Cactus Loop Trail, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Cactus is no stranger to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Look to your left or your right and you will find it just about everywhere. It lives on grows on hillsides, on trail paths—just about everywhere you step. But it is nowhere near as prevalent as along the Cactus Loop Trail, a short 1-mile loop conveniently located across from the Tamarisk Grove Campgrounds. Whether you are camping or in Anza Borrego for a quick day-trip, the Cactus Loop Trail is worth exploring.

When I first arrived at the Cactus Loop Trail, I expected cactus of course but I was astounded by the variety and vastness of the prickly plants on this trail. Almost every square inch appeared to be covered in cactus. At the start of the trail you can pick up an informational brochure that describes the different types of cactus you will encounter on this trail. A few you’ll come across include ocotillo, cholla, and beavertail cacti. Start along the well-travelled trail up the rocky ravine where you will pass by numbered markers, which correspond to each entry in the informational nature guide found at the beginning of the trail.

After a quick 0.2 mile walk, you’ll hike out the ravine and up onto a slope with views of the distant Tamarisk Grove Campground’s trees peaking out in the distance. The guide will inform you that Pinyon Ridge is just above you to the north. Bighorn sheep are known to be spotted along this ridge, however we weren’t lucky enough to spot any. The trail soon levels out while curving to the right. You will pass a knoll at the top of the loop. Follow the short spur, and walk along the slope, where you can catch views of Sunset Mountain in the distance.

Trail Markers

Head downhill to complete the Cactus Loop Trail. The trail will end on Yaqui Pass Road, about 150 feet away from the trailhead. Once you’ve completed the loop you can explore the nearby Yaqui Well Trail(just a few hundred feet away), or continue your drive further down the road to hike the popular Marshal South Home Trail or the Pictograph Trail.

This trail is truly a testament on how perennial plants are able to survive extreme conditions found in the desert. Some plants drop their leaves and grow new leaves to receive moisture. Others have an oil coating on their leaves to reflect sunlight. The barrel cactus expands to store water when the weather is warmer. Regardless of technique, all of these plants thrive and live despite the dry desert heat and lack of moisture.

Cactus Loop Trail Tips

Tip #1: Watch your step. A particularly prickly form of cactus, known as Cholla Cactus, can be found all along this trail and can easily get stuck in your shoes.

Tip #2: With #1 being said, it is a must to wear protective shoes on this trail. I’d recommend hiking boots.

Tip #3: Beware of all the cacti. This may seem like a no-brainer but there were a few times on this trail I’d grab for stability and find my hand around a spiked cactus.

Tip #4: The nature trail guide found at the trailhead describes the variety of cactus you will encounter along this trail. Pick up a copy and find the corresponding markers along the trail.

Tip #5: This hike is not bike or dog friendly.

Driving Directions

From Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, drive 5 miles southwest. Turn right on Route S3 and drive 6.5 miles along Yaqui Pass Road. The trailhead is located on the right side of the road, directly across the entrance for the Tamarisk Grove Campground. Park along the side of the road or you may also pay a fee to park in the Tamarisk Grove Campground .