Whenever your family’s spring break falls, a desert getaway will likely mean pleasant temperatures and the sunshine you may still be lacking at home. Not to mention, the giddy joy that comes with spotting desert wildflowers, cacti, and Joshua trees in bloom!

And if you’re really lucky? You might also happen upon some well-timed contrasts like a snow-dusted Telescope Peak jutting up above Death Valley, or tumbling waterfalls in a palm-filled canyon fed by a desert oasis.

Just remember, the later you visit in spring, the hotter the days may get! So plan accordingly for your sun and fun — and frequent hydration on the run.

Here are my recommendations for three spring break vacation ideas for families excited to explore our incredible California deserts. All are in southern California, with approximate drive times from the major cities included to help in your planning.

But first! Pin it to your travel board for future vacation planning …

And don’t forget — I’ve got complete details, tips, maps, and advice for 14 unforgettable desert hikes (from easy to strenuous) in Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families!

This post may contain affiliate links that help fund this independent website at no cost to you.

1. A Joshua Tree National Park Family Getaway

Approximate drive time: Los Angeles 3 hours, San Diego 3 hours, San Francisco 8 hours

What you’ll find:

Joshua tree is a fascinating family desert destination thanks to its “Jumbo Rock geology” and the contrasts that come from straddling two distinctly different desert ecosystems.

On its western side, you’ll find classic Mojave Desert habitat with prickly pear cacti, pinyon pines, Mojave yucca, and the Joshua trees for which the park is named.

To its east, you’ll find Colorado Desert habitat (part of the larger Sonoran Desert), with a different personality punctuated by spiky ocotillo, palo verde, and teddy bear cholla.

And as your spring break family vacation destination, you’ll have the chance to see both deserts when many visitors feel they’re at their most beautiful.

Good to know:

Three important things to know before planning your first visit to Joshua Tree National Park include:

1. There are no concessions and very limited potable water within the park. That means you need to bring all the food and snacks, drinks, and water (and backup extra water) for your time spent in the park.
2. The only overnight accommodations in Joshua Tree National Park are in its campsites. And reservations can fill up 6 months in advance–as soon as they open for popular seasons. So if you’d like to camp in the park itself (beneath its dark night skies!), plan your timing well in advance and set a reminder to book your camping reservation 6 months earlier if possible at at Recreation.gov.
3. It’s a popular national park — especially in spring! But most visitors stick to the primary (paved) roads in the north and easiest-to-reach attractions. To encounter fewer crowds, I recommend STARTING EARLY and with the most popular attractions and hiking trails you’re interested in (eg. Jumbo Rocks, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Hidden Valley). Then use the rest of the day to explore the less-traveled areas that interest you most.

There are more great tips for planning your visit to Joshua Tree NP in the article “Plan Like a Park Ranger.” And be sure to download your “offline accessible” guide to the park and maps from the free National Parks App. (Don’t expect cell service inside the park!) Click here for more info about the app.

Where to stay when visiting Joshua Tree National Park with kids?

If you won’t be camping in the park, there are several campgrounds outside its borders. There are also numerous hotels to be found in the towns surrounding the park and of course in the Palm Springs Area.

But for many families, a full-service vacation rental house or condo in one of the 9 Coachella Valley communities might make an ideal base for exploring the wider area.

We’ve found great value in family vacation rentals in La Quinta, a small town southeast of Palm Springs and Palm Desert. It’s on the edge of the Santa Rosa Mountains (I love looking at those mountains) — and also puts you near the the scenic Book Hoff trailhead!). Click here to see available vacation rentals in La Quinta.

Alternatively, you might check for deals at the Cathedral City Hampton Inn & Suites. It has some very large rooms for families, free breakfast, and an outdoor swimming pool with a nice mountain view (we saw snow on the mountains during our stay!). Click here to check availability and pricing for your dates.

2. An Anza Borrego Desert State Park Family Adventure

Approximate drive time: San Diego 2 hours, Los Angeles 2 hours 45 minutes, San Francisco 9 hours

What You’ll Find:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a favorite spring break destination for many reasons. One of the best known reasons is the potential for its spring wildflower spectacular (especially in super bloom years!).

Golden brittlebush, beavertail cactus, desert woolstar, wild heliotrope, pink-blooming cheesebush, barrel cactus, and then some. Seriously, how many state parks have a dedicated wildflower hotline for updates? Just dial (760) 767-4684 for the latest updates. (For a great Mojave Desert Wildflower guide, see this book.)

But Anza Borrego is more than a world-famous destination for desert wildflowers. This 600,000-acre park is home to big-horn sheep, not to mention dramatic canyons and badlands, and California’s native palm trees and oases.

Better still, there is evidence of human history and culture here dating back more than 5,000 years (see my post for a fairly easy hike that will lead you to a cool pictograph and kitchen rock!).

And dig this: The Colorado Desert portion of the park to the east has a fossil record dating back 7 million years! This arid landscape was an ancient inland sea teaming with life 5 million years ago?

