Short Wash

Trail Overview

This trail starts just off Fonts Point Wash and ends on Palo Verde Wash. The route begins on the west end on higher ground with hard-pack sand providing solid traction. The trail eventually drops into a wash that's lined with mud walls, creating a canyon environment. The area just before dropping into the wash is a shelf road with deep ruts and uneven surface as you cut down to the wash, creating a technical descent. Once in the wash, the surface is very sandy and deep at times, requiring constant momentum management. Be cautious of falling mud walls in the wash as they can collapse without warning. The wash gets very wide right before it ends and joins Palo Verde Wash, opening up the terrain. This trail is in Anza Borrego State Park, and only highway-legal vehicles are allowed.

Photos of Short Wash

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Difficulty

The shelf road section with deep ruts and uneven surface cutting down to the wash is technically challenging and requires careful line choice. The very sandy and deep wash sections demand four wheel drive, with airing down essential for traction. The mud walls create collapse hazards and flash flood concerns. High clearance is necessary for the shelf road descent and wash navigation. Highway legal requirement means street-registered vehicles only.

Technical Rating

Short Wash can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV