Hike Mountain Palm Springs - Southwest Grove Loop, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

Add to My List Check Off

This trail routinely gets washes out during the summer storms and it is not marked well. You must pay close attention to where you’re going so you do not lose the trail. On this hike there should typically be some palm trees up the canyon within view. The trail starts right from the interpretive panel. Start walking toward the palms, and you will run into the trail (if it's not clear). Follow the wash until the trail splits, one route going up onto a sandy ridge and one continuing through the main sandy wash. Both will lead to Southwest Grove, which should be visable from the split. About halfway to Southwest Grove there will be a sign for Torote Bowl. This ia a well-marked (with rock cairns) but very strenuous side trip to see a “bowl” rimmed with elephant trees. This side trip will add a very strenuous extra hour to the hike. Once at Torote Bowl, take some time to explore the area and then return on the same path. From Southwest Grove, stake the trail towards the back of the grove. The trail isn’t labeled, but the entire length of it is well traveled and well-marked with rocks on the ground and also a few rock cairns. The trail traverses across the side of this ridge and then drops down into the next canyon over into Suprise Canyon Grove. At the bottom of the canyon, turn right to follow the trail back to the trailhead.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›