Rock Tanks Loop Hike

The following pictures were taken during the hike in the Anza- Borrego Desert

 Bob Audibert

April 2 (Sat.) 9AM 

A 7.5 mile hike in the Anza- Borrego Desert

Come out and experience the rugged beauty of the desert.  Because the hike does not end at the same place it starts,  we will have a car at the endpoint of the hike  and shuttle back to the trail head.   Walking 1.6 miles on the side of the road adds nothing  positive to the hike.

This hike is moderately strenuous with 1300' gain/loss.  The hike begins with a 1.3 mile hike up an obscure jeep trail into Palo Verde Canyon where we will hike on an American Indian Trail for the next 2.1 miles.  This is a narrow trail with a lot of loose rock on the side of a steep slope.  We will pass a prehistoric Wonderstone mine, used to make stone tools. 

We will leave the trail when we reach Smoke tree Canyon.  Here we will find natural rock tanks, which are depressions worn in the rocks by flash floods.  They serve as reservoirs of water for months after major floods.  The final leg of the hike (3 miles) we will negotiate down and around boulders and a dry falls as we make our way through the canyon back to the road and then 1.6 mile back to the cars. 

What to Take Along:

Please bring at least 3qt of water, a lunch, Sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Dress in layers and don't forget a hat and sunscreen.  I would strongly suggest wearing long pants and a long sleeve shirt.  The trail is narrow in places with cactus and ocotillo near enough to brush against. 

Directions: 

From Borrego springs, follow Highway S-22 (Palm Canyon Drive, Pegleg Road and Borrego Salton Seaway) generally east for about 14 miles to mile 32.9, where Palo Verde Wash crosses Borrego Salton Seaway.  Parking allowed only off the pavement area.

Please register for this hike by contacting Bob Audibert at bob.takeahike1@gmail.com or (951) 302-1059. 

Would it rain or threat of showers, this hike will be canceled. 

The canyons we will use are subject to flooding. If anybody is interested in ride sharing to the hike please visit our Facebook Page at 

https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubSantaMargaritaGroup/

or leave a comment at the end of this blog.

Go to the events page, click on the Rock Tanks Loop Hike and use the comment section to request or volunteer ride-share information. 

Post Hike 

The following pictures were taken during the hike on April 2d, 2016