Good to know:

The best place to start your visit to the park is at the Borrego Visitor Center. The exhibits give a great overview of the flora and fauna (and geology) of the park throughout time. And the rangers will give you updates on the best locations to visit and hikes to do at the time of your visit (and a heads up if there’s anywhere you should avoid!).

Where to Stay for an Anza Borrego Family Vacation

You can camp in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and enjoy its starry dark-sky splendor (make reservations well in advance at ReserveCalifornia.com). Or choose from several campgrounds and RV parks, hotels and motels, and vacation rentals nearby in Borrego Springs–which is literally surrounded by the park. Click here to check available accommodations and pricing in Borrego Springs.

3. The Bucket List Desert Family Vacation: Death Valley National Park with Kids

Approximate drive time: Los Angeles 5.5 hours, San Diego 7 hours, San Francisco 9 hours 20 minutes

Death Valley’s staggering landscapes can surely bend the mind. I wish everyone the opportunity to see its salt flats, sand dunes, jagged peaks, waterfalls both wet and dry, craggy mountains, captivating canyons, and bewitching badlands. (That’s why I included hikes that explore them all in my guidebook!)

Death Valley NP, is in the northernmost part of the Mojave Desert (on the border of the Great Basin Desert). The park actually comprises TWO valleys: the Panamint Valley and Death Valley. However, most visitors enter the park from the east side (from the east / Las Vegas side). And many never make it to the Panamint Valley side — though both sides are worth exploring!

Good to know:

In 1913, Furnace Creek in Death Valley was recorded as the hottest place on earth at 134 Fahrenheit (56.7 Celsius). The record is yet to be broken, though the same location came close again in 2023. As you can imagine, Death Valley NP is no place to take kids in summer! And be warned that it can feel plenty hot already in mid to late spring.

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your sightseeing and activities accordingly. Here’s a sample day in Death Valley:

• Hike in the early mornings
• Do other outdoor activities later morning,
• Visit the air-conditioned Furnace Creek Visitor Center in the afternoon
• Get ice cream and go for a swim in the afternoon
• Visit Artist’s Palette at sunset.

But remember, if there’s any chance of precipitation, steer clear of the canyons — flash floods and mud slides happen!

Also, when you visit Death Valley with kids, your accommodations can make a big difference how you structure your days. Not to mention how much you’re able to enjoy your time there. Which brings me to…

Where to Stay for a Death Valley Family Vacation

There are only two hotels located inside Death Valley National Park. And given the size of the park and likelihood of hot temperatures, I highly recommend staying at one of them.

And for families coming for spring break, I recommend staying one of these hotels in particular. The sprawling Ranch at Death Valley is family friendly and well located for exploring the major attractions. It gives you the advantage of short distances and an early start compared with those staying outside the park.

In addition to air-conditioned rooms and cottages for afternoon siestas (if needed), there is a huge outdoor swimming pool. And you’ll find lots of outdoor areas for visiting, playing corn hole or horse shoes.

You won’t have a kitchen, and the on-site dining prices may make your eyes pop (hello, $20 hot dog). But you will be so efficient with your time in the park with this as your base. And the kids will really enjoy that pool when it heats up! So it could be well worth the high cost of hot dogs for a short stay. Click here to see availability and pricing for your dates at The Ranch at Death Valley.

Get more California Family Vacation Ideas:

• Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas
• Sequoia National Park with Kids
• Yosemite National Park with Kids
• Los Angeles with Kids
• Carlsbad with Kids
• Morro Bay with Kids
• See Monarch Magic at Pismo SB
• Greenhorn Family Dude Ranch Review
• Alisal Family Dude Ranch Review
• Review of Safari West African Tent Camp and Wildlife Preserve
• The Best Places to See California’s Giant Redwoods and Sequoias

Get More Family Hiking Inspiration:

• Shelly’s guidebook Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families
• Anza Borrego’s Best Hikes for Kids – Anza-Borrego Desert SP / SoCal
• The Hike to Whiskeytown Falls – Shasta Trinity / NorCal
• Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids – and Confidence!
• Hiking Bryce Canyon with Kids
• Bend with Kids – Oregon Family Vacation Guide

Get More Family Vacation Ideas:

• Five Great National Park Vacations for Families
• Six Great Mexico Family Vacation Destinations
• The 6 Best Places to Visit California’s Giant Redwoods and Sequoia Trees

The post Three California Desert Family Vacation Ideas for Spring Break appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Photos from this post are available in my Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove stock photo gallery.

What makes the Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove so special?

The monarch butterfly grove at Pismo State Beach is one of the most populous monarch colonies in North America. Even with the tragic decline in monarch populations over recent decades (down by as much as 90% over 25 years), this grove still manages to host migrating monarchs in the tens of thousands.

When we visited in January of 2022, there were an estimated 16,975 monarchs in the grove that day! Check the information board to see the daily count during your visit, and don’t miss the daily docent talks during peak season (usually 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) – or just look for them along the path on your visit.

What brings these monarchs to this grove each winter?

