Simply named The Slot, this narrow siltstone canyon provides one of the most exciting hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This 0.8-mike trek is capped off with a passage beneath a gravity-defying rock span. This short hike has just 100 feet of elevation loss, but the memory will be much more profound. The Slot lacks a defined trail marker. Anza Borrego-The Slot Canyon Trail Directions: From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 11.5 miles southeast on Borrego Springs Road. Turn left on Route 78 East, drive 1.5 miles east of Borrego Springs, and turn left (north) on a dirt road marked Buttes Pass by mile post 87. The Slot is an awesome slot canyon in Borrego Springs. You can either go down the canyon and then turn back the same way, or you could go a little longer and make it into a loop. The canyon gets very narrow in some parts, where you may need to take off worn children or backpacks to squeeze through. The ground is also very sandy in the canyon. California Borrego Springs Slot Canyon Trail Hiking trail in Ocotillo Wells, California (United States). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. More Anza Borrego Hiking Start at the beginning of the dirt road, or with a 4x4 start at point 9. Head north on the dirt road and at 2 keep left at the crossing. Before entering the Slot canyon, head northeast, following a path. Being in Southern California, Anza Borrego is just in our backyard. There are so many unique things to do there but one of the most popular ones is the slot canyon hike, simply named “The Slot.” It is one of the few slot canyons in California.
Added by Jason Neitzke
Distance: about one mile (no need to rush). Duration: 1-3 hours, depending on your speed. Short hike, easy access and amazing views. No permit required.
The Slot is an amazing short hike located in the Anza Borrego Desert. Drive east on Hwy 78, and about a mile and a half after Borrego Springs Road, turn left onto Buttes Pass Road. Buttes Pass road is a dirt road and not marked well so look carefully. The road is pretty smooth, about a mile in you will take a left at the fork. From there, you will drive about another mile to a parking lot. Two wheel drive vehicles should be fine unless there was a recent rainstorm.
From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. Do not take the trail to the right of the parking lot or you will miss the Slot. Once you are at the bottom, go left and head to where the canyon starts to narrow. As you enter, the walls start to close in and you are taking your bag off to get through some tight passages. Every turn is exciting, it is constantly changing and you are not sure what is going to be around the next bend. The Slot is made of siltstone and is very brittle so watch your footing if you decide to climb around. At the end of the Slot you hit a dirt road, from there you can either turn around and go back through or follow the road and find some other trails. Further down the road there are some awesome wind caves and arches that are worth checking out.
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Join the communitySophia Steen
over 2 years ago
Great short hike
Beautiful sandstone slot canyon. It gets tight in areas. Went of the main trail a bit and did some climbing up! So much fun
5.0
Scott Sichler
🥇Top Contributor
almost 3 years ago
Slots O fun
This is a really fun hike. The slot is a little tight in spots but doable by most people. We like to hike out into cliffs beyond the slots for great views of the area.
5.0
Allett Wallets
about 4 years ago
Worth The Stop
This was an entertaining hike. It makes you feel like a kid again. It's a unique experience and a worth while diversion.
4.0
Christine Thompson
almost 5 years ago
Hands Down One Of The Best Adventure
It is simply amazing! Your weaving in and out of the canyon you find yourself going through tunnels . A must see
5.0
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