Indian Canyon

April 1, 2019 tarannosaurus

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → Anza Borrego Desert → Indian Canyon

Location: Northwest Anza Borrego Desert, California

Time Required: ~4 hours including driving time from Borrego Springs

Distance: ~5.5 miles, roundtrip

Elevation Gain/Loss: ~700 feet

Red Tape/Notes: Indian Canyon is accessed by driving to the end of Coyote Canyon Road. You can drive some of it with a 2 wheel drive, but 4 wheel drive and at least mid clearance is required for the later section of the road. Closed from approximately June 1 to September 30 (to preserve watering rights of the Bighorn Sheep) – but it’s not like avoiding the desert in the summer is a huge loss. Campsites are available at nearby Sheep Canyon, or you can find numerous backcountry campsites near the Indian Canyon trailhead. You can find some additional information on the trail, including gpx and kml files, on Borregohiking.com.

What’s Nearby?: Borrego Palm Canyon, Hellhole Canyon, Galleta Meadows Sculptures, Cougar Canyon (top down), Cougar Canyon (bottom up), Villager Peak, Rabbit Peak, Calcite Mine & Slot Canyons

While the rest of the park’s visitors are cramming into the Borrego Palm Canyon or Hellhole Canyon, Indian Canyon will probably be empty. Hooray! This area offers great camping options, beautiful desert views with wildflowers in the spring, and a seasonal stream that creates a desert oasis at the Valley of the Thousand Springs. You’ll also pass by Cougar Canyon, which offers a great diversion if you’re looking to extend your day. The trail is clearly marked at the end of the parking area, and starts out wide and easy to follow until the intersection with Cougar Canyon. After that, it becomes less clear and may require some route-finding of your own. A map and/or gps can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area. You’ll essentially go to the end of the Indian Canyon trail and then head to the right, up the first major valley/wide canyon, through Bennis Bowl, following a trickling stream towards a visible palm grove marking the Valley of the Thousand Springs, which is a nice spot for lunch or a snack before turning around. The hills around the area can also be climbed for nice views of the valley below.