Wind Caves trail – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA

As many times as we go to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, we always find something new to explore. This place seems unassuming, yet it is full of hidden gems, especially if you have 4WD. Wind Caves trail is one of those hidden gems. It is a short hike, less than a mile round trip. This trail takes you to an awesome sandstone formation full of wind-eroded pockets. And yes, 4WD or at least high clearance vehicles are highly recommended.

(Note: OHVs are NOT allowed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Don’t mistake dirt washes for OHV areas. You need to go to the neighboring Ocotillo Wells for OHV areas.)

STATS:

Where:
Wind Caves Trailhead Coordinates: 32°59’35.2″N 116°07’06.8″W

Parking: 
Pull out dirt area right in front of the trailhead.

Fees:
There is no fee to hike here

Restrooms: 
There are porta-potties at the Fish Creek Campground, 2.5 miles before the trailhead.

Distance:
less than a 1-mile round trip

Elevation: 150 ft

Level: Easy

Estimated Completion Time:
45 minutes – 1.5 hours

Ideal Weather: 
Winter and Spring are the best times to go since it is in the desert and there is absolutely no shade.

Ideal Time: 
Go there early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler. It is also better for photos.

Dog-friendly: NO

DIRECTIONS:

This trailhead doesn’t have an actual address, you have to use the GPS coordinates above. To get to the trailhead, you can also follow the directions below:

Whether you’re coming from San Diego or Borrego Springs, you’ll want to be on Route 78 East, heading toward Ocotillo Wells. About 6.6 miles past Borrego Springs Road on Route 78, you’ll turn right onto Split Mountain Road and stay on it for about 8 miles.

At the end of 8 miles, the pavement comes to an end. At this point, you’ll turn right on a dirt road down the center of a sandy wash called Fish Creek Wash. This is where we recommend 4WD or at least high clearance vehicles. It is very sandy and sometimes muddy throughout the whole road. At about 1.4 miles, you’ll pass Fish Creek Campground. This is your last chance to use the restrooms.

From here, it’s about 2.5 miles before you’ll get to the trailhead. This drive is actually very beautiful. The canyon narrows in some parts with steep stone walls rising up from both sides. The trailhead is located on the left-hand side. You should be able to see a sign for the Wind Caves trail at the trailhead. If you prefer a longer hike, you can actually park your car at the campground and hike from there.

THE ADVENTURE:

After we parked right in front of the trailhead, we headed up the small, rocky steep trail. It’s actually not as steep as it looks. However, it is very rocky so be careful of rolling your ankles. As we climbed up, the view slowly opened up to the expansive Carrizo Badlands. This view alone worth that short hike up the mountain. A few times along the way, the trails split up into multiple tracks. They all should end up in the same place. However, it’s better to follow the most worn trail. We followed the trails on the left, along the ridgeline.

After we crossed a small ridgeline that opened out to the sweeping view of the rolling mountains, we headed up another short hill. As soon as we crossed over the hill, the wind caves suddenly came to view. It didn’t look much when we first saw it. However, as we went further in, this place turned into our happy little playground.

There were so many caves, tunnels, and alcoves to explore here. They range from palm-size holes to caves that are big enough for you to stand inside. We spent at least an hour here, climbing around. This is a great place for a quick lunch as well. It is shaded inside the caves. The views from some of the caves are pretty magnificent as well.

Once you’re done exploring the place, you can head back the way you come from. If you want to make it a loop, you can follow the trail on the other side of wind caves, heading down to the expansive view of the wash and the badlands. This will eventually join up with the main trail that leads back to the car.

Besides the Wind Caves, there are so many things here to do in the Anza Borrego. You can explore the Galleta Meadows of giant metal sculptures, hike through one of the few slot canyon hikes in California or watching the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in the park, Fonts Point. If you’re up for more adventure, you are just outside the Salton Sea, don’t forget to check out 10 things to do in Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain or Slab City Adventure.

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RECOMMEND GEAR:

Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

•  Hiking shoes
Hiking shoes are required as it is a rocky uneven trail. Vy’s shoes are North Face HedgeHog GTX.  Dustin’s shoes are Coleman Tasman Hiking Shoe.

•  Snacks/Lunch
It is a short hike but I recommend bringing some snacks just in case. As for lunch, it is a perfect place for a quick little picnic.

•  Sunscreen: 
The whole trail is exposed. PLEASE bring sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

•  Water
Bring more than you think you need. It can get very toasty on this trail.  Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around)

CAMERA GEAR:
•  Camera:
   Sony a7 III
   Gopro Hero 7 Black

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens    

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