01
Best desert ridge views
Bat Caves Buttes
North Of Salton Sea Beach Near Salton City • Desert Ridge And Mesa Hike • Local Favorite For Wide-Open Vistas
A rolling desert climb to low buttes with big views over the Salton Sea and surrounding badlands.
This route feels surprisingly expansive for such a low-elevation hike, with the Salton Sea spreading out on one side and eroded badlands on the other. The path is informal in spots, so you’ll want decent navigation skills and sturdy shoes for loose rock. Go early or in cooler months—there’s no shade and the sun reflects off the pale desert floor.
02
Best half-day outing
Calcite Mine and Narrows Loop
East Of Highway 86 Above The Salton Sea • Historic Mine Road And Canyon Loop • Scenic Half-Day Desert Trek
A loop that follows an old mine road into slot-like narrows, with sweeping views of the Salton Sea and the badlands.
You start on a rough old jeep road toward the historic Calcite Mine, then drop into tight, twisting washes that feel like a mini slot canyon experience. The combination of World War II-era history, narrow desert passages, and high viewpoints makes this a satisfying, varied hike. High-clearance vehicles are helpful to reach the start, and soft sand means it hikes better in cooler seasons.
03
Most adventurous pick
Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon Loop
Mecca Hills, North Of The Salton Sea • Scrambly Slot Canyon Adventure • Best For Confident Scramblers
A popular loop weaving through narrow slot canyons, metal ladders, and colorful desert walls.
This is the hike locals recommend when friends ask for a true desert adventure near the Salton Sea. You’ll climb metal ladders, squeeze through sculpted slots, and then walk out along a wide, aptly named Painted Canyon with layered rock in muted reds and creams. Check ladder conditions, avoid stormy forecasts, and be ready for some hands-on climbing and route-finding in the washes.
04
Best quick escape
San Andres Oasis Trail
North Shore Area Of The Salton Sea • Short Palm Oasis Walk • Quick Leg-Stretcher And Family-Friendly Pick
A short, mostly easy walk to a dense fan-palm oasis tucked into the desert near the shoreline.
For minimal effort, this trail delivers classic desert contrast: bare hills and arroyos giving way to a lush stand of California fan palms. It’s a nice stop if you’re touring viewpoints around the sea or camping nearby and want a low-key stroll. Expect soft sand in places and bring water even though it’s short—the shaded oasis is cool, but the approach is not.
05
Best geology fix
Elephant Knees via Fish Creek Wash
Anza-Borrego Desert East Of Salton Sea • Badlands Wash And Viewpoint Hike • Best For Geology Buffs And Photographers
A broad wash walk leading to a dramatic mudhill formation nicknamed Elephant Knees, with expansive badlands scenery.
Starting in wide Fish Creek Wash, you gradually work deeper into eroded mudhills that show off the layered geology of the ancient sea bed. The final viewpoint below Elephant Knees makes the landscape feel almost otherworldly, especially in late-afternoon light. The approach is sandy and remote, so a high-clearance vehicle, extra water, and a solid weather check are all smart moves before you go.