Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is the premier hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California's largest state park, leading through a dramatic desert canyon to one of the most remarkable oases in North America. The 3-mile out-and-back trail follows a seasonal stream through an increasingly lush corridor that culminates in a stunning grove of more than 1,000 California fan palms, the largest naturally occurring California fan palm oasis in the state.

The canyon walls narrow as hikers proceed up the drainage, with towering rocky cliffs rising on both sides and the sound of running water accompanying the journey through the desert landscape. The oasis is a critical water source and habitat for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, most notably a resident population of Peninsular bighorn sheep, a federally threatened subspecies. Patient observers are frequently rewarded with close-range views of these magnificent animals navigating the rocky canyon walls with effortless agility.

The lush palm grove, with its rustling fronds and cool shade, provides a dramatic contrast to the surrounding Sonoran Desert and offers a shaded resting spot before the return journey. Spring wildflower blooms can be spectacular in wet years, transforming the canyon floor with color. The $10 per vehicle park entry fee applies. Dogs are not permitted on this trail to protect bighorn sheep habitat. Hikers should carry ample water, as the desert environment can be dangerously hot from late spring through early fall.