Slots Trail
This is technically a slot canyon, but rather wide. Easy walking, easy to get to from the Skutumpah Road (there is a small sign by the road). Looks like a spot that ranchers would have used to pen cattle. When we went into Lick, the sun was going down and we saw a large. Color:Wire Pass Slot Trail. Technical Details. Manufacturer Mitercraft, Inc. Brand Name Mitercraft Item Weight 0.634 ounces Product Dimensions 7 x 1.75 x 0.08 inches.
The Slot Canyon Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, known simply as “The Slot,” is an easy out-and-back hike, that winds through a deep and extremely narrow siltstone canyon (just wide enough at points for a single person to pass). Squeezing through the slot is definitely an adventure and a fun way to experience the maze-like quality of Anza Borrego’s desert canyons.
As you approach the trailhead (GPS: 33.182039,-116.214071), it’s worth keeping a close eye on kids, because the canyon drops off steeply in places along the approach trail. The trail starts at the top of the parking lot, in the direction you would go if the road had continued up the hill, and begins with a steep descent into the canyon. Once you’re at the bottom, head left onto the trail.
The mile-long trail drops about 100 feet in elevation as you pass through the canyon. The trail gets so narrow in places, that you may need to take off any backpacks to squeeze through. Kids (and the young at heart) will love exploring the canyon, as there is a surprising geological twist around each corner.
After less than a mile, the slot canyon will open up and you’ll come to a truck trail. You can follow this trail for a bit and then take a left on a trail that will bring you back along the rim of the canyon to the trailhead (which adds about a mile to the hike). Alternatively, we recommend you return back through the slot trail, as it’s more interesting.
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Getting There
To get there from Christmas Tree Circle in Borrego Springs, head south on Borrego Springs Road for 12 miles to Highway 78. Turn left on 78, and go 1.4 miles and make a left on Buttes Pass Road. Drive 1.8 miles to the parking lot for the hike. Follow the signs to the slot trailhead at the northeast corner of the parking lot.
Getting to the slot canyon trailhead doesn’t require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, unless it has rained recently, in which case, check-in at the visitor’s center about road conditions. The slot is about a 20-minute drive southeast of Borrego Springs, and a little tricky to find. The gravel road to the trailhead is easy to miss, and the tiny road sign doesn’t help matters. Even though we set the mileage tracker on our Jeep, we blew right by it the first time and had to circle back.
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Added by Jason Neitzke
Distance: about one mile (no need to rush). Duration: 1-3 hours, depending on your speed. Short hike, easy access and amazing views. No permit required.
The Slot is an amazing short hike located in the Anza Borrego Desert. Drive east on Hwy 78, and about a mile and a half after Borrego Springs Road, turn left onto Buttes Pass Road. Buttes Pass road is a dirt road and not marked well so look carefully. The road is pretty smooth, about a mile in you will take a left at the fork. From there, you will drive about another mile to a parking lot. Two wheel drive vehicles should be fine unless there was a recent rainstorm.
From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. Do not take the trail to the right of the parking lot or you will miss the Slot. Once you are at the bottom, go left and head to where the canyon starts to narrow. As you enter, the walls start to close in and you are taking your bag off to get through some tight passages. Every turn is exciting, it is constantly changing and you are not sure what is going to be around the next bend. The Slot is made of siltstone and is very brittle so watch your footing if you decide to climb around. At the end of the Slot you hit a dirt road, from there you can either turn around and go back through or follow the road and find some other trails. Further down the road there are some awesome wind caves and arches that are worth checking out.
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Reviews
Sophia Steen
over 2 years ago
Great short hike
Beautiful sandstone slot canyon. It gets tight in areas. Went of the main trail a bit and did some climbing up! So much fun
Slots Trail Golf Course
5.0
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Scott Sichler
🥇Top Contributor
about 3 years ago
Slots O fun
This is a really fun hike. The slot is a little tight in spots but doable by most people. We like to hike out into cliffs beyond the slots for great views of the area.
5.0
Allett Wallets
about 4 years ago
Worth The Stop
This was an entertaining hike. It makes you feel like a kid again. It's a unique experience and a worth while diversion.
4.0
Christine Thompson
almost 5 years ago
Hands Down One Of The Best Adventure
It is simply amazing! Your weaving in and out of the canyon you find yourself going through tunnels . A must see
5.0
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