01
Best overall pick
Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop
East Side Of Anza-Borrego, Off Highway S22 • Rugged Desert Canyon And Ridge Route • Best Overall Adventure Hike
A classic Anza-Borrego loop that threads narrow canyons and climbs to big Salton Sea views.
This former World War II calcite mining road now makes a varied loop, mixing sandy washes, tight narrows, and airy ridgelines. On clear days you can look back toward the shimmering Salton Sea and the low desert spreading around Desert Shores. The driving approach is on dirt but usually manageable, and the route feels adventurous without requiring technical skills.
02
Most photogenic outing
Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop
Mecca Hills Wilderness North Of The Salton Sea • Slot Canyon Scramble With Fixed Ladders • Most Photogenic Route
A popular loop that uses metal ladders to climb through twisting slot canyons and colorful cliffs.
Just a short drive around the Sea from Desert Shores, this loop feels like a mini–Utah canyon adventure. You’ll climb sturdy ladders, weave through sculpted narrows, and traverse a high desert plateau with wide-open views. Go early on weekends to beat both the crowds and the heat, and be ready for some hands-on scrambling.
03
Easiest close-to-town walk
San Andres Oasis Trail
Salton Sea State Recreation Area Near North Shore • Short Palm Oasis Walk • Best For Families And Casual Walkers
A gentle, short path to a lush palm oasis tucked just off the stark Salton Sea shoreline.
This is the quickest way to stretch your legs without committing to a full desert hike, and it’s an easy drive from Desert Shores along the Sea. The contrast between open, salty shoreline and a pocket of green palms makes the outing feel special despite its short length. It’s a good choice for kids, sunset strolls, or breaking up a scenic drive around the lake.
04
Classic state-park hike
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Borrego Springs Side Of Anza-Borrego • Classic Palm Oasis Canyon Hike • Best Classic State-Park Experience
A well-marked canyon trail leading to one of Southern California’s signature native palm oases.
Starting near the Anza-Borrego visitor center, this trail follows a rocky wash into a broad canyon that steadily narrows and cools. The payoff is a dense grove of California fan palms, shaded pools, and bighorn sheep sightings if you’re lucky. It’s a bit farther from Desert Shores than other options, but the scenery and easy-to-follow path make it worth the drive.
05
Best short slot-canyon sampler
The Slot Trail via Buttes Pass
Central Anza-Borrego Backcountry • Narrow Sandstone Slot Canyon Walk • Best Quick-Hit Exploration
A brief but memorable walk through one of Anza-Borrego’s tightest and most sculpted slot canyons.
From a sandy backroad trailhead, you drop quickly into a twisting slot where the walls close in and the sky narrows to a ribbon. The hike itself is short, making it easy to pair with other stops like viewpoints or a loop around Borrego Springs. It’s perfect for visitors from Desert Shores who want a big sense of place without a long, committing trek.