Near Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls
Among the Hellhole Palms
Near Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls
Maidenhair Falls in Hellhole Canyon
Near Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls
Hellhole Canyon

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls

3.8 (4 Ratings)
Partial-trail-scramble up a desert canyon to palms and a waterfall.
5
mi
Distance
996
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
5.04mi
Distance
996ft
Elevation Gain
996ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
1,884ft
High Point
888ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The path begins at the parking area a few miles south of the main Anza-Borrego Visitor Center. Follow the trail westward into the narrowing canyon between the mountains. Drop into the wash after about 1.3 miles and turn left to follow the wash into the canyon.After entering the wash, the trail sometimes becomes obscured by rocks, desert flora, and the rugged terrain. Light scrambling may be required to weave around or over boulders. At some point while scrambling up the wash, you'll begin to see water in the main channel.Arrive at the Hellhole Palms at about mile 2.3. The palms are a welcome respite from the hot sun on a warm day.The route beyond the palms is noticeably more difficult and more hemmed-in - while there were views before back down the canyon, the foliage makes seeing difficult more than a few feet in any direction. It's worth the trek, though, to arrive at Maidenhair Falls at about mile 2.6.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Anne Travels