Anza Borego: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls 4-16-2011

[BorregoWrangler]

A short hike from the hot, dry desert flat into a narrow canyon and to a hidden waterfall, full of mosses, vines, and trees, this tiny oasis felt like a world away. Hellhole Canyon is home to Maidenhair Falls, a seasonal 20-foot waterfall that makes a refreshing hiking destination on a hot day in the California desert.

Looking back at the trail head.

The trail begins out on the flat alluvial fan well outside the canyon containing typical California desert vegetation.

What's up with these rock stacks?

Looking back towards Borrego Springs.

Deeper into the canyon the terrain gets rockier and vegetation starts closing in.

Once you reach the first set of palm trees, the trail gets a bit strenuous and the vegetation turns into jungle-like thickets of palms, sycamores, canyon grape, and those pesky catclaws.

My destination, Maidenhair Falls,

Pictures don't do it justice.

The crystal clear, cool water was very refeshing.

After a bit of relaxation, it was time to head back down.

By the time I reached the trail head it had warmed up considerably, making me glad I had packed enough water. I really enjoyed this hike and look forward to returning to this desert oasis.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Nice looking escape from the desert. A little sweet spot. :wings:

Thanks for sharing the trip.

 

[shortbus4x4]

Are the rock stacks graves? They are the right shape.

 

[hidesrider]

Typically rocks stacked like that in the desert are grave sites. It looks like that is the case there as well.

 

[BorregoWrangler]

Are the rock stacks graves? They are the right shape.

Typically rocks stacked like that in the desert are grave sites. It looks like that is the case there as well.

That's what I was wondering but they seem too small to be human grave sites. Only about 4 to 5 feet in length. Maybe someone buried their dogs? Rock art? Aliens?