Desert – theCanyoneers

Mine Canyon

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Visit a large Kumeyaay village site with grinding areas and hundreds of agave-roasting pits. Then continue after a short drive, by foot, into the North Pinyon Mountains via Mine Wash.

Click elevation profile for larger image

Rating: Easy
Distance: 5 miles
Elev Min/Max 2416 ft/3044 ft
Elev Gain/Loss: +750 ft/-750 ft

A major archeological site, a treasure trove of fascinating plants and animals, and beautiful scenery ranging from wide-open desert views to narrow winding mountain canyons all await anyone who takes a drive and hike up Mine Wash and Canyon.

Pinyon Wash to Harper Flat

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Search for Native American grinding holes while admiring spectacular desert scenery from an alluvial fan.

*Click elevation profile for larger image*

Rating: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Elev Min/Max: 2236 ft/2626 ft
Elev Gain/Loss: +650 ft/-650 ft

This hike takes you up Pinyon Wash, lined with wildflowers in the spring, and into Harper Flat, an extensive area of Native American use.

Ghost Mountain

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Visit poet/author/artist Marshal South’s adobe ruins on a desert mountaintop

Rating: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Elev Min/Max: 2769/3215 ft
Elev Gain/Loss: +643/-643 ft

A rugged one-mile trail up the Ghost Mountain ridge leads to Yaquitepec (elev. 3215 feet), the ruins of an adobe home built by poet/author/artist Marshal South and his wife Tanya on top of waterless Ghost Mountain.