Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Hike
If you're looking for a beautiful hike in Anza Borrego State Park, the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is a must-visit destination. This trail is a moderate 3 mile trek that takes you through stunning desert scenery, culminating in a breathtaking oasis of palm trees with a seasonal waterfall!
The trailhead is located at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, and the hike itself takes you through a sandy desert landscape, dotted with cacti and shrubs. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the park is home to bighorn sheep, desert iguanas, and many species of birds.
Borrego Palm Canyon Hike
DISTANCE: 3 mile
ELEVATION GAIN: 525 feet
TYPE: Loop
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
LENGTH: 1.5 Hours
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October - May
RESTROOM: Yes (at trailhead)
WATER: Yes (at Trailhead)
FEE: Yes, $10 parking
GETTING THERE
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: Inside Borrego Palm Canyon Campground
ADDRESS: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
PARKING: $10 (card only)
I was lucky enough to visit in late March during the super bloom and after California received a ton of rain, and there was so much water at the oasis and a flowing river.
To get there you’ll head to Borrego Palm Canyon Campground which shares it’s parking lot with the Trailhead. Be prepared to pay a $10 parking fee at the campground entrance to park. I’ve always wanted to stay in this campground but it’s always all booked up. So, if you’re planning to camp, be sure to plan in advance and book online.
This trail is incredibly popular! During peak season, plan on arriving early to find parking. The lot does get full, but normally if your circle a few times you’ll find a spot.
HOT HOT HOT
Because Anza Borrego is a desert, you’re going to want to avoid hiking during the hottest time of the year, or even the hottest time of the day due to the fact this trail has little to no shade. Be sure to bring enough water for your hike!
THE TRAIL
The trailhead has bathrooms and a water fountain, along with covered picnic areas. Since this is a well trafficked trail, there’s a lot of clear signage (and also lots of people)
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend admiring the scenery.
Start at the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail sign with trail information and maps, and follow the dirt path into the valley. Keep an eye out for numbered trail signs that will guide you through this hike.
I visited during peak spring and it was absolutely stunning. I’ve done this hike a ton of times, and this was the most lush I’ve ever seen the trail. The river was gushing, everything was so green, and the flowers were blooming everywhere. 10/10 recommend a spring hike.
The path is pretty straightforward. You’ll have to step up and over some boulders and traverse stone steps — and depending on the time of year, you’ll have to cross the river! (watch my video to learn more). During this visit we had to cross the river twice. Be prepared to get your feet wet or find some rocks or branches to cross, but that’s not always so easy.
If you’re lucky, you might even see some desert horned sheep grazing in the valley or along the river!
Once you get to your destination, it’s time to chill in the shade of one of the largest palm oases in California. Be sure to take a seat and enjoy the views. This oasis might be the only spot on the trail that you get a bit of reprieve from the sun. It’s a great place to cool down or have a bite to eat. You’ll also usually find a lot of people hanging out here as well. You can’t blame them with these views:
Overall, the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Anza Borrego State Park. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this trail is sure to impress you with its stunning natural beauty and unique scenery. So pack your hiking boots, grab your camera, and head out to explore one of California's most beautiful hidden gems.
When taking the trail back, you can keep to your right to continue the loop near the first river crossing or take the same route you came in. Either path is pretty much the same distance.
If you’re looking to make a day trip to Anza Borrego and curious what else there is to explore, be sure to check out my video on Why You Should Visit and on the famous Super bloom:
