Carved over millennia by the sheer and raw power of nature, The Slot Canyon in exhilarating Anza Borrego Desert State Park showcases just how stark and beautiful those forces can be. The easily erodible sedimentary soil elements of these canyons through eras of flash floods in rapid succession have created a natural wonder unlike any other in Southern California. At only about a mile long, this narrow canyon is the perfect excursion for families or those visitors with limited time. As you pass through floor of the canyon, and squeeze through its narrows, imagine the by gone eras of history etched between these walls and wonder at the awesome and still beauty of this desert mystery.
Stats:
Category: Easy
Miles: 1
Elevation Loss: 75'
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The Trail: From the dirt trailhead (suitable for any vehicle), follow the signage as it points you into the canyon about 50' downward. As you enter the canyon, surrounded by endemic Cholla and Ocotillo, the trail you will soon realize is actually he sandy floor of this sporadic watershed. Consequently, this trek should leaver be left to a day which threatens rain as this sparse desert soil quickly diffuses all water into narrow slot canyon such as these. Continuing along, the canyon starts out quit wide, but narrows as you continue through the meta-sedimentary formations to a points when you are surrounded by one hundred foot walls separated only by about the three feet you will be squeezing through at ground-level. There are many notable features in this slot, such as gigantic boulders, fallen hoodoos, caves and eaves, and numerous side tunnels and canyon mouths waiting to be explored. Travel with care to the end of the narrow sections and enter into a wider arid watershed, where the trail end and a dirt road begins. Return the way you came back through this most remarkable feature of creation.
Hiked 3/21/2017. San Diego County, CA
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| Road to The Slot |
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| Beginning Trail |
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| Canyon from trail |
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| Going in |
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| Ocotillio on the trailside |
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| Blooming Brittlebrush |
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| In the canyon... |
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| Looking up |
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| Odd formations |
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| Squeezing through |
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| Boulder! |
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| Fallen hoodoo |
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| Smooth walls |
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| Ending... |
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| Desert Wildflowers |
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| Trailhead Ocotillo |
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| Cresote Bush |
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| Cholla |
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