There aren’t many things cooler than hiking through a mud cave, especially when the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves are right in your backyard. Well technically they are in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, but if you are a San Diegan or visiting San Diego, these mud caves are just a short drive away.
The Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves, translated from Spanish means “walled wash”, are found along the walls of this slot canyon in the Carrizo Badlands and are estimated to be nearly 5 million years old. During the rainstorms, channels were cut into mud hills, causing erosion which forms canyons with unstable and undercut walls. Because of the cohesive consistency of the mud in this particular region and its ability to swell to several times its original dry volume, it adheres to itself – thus leading to the creation of natural bridges, and sometimes caves, as it dries.
The Carrizo Badlands contains approximately 22 known caves and 9 slot canyons. The lengths of the caves vary, with some extending over 1,000 feet long and ceilings as high as 80 feet. Some caves have openings so narrow that you need to suck in and squeeze around the twists and turns.
The caves are not as well-known as some of the other parts of the desert park, such as the Borrego Palm Canyon Oasis and the Slot Canyon , and you won’t find anything about the Arroyo Tapiado mud caves listed on the park’s website or in its literature. This destination is, however, popular with spelunking enthusiasts and adventure lovers who are eager to seek out this rare site. Many even camp out here for the night. In fact, when I visited a whole group of elderly gentlemen were gathered in old-fashioned RVs for their annual camping trip.
The Arroyo Tapiado mud caves are not easy to get to; in fact a four wheel drive car with high clearance is necessary for off-roading. Once you park, you will walk into Arroyo Tapiado Canyon where you will begin to see holes or cracks in the side of the mud walls that are the entrances to some of the caves. Others can be found by walking into the slot canyons off the main wash area. The only caves I explored were those that were clearly visible from walking through the canyon, and a few off the slot canyons.
Personal Note: I ventured through these mud caves with a large group of about 10-15 people with the guidance of someone who had climbed through these caves multiple times before. We explored only the main caves and did not venture off into any of the side caves or caves that were difficult to get to. There have been a number of deaths and severe injuries out here and some of the caves appeared to be very unsafe. I would highly advise parents to not bring their children to the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves. Often you will hear of people going into the desert, getting lost, having a horrible accident, and not having cell service. All of these are highly likely when exploring these caves so please keep that in mind if you decide to explore this region.
Arroyo Tapiado Mud Cave Tips
Tip 1: CAUTION: These caves are dangerous and people have died here. NEVER explore alone and always carry a working flash light and head lamp with you. This hike is dangerous .
Tip 2: Never enter the caves if it is raining, has rained recently, or if it is expected to rain.
Tip 3: Always take a group with you when exploring the Arroyo Tapiado mud caves and let multiple people know exactly where you are going to be and when you will return.
Tip 4: Do not walk on top of the caves, along the ridges or in areas where the ground may cave in. A man recently lost his life doing this. Remember, these hills are made of mud and can be extremely unstable.
Tip 5: The caves are much cooler than the temperatures outside, despite being in the middle of the desert, so dress in layers.
Tip 6: Visit the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves in the spring, fall, or winter months. Temperatures can spike up to 110 degrees in the summer.
Tip 7: Watch your cell phone usage when driving between the Golden Acorn Casino through Jacumba. You could easily pick up a Mexican cell tower and be charged international rates – $1.00+/minute.
Tip 8: Bring at least one backup light and one glowstick per person. The consequences of getting lost in these caves in the dark could be fatal.
Tip 9: Even though you will be shaded in most of the caves, bring plenty of water and be sure to drink it frequently.
Driving Directions: The Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves are located in the southern part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, head south on S3 (Borrego Springs Road) for 5.3 miles. Turn right on Yaqui Pass road and continue for 6.9 miles to CA-78. Turn right (west) onto CA-78 and proceed 7 miles to a left turn junction.
Turn left onto S2 (Great Southern Overland Stage Route) which goes towards the town of Ocotillo. Follow S2 (Great Southern Overland Stage Route) for 29.4 miles to the left turn onto a dirt road which may be signed as “Palm Springs” or “Vallecito Wash”.
The turnoff is located here:
Lat: 32.91530705 Lon: -116.24061996
Proceed east along the dirt road and watch for a small sign on the left which says “Arroyo Tapiado”. Turn north and continue 3 or 4 miles to the caves. Some cars may be parked there as well, particularly on weekends, which is a good indication that you are at the right spot.
A full list of caves are detailed on Hidden San Diego .
Note: This picture was NOT taken on top of a ridge or cave.
Headlamps and flash lights required
