Canyon Sin Nombre Trail, Anza Borrego | San Diego, CA

Anza Borrego has no shortage of picturesque geological formations, including several slot canyons to explore. I’ve already ventured to “ The Slot ”, hiking down and through a narrow slot canyon in the middle of this expansive desert. When I heard of yet another slot canyon opportunity on the Canyon Sin Nombre Trail, I knew I had to check this out as soon as possible.

After record rainfall in San Diego this winter, the desert rewarded us with one of the best super blooms in over a decade. With this rare birth of new blooms, Southern Californians flocked to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this spring to snap some colorful photographs. The Canyon Sin Nombre Trail, which translates to “Canyon without a name” usually is also a canyon without flowers. Yet against the odds, I found plenty of flowers and vegetation along this trail which only added to its allure.

Canyon Sin Nombre can easily be found off the S2 highway, just past mile marker 51. Park on the right side of the road by the brown sign that reads “Canyon Sin Nombre”.  After parking, follow the sandy trail down into the canyon.

You’ll likely notice tire marks throughout the entirety of the trail and may even encounter a few four-wheel-drive vehicles zipping past you along the way. You can technically drive directly to the slot canyon; however, you’d need a 4WD vehicle to get through tough patches and over large rocks found on the trail. I would not recommend taking a vehicle down here, unless it’s a dirt bike or ATV.

Follow the sandy, well-marked trail as it slowly winds downhill with a gradual descent. For just under the first mile, you’ll be walking toward the approach of the canyon. The canyon will be where the real visual stimulation begins, but for now you can enjoy the unique desert landscape, sprinkled with Ocotillo shrubs.

At around 0.7-miles into your hike, the sand road will begin to narrow and you’ll enter the canyon. The walls will appear a vast array of hues, ranging from rust to deep brown. When the sun sets, the colors become even more vibrant and exemplified beneath the waning light. This colorful part of the canyon is relatively short, and soon the canyon walls will transform to sandstone and mud, more typical to what is found in Anza Borrego. This will be your first indication that the slot canyon is just up ahead.

Continue walking on the sand path, which by now has widened once again. You’ll notice a few spots where other trails feed into the path you are currently on to your left. Continue to remain on the same trail and don’t venture off on these side paths. The once exception to this is when you are about 2 miles into your hike and notice three metal posts on your left. Walk this direction, past the remnants of a camp fire to reach the slot canyon.

The slot canyon is easy to navigate, and wide at first. About a quarter mile into your trek through the slot it begins to narrow and becomes increasingly more difficult to get through. This is a good turn back point. Retrace your steps back to the makeshift fire pit, and veer right to return to your vehicle. To your left you can continue down Canyon Sin Nombre, however the scenery isn’t very enticing and gets slightly dull after a while. I’d recommend skipping this and heading back to the trailhead.

Canyon Sin Nombre Tips

Tip #1: This trail is entirely exposed to the sun, aside from the short stretch through the slot canyon. It is best to get an early start, bring plenty of sun screen and water, and wear thin layers.

Tip #2: If you find yourself out of the canyon and walking toward seemingly nothing, you’ve gone too far. The slot is located at the very end of the canyon and can be easy to miss.

Tip #3: Wear shoes with good grip. The walk through the slot canyon can be slippery and sandy in places. Hiking shoes or boots are probably best, though they may get an ample amount of sand in them along the way.

Tip #4: Do not attempt to off road. Unless you have a high-profile truck or a car similar to a Jeep, this trail can definitely destroy your car. Park your car at the top of the canyon and walk down.

Tip #5: Do not venture off the trail. Rattlesnakes are very prevalent in this region and with spotty cell phone reception, you could face a disastrous situation.

Tip #6: Hike with a friend. As mentioned in the previous tip, cell phone reception is rare on this trail, even with the best carrier. Bring a friend just in case.

Driving Directions

From downtown San Diego, take CA-163 N for 3.1 miles. Take exit 3A to merge onto I-8 toward El Centro. After 12.9 miles, keep left to stay on I-8 E. In 71.4 miles, take exit 89 for Imperial Hwy toward Ocotillo. Turn left onto Rte S2/N Imperial Hwy. Follow SR-2 for 13 miles until you reach the Canyon Sin Nombre dirt parking area on the right hand side of the road, just past mile marker 51.

Difficulty: Moderate

Dog Friendly: No

Total Distance: 5 miles