DESCRIPTION                        reported by Johnathan Behr

  THE LITTLE KNOWN, YET EASILY ACCESSED, C.H.R.T. TRAIL IN ANZA-BORREGO IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE HIKES IN THE PARK. If you want to break a sweat and beat the crowds who throng to this desert oasis every winter for it's Palm Groves and dazzling cacti flora, try this invigorating hike up the ridge that divides Hellhole Canyon to the east and Dry Canyon to the west. Spectacular vistas of Indian Head peak (elev.3,990ft.) and the Borrego Valley. The trail climbs through an abundance of Ocotillo, Creosote, Barrel Cactus, Beavertail Cactus, Brittlebrush and Teddy Bear Cholla. If you time your hike right and Mother Nature delivers some soaking rains in January into February, by late in the month this trail comes alive with blooming desert flora. Go to our links page and click on the Desert Wildflower report for the most current status of the bloom.

THE HIKE: The California Hikers & Riders trail is a mixed-use trail that hikers share with equestrians. The lack of water on the trail keeps horse travel on this trail to a bare minimum and it's steep sections deter hikers looking for an easy trail. The hike is by no means hard but be aware you'll be climbing most of the way up so do it on cool winters' day. The trail is easy to follow and well marked. Most hikers can do 2-miles in an hour, so my suggestion is to hike up this trail for an hour or so. After you have gained 1200ft, the views really open up, as well as, the wildflowers! Enjoy this spot and it's majestic desert vista, then return the way you came.

	The Anza-Borrego Desert Region A Guide to the State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert With Map			Best Easy Day Hikes Anza-Borrego Maps of 20 short, easy-to-follow trails within the desert park.
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	A great guide for hikers, off-road travelers, equestrians, mountain bikers, photographers, and campers.