Hike Alma Wash to Starfish Cove, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

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The hike to Starfish Cove in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park starts in Alma Wash in the Elephant Tree area. This 10 mile out and back trail has a 1,700' elevation gain and takes about 7 hours. The hike starts off on the Elephant Tree Nature Trail. The elephant tree (Bursera microphylla) is rarely found in the United States. The trail has changed from previous years due to flash-flooding in the wash. There is now only one tree on this trail, and it is actually a shorter hike now than it was previously. The trail is not hiked often so hikers are often all by themselves and the trail is not well marked, but just follow the wash. Take the wash to the south of the low dome and coninue west for 2 miles. Elephant trees are fond throughout the hike and the canyon walls. Starfish Cove is named due to the starfish design on topo maps. There are several campsites here on the flat sand. In the spring wildflower season, the Elephant Tree Nature Trail can be a good place to visit for the number of different species you'll see in bloom. On the 78 drive to Ocotillo Wells and turn south onto Split Mountain Road. Drive 6 miles to Elephant Tree turnoff. Turn right onto short dirt road to a parking area.

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