3 min
Overview
One of the advantages of being the largest State Park in the California while accounting for half (yes, half) of the California State Park system is that Anza-Borrego contains such a rich variety of geological wonders that you sometimes get the feeling that there is no end to it. In addition to the spring-fed oases at Mountain Palm Springs and Borrego Palm Canyon, botanical islands atop rugged Whale Peak, ancient sea beds and marine fossils at Split Mountain, and a bewildering granitic wilderness at Bow Willow and Rockhouse Canyons, Anza-Borrego also serves up intricately carved sandstone canyons with numerous slot canyon off-shoots and geologic mysteries. Canyon Sin Nombre is a fine example of the latter. Here, you will find weathered sandstone cliffs interspersed with bands of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Late afternoon is a fine time to visit the canyon when the low angle of the light draws out some of the color in what at first appears to be a limited beige palette. The more adventurous-minded will enjoy exploring the slot canyons, while those with off-road, high-clearance vehicles will be able to navigate down the canyon to find some remote and isolated camping spots. The hike begins at a dirt parking lot on the east side of Sweeney Pass Road (State Route 2). From the lot, you will descend a steep slope that becomes more gradual on the way down. This steep initial descent is an important consideration, as you will have to come back up it at the very end of your hike. On a hot afternoon, this ascent on the return trip could be a bit of trouble. Continue walking along a broad slope that descends to a wash, which narrows as it approaches the entrance of the canyon. Along the way, you will notice some of the intricate carving caused by monsoonal flooding over soft sandstone in the hills to your left. These hills are part of the eastern boundary of a vast region of shallow canyonlands that produce a number of fantastic showcases for geologic action and erosion. This heavily-faulted region includes the Carrizo
Trail Stats
7.0 km
228 m
358 m
216 m
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