Moonlight Canyon Trail
Moonlight Canyon Trail offers an easy-to-moderate 2.2-mile desert hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, featuring a section that traverses a short, sheltered slot canyon, capturing morning and late-afternoon light in dramatic ways. The loop trail begins and ends at Agua Caliente Campground, and is accessible, family-friendly, and makes a great add-on to a day of exploring the surrounding desert.
Trail Details
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Length | 2 miles |
| Elevation Gain/Loss | 350 feet / -350 feet |
| Trailhead Coordinates | 32.948426, -116.303234 |
| Location | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California |
| Best Season | October to April (Extreme heat in summer) |
Getting to Moonlight Canyon Trail
Moonlight Canyon Trail begins inside Agua Caliente County Park, located off County Route S2 in the southern section of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. From San Diego, take I-8 east to the the town of Ocotillo, and exit onto Route S2. Follow S2 northwest for about 30 miles to arrive at Agua Caliente County Park.
Parking is available in the day-use lot near the campground entrance and at the caravan area of the campground. Day-use fees apply. Because this trail originates within a county campground, expect more visitors on weekends and holidays. Restrooms, water, and shaded picnic areas are available in the campground, making it a convenient option for families or those new to desert hiking.
The Trail
The loop begins on a well-marked path at the southeast corner of the campground, near Campsite 140. It climbs for a few hundred yards into a heavily wooded gully, then climbs a short, steep rock face. From there, the trail opens up and follows the western margin of a tall peak through a desert landscape of cacti, ocotillo, and brittlebush.
As you come to the highest point of the hike, a wide vista opens. The train bends to the north and descends into Moonlight Canyon, a narrow trail through steep canyon walls. As the canyon tightens, you’ll come to a slot section that offers easy scrambling down small rocky waterfalls and through dry streambeds.
After passing through the narrowest stretch, part of which is lushly wooded with reeds and palms, the canyon opens into a broader wash. The trail curves gently back toward the campground, completing the loop.
We did the hike in late November after a rain. The climb up was sunny and warm enough to get us sweating. On the descent through the narrow canyon, the ground was still moist, and the temperature cooled significantly.
Wildlife sightings may include quail, jackrabbits, and—if you’re out early—bighorn sheep in the surrounding hills. Spring brings a chance for wildflower blooms following wet winters.
This is an easy hike suitable for most visitors, but hikers should still carry water and be mindful of the desert’s high temperatures.
