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South Coyote Canyon Trail
From Dirtopia, The Off-Road Encyclopedia
The two separate trails can be combined for 3 miles between the Upper and Middle Willows for about 8 months a year. Horse riders, hikers and bikers can enjoy this section during this time. The South Coyote Trail is closed between June to September to protect the rare peninsular bighorn sheep who frequent this place for the water sources.
Vehicle Specifications
This trail is suitable for small and midsize SUVs but these have to be in good condition as certain sections are quite rough
Passing through
You move from the Borrego Springs in the north, pass the historical marker that commemorates the Sebastian Tarabal and further past the citrus groves to reach the Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. As you progress on the trail you enter Anza-Borengo Desert State Park.
Three crossings
At this point you have three crossings , one if which is dry and the others have water flowing through. With a normal vehicle, reaching this point is relatively easy. However it is not advisable to travel beyond the Second crossing in the same.
Picnic time
There is a good picnic spot at the Desert gardens and it is a pleasant experience to sit in the midst of cane chollas, teddy bear chollas, ocotillos and prickly pear cacti.
At the Second Crossing
A crossing that is suitable only for a tough 4WD, it is about 100 yards long. Besides, it is not safe to venture into the creek if there is a flood as it is the deepest of the three.
The Third Crossing
This crossing heralds the start of the difficult part of the trail which is steep and has loose rocks and boulders. Your 4WD does take a beating here and you have to be experienced to take it through. This section goes on for half a mile and is rated 6. As the first 200 yards are the toughest it is a good idea to park your vehicle and ascend on foot looking out for vehicles that will cross your path on their descent down.
All the effort you take will eventually pay off when you do reach the saddle. From here the terrain changes to a sandy one again and continues down to the Collins valley.
The Springs
Go east from here and you get to the historical marker at the site of Juan Bautista de Anza’s camp near Santa Caterina Springs. The area surrounding this watering hole is green and refreshing after the tough trail. Bird watchers can see a large number of species that frequent this place. This is the single largest natural water supply in San Diego County.
Move further and the trail forks. Take the left and you circle the Sheep Canyon. Here’s where you come across an old camping area. There is a good view of fan palms from here. Hikers and horse riders can also start on the Indian Canyon-Cougar canyon from this point.
If you choose to continue on the original trail you pass through Collins Valley , Salvador Canyon finally reaching Coyote Creek. The trail is uneven and water flows through the year.
The end of this trail is at the closure gate south of Middle Willows.
Maps and GPS Coordinates
South Coyote Canyon Trail Coordinates: 33.325333° -116.366833°
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