Driving the wild Sandstone Canyon Trail in California

Sandstone Canyon Offroad Trail is the name of a very delightful yet challenging drive through a narrow canyon with impressive high rock walls, in San Diego County, in the southwestern corner of the state of California, in the United States.

Sandstone Canyon Trail

Where is Sandstone Canyon trail?

Tucked away in the low desert of Anza Borrego in Southern California, the road is totally unpaved (sand with mild obstacles) and runs through a canyon cut through layers of beige-colored sandstones. You can drive into the canyon for a couple of miles and, when it becomes too narrow to drive further, get out and hike a short distance through the rest of the canyon.

Is the Sandstone Canyon trail open?

Located within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is required. Starting at Fish Creek Wash, the drive is 2.3 miles one-way. This trail can change overnight due to rain events and recent rock slides may have blocked road. Always be prepared for the unexpected. There have been notable changes to it in the past few years.  Since 2017, a major rock slide has blocked access into Sandstone Canyon. The slide is about halfway up the canyon, so the last mile is only accessible to well-abled 4WD vehicles with skilled drivers.

Is the Sandstone Canyon trail worth it?

A destination in itself, the drive is very scenic and offers stunning views of sandstone walls towering over just a few feet wide trail. This area is prone to flash floods. Never travel in this area if it has any chance of rain.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic: Scott Kennedy

 

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