee. If you don't want to pay the fee you can park at the visitor center and walk an extra mile to the trailhead.

Begin hiking west up the wash outside Borrego Palm Canyon. The trail passes through a variety of cacti and other desert vegetation.

Follow the trail back and forth over the creek bed a few times to arrive at a marked junction one mile (and 300 vertical feet) from the start.

Turn right, continuing up the canyon toward the oasis. As the trail becomes slightly more rugged, amble over and around rocks to reach a small cluster of palms, 1/3 of a mile from the junction. Press on to the grand oasis of California fan palms just ahead.

Relax in the shade of one of the largest palm oases in California.

Dogs and bikes are not allowed on the hiking trails.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

So crazy that you can hike through what mostly is a desert, and then, end up at such an oasis! It’s just like out of a movie! If you’re lucky enough to go during a time after it had rained some, you’ll see all sorts of native plants and wildflowers. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on the trails, so keep Doggo at home.

This is such a fun area to explore. It's a true desert oasis.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Visit the Anza Borrego Metal Sculptures

Hike Sheep Canyon

Catch a Sunset at Fonts Point