01
Best close-to-town stroll
San Andres Oasis Trail
South Shore Of The Salton Sea Near Salton City • Short Oasis And Desert Interpretive Walk • Most Accessible Introduction To The Area
A quick, mostly flat walk to a hidden palm oasis that feels surprisingly lush against the barren lakeshore.
San Andres Oasis is one of the easiest ways to stretch your legs without leaving the immediate Salton City area. The path is short but scenic, leading you past scrubby desert and into a stand of tall palms that hint at the groundwater below. It is a great first stop for getting oriented to the landscape before tackling longer hikes deeper into the desert.
02
Most memorable adventure
Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop
Mecca Hills North Of The Salton Sea • Desert Slot Canyon Loop With Ladders And Narrows • Best For Adventurous Hikers
A classic loop that climbs through tight slot canyons using ladders before looping back through a wide, colorful wash.
Tucked into the Mecca Hills, this loop combines playful scrambling with striking geology just a short drive up the east side of the Salton Sea. You’ll climb metal ladders, weave through twisting narrows, then emerge into Painted Canyon’s broad wash lined with banded cliffs. Go early, carry plenty of water, and be ready for some light route-finding and hands-on sections.
03
Best mix of history and scenery
Calcite Mine and Palm Wash Loop
North Of Highway 78 Near Ocotillo Wells • Desert Loop Through Washes And Old Mine Roads • Great For Curious Explorers
A rolling desert loop that links narrow washes, badland views, and the remnants of a World War II-era calcite mine.
This route samples several sides of the Anza-Borrego backcountry in one outing, with sandy washes, short slot-like sections, and high points overlooking the Salton Sea basin. The old mine roads offer gentler terrain between more rugged stretches, and scattered artifacts hint at the area’s wartime history. High-clearance access roads and limited shade mean it’s best saved for cooler months with an early start.
04
Best big-desert feel
Bat Caves Buttes Trail
Badlands South Of Route S22 In Anza-Borrego • Remote Desert Buttes And Wash Ramble • Top Pick For Solitude Seekers
A quieter route that follows sandy washes toward eroded buttes and hidden alcoves in a vast, open desert basin.
Bat Caves Buttes puts you in the middle of classic badlands scenery with fewer crowds than the area’s headline hikes. You’ll wander up broad washes toward crumbling ridges, with side draws and small caves to poke into along the way. Navigation is mostly by terrain and map, so this one suits hikers comfortable with open-country routes and long, exposed stretches.
05
Best classic desert oasis hike
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Near The State Park Visitor Center In Borrego Springs • Canyon Trail To A Large Fan Palm Oasis • Ideal For First-Time Desert Visitors
A well-loved trail that follows a rocky canyon to one of Southern California’s most impressive native palm oases.
Though it requires a scenic drive around the western side of the Salton Sea, Borrego Palm Canyon is a deservedly popular day hike for locals and visitors alike. The path traces a boulder-lined wash, gradually narrowing as you approach towering fan palms and the sound of trickling water in wetter years. Clear signage, established tread, and big payoff scenery make it a reliable choice when you want a classic desert experience without heavy route-finding.