Exploring Mountain Palm Springs Canyon in the Anza Borrego Desert

Palms, Ocotillo and Barrel Cacti are primarily seen in Mountain Palm Springs Canyon

In the heart of Anza Borrego Desert Reserve are the oases giving palm trees a life in the midst of harsh surroundings.  Mountain Palm Springs is one such oasis.  In my digital explorations using Google satellite images, it appeared that several small oases are interspersed throughout these canyons.  I came for sunrise and early morning photography (they face the east) and found small paths leading over the hills of one canyon into another adjacent canyon.  These hills are not very high so climbing to the top and then discovering another oasis in the desert was kind-of fun.  This is a delightful and easy place to explore.  (It made me feel like a Victorian-era explorer.)  I could have stayed a lot longer but had some other adventures planned this day.

There is a small BLM-style campground with plenty of room here.  You'll be totally alone with nature.  When I visited in early February, the temperatures were perfect for hiking.  Enjoy some photograph from this wonderful landscape.  

Boulder and Oasis

Cactus Trio

Wiry Ocotillo branches stretch up
towards the morning sky

Gordon's hike rating:

Hike Difficulty:                   ★★★ Moderate

Trail Condition:                   ★★★ Good

Trail Hazards:                      ★★ Moderate:  cacti

Trailhead:                             Mountain Palm Springs campground

Time Required:                     2 hours

Distance round trip:              2 - 3 miles

Off the Beaten Path:             ★★★★★ Yes, 5 Stars

Scenery:                                ★★★ Great, 3 Stars

Photographic Potential:        ★★★ Great, 3 Stars