01
Best overall pick
The Domelands Trail
Coyote Mountains, East Of Ocotillo • Wind-Carved Badlands Loop • Best Overall Desert Hike
A varied loop through domed badlands, sandy washes, and big-sky desert views.
This route winds through strange, rounded formations that look almost man-made, with side gullies and ridges to explore as you go. The tread is mostly sandy with some mild ups and downs, making it accessible to fit hikers who are comfortable in open desert terrain. Go in the cool months, start early, and bring plenty of water—shade is scarce and the landscape is wide open.
02
Most dramatic walls
Sandstone Canyon via Fish Creek Wash
Fish Creek Wash, Anza-Borrego Desert • Towering Slot Canyon Walk • Best For Dramatic Canyon Walls
A deep, twisting side canyon with sheer sandstone walls that rise high above the wash.
From the wide expanse of Fish Creek Wash, you turn into a narrower side canyon that quickly closes in, with sculpted walls and tight bends that feel almost like a slot. The hike itself is mostly flat along the sandy wash, but the scale of the cliffs and the play of light make it feel like a much bigger adventure. Check road and weather conditions before you go, as access often involves driving or walking portions of rough wash roads prone to flash flooding.
03
Wildest adventure
Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves and Fish Creek Wash
Arroyo Tapiado, Near Ocotillo Wells • Mud Cave And Wash Ramble • Most Adventurous Outing
An offbeat hike combining desert washes with side trips into famous mud caves for confident explorers.
Here you follow broad desert washes dotted with side openings into the Arroyo Tapiado mud caves, a maze-like network carved into the clay hillsides. Many hikers stick to the open wash and poke into a few easy, well-lit caverns, skipping the tighter or more technical sections. Bring a headlamp, avoid entering caves after rain, and be conservative—this is a place where you set your own limits and keep a close eye on the weather.
04
Best easy stroll
Elephant Trees Nature Trail
Southern Anza-Borrego Desert • Signed Desert Nature Trail • Best For An Easy Intro
A short, signed loop showcasing rare elephant trees and classic desert plant life.
This compact loop is ideal when you want a true walk, not a workout, while still feeling like you’ve stepped into the backcountry. Interpretive signs explain the hardy shrubs, cacti, and the namesake elephant trees that manage to survive here, making the trail a good pick for curious visitors and families. Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures, and plan to linger at the viewpoints that look out over nearby washes and ridges.
05
Hardest classic
Goat Canyon Trestle via Mortero Palms
Carrizo Gorge, North Of I-8 • Rugged Palm Canyon Ascent • Most Demanding Classic
A strenuous desert scramble through a palm-filled canyon to high viewpoints over the historic Goat Canyon Trestle.
Starting near clusters of fan palms, the route climbs steeply over boulders and loose slopes toward the rim of Carrizo Gorge, with expansive views unfolding as you gain elevation. It is more of a route than a groomed trail, with sections of scrambling, light exposure, and navigation choices that favor experienced desert hikers. Start at daybreak in cool weather, carry extra water and navigation tools, and treat this as a full-day effort rather than a casual stroll.