California’s coastal eucalyptus groves like this provide the perfect combination of shelter, camouflage, and humidity for overwintering monarchs migrating west of the Rocky Mountains. As you can see, when the monarchs close their wings to rest in clusters, they look like bunches of dried leaves hanging high in the trees.

And rest they should! These miraculous monarchs can fly as many as 200 miles per day during their seasonal migrations to escape the freezing winter temperatures farther north that could kill them.

Seeing them in such high numbers in this habitat, it’s hard to believe that monarchs haven’t always had a tie to eucalyptus trees. However, eucalyptus trees are not native to North America, and they only arrived in California the 1850s–first as envelopes of seeds from Australia promising fast-growing trees!

Before the rise of the (since invasive) eucalyptus groves along the California coast, monarch butterflies relied upon native trees like the Monterey pine and Monterey cypress for winter shelter. In harsh winds and stormy conditions, they monarchs still favor these trees–and the Pismo butterflies have the advantage of Monterey cypress here as well.

But the other attraction of the blue gum eucalyptus to these butterflies is its early winter blooms, which provide a bounty of nectar. When combined with nearby butterfly-friendly gardens, like the nectar-rich native flower garden adjacent to the Pismo grove, it’s no wonder so many monarchs love the location.

When is the best time to see monarch butterflies at Pismo State Beach?

To see the highest numbers of monarchs, park rangers and docents recommend visiting the grove during the holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day). But the weather and time of day can make a difference in what you see on your visit as well.

For most of the winter, the monarchs are “clustering” in the eucalyptus trees to stay warm and conserve energy. Since they cannot fly at temperatures below 55 Fahrenheit, they will be least active on colder days or early and late in the day.

When bringing young children to see the butterflies, a midday visit is probably your best bet–and you can time it with a picnic lunch on the beach!

This makes for the most impressive clusters to see, however, the monarchs can also be the trickiest to see with their wings closed up to help them camouflage in the trees (binoculars definitely help here!).

But on warm days, or when the temperature rises at midday, the monarchs stir with bright flashes of their orange wings and can be seen flitting through the grove and to the neighboring garden for nectar–monarch magic!

Can I bring my dog to the Pismo monarch grove (or stroller)?

The Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove is stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. And dogs are welcome to visit the grove as well–along with the adjacent Grover Beach (just keep your pup on a 6-foot leash).

You can simply walk out of the back side of the grove near the campground and onto the beach. However, you may need to cross a small lagoon en route so be prepared to get your feet wet!

Find out more on the Butterfly Grove’s web page.

Getting there:

The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is at the south end of the city of Pismo Beach. You’ll find it just off Highway 1 right after passing the campground driving south, or just after Grover Beach if driving north. TIP: If parking is tight, you can simply park free at Grover Beach (near Finn’s Restaurant) and walk to the grove on the lovely boardwalk trail that leads from behind the restrooms.

Note to readers: This post was originally published on October 13, 2022, and has since been updated.

If you’re planning a visit to the Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove, don’t miss these posts:

Morro Bay with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of the Alisal Guest Ranch at Solvang

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

San Francisco with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of The Greenhorn California Dude Ranch

Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids — and Confidence!

Catalina Island with Kids – Family Vacation Guide

Review of Safari West: One Night in the African Tent Camp

The post See Monarch Magic at Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove appeared first on Family Travel 411.

After all, you want to make sure the trip you plan will pay off for everyone in terms of the needed rest and relaxation, fun factor, and great memories you want from the investment of your vacation dollars (and time!).

Truth be told, it’s all too easy for many of us to feel exhausted just from planning the trip — let alone executing it (moms on family vacations are still moms, after all!).

Not to worry. Here are some easy ways you can help make sure you get your own vacation needs and desires met during the trip–so when you get home you can feel like you had a vacation, too!

This post contains affiliate links which help maintain this website at no cost to you. Opinions are my own.

Assign a Morning to Sleep In

Few are the parents of young children who would not LOVE the opportunity to sleep in during a family vacation. If you are blessed with early risers, make a plan with your partner to let each other sleep in (at least) one morning of your vacation.

Just be sure to agree on your designated days ahead of time so you can fully plan on, look forward to, and enjoy your late-morning snooze. (And don’t forget your sleeping mask and ear plugs! That’s my favorite one shown here in 100% mulberry silk.)

Give Yourself a Mini Facial

Even in a crowded hotel room with your favorite people piled on a bed watching a movie, you can still treat yourself to a mini facial.

Take a hot, steamy shower or soak in the tub with aromatic bath salts brought from home. Then put on your favorite P.J.s and apply an easy-packing sheet mask (they take up virtually no room in the suitcase!). Prop your feet up, take a deep breath, and put in those ear buds with relaxing sounds from nature or your favorite tunes.

But why stop there? Don’t forget there are also nourishing sheet masks for your hands and feet that are just as easy to pack and apply. Amazon and Sephora both have a great selection of sheet masks for hands, feet, and face.

Bring a Journal

Just letting your family know you want to write in a journal during the trip can help build in “mini mental breaks” for yourself — and time to step out on your balcony, go sit on the beach alone (or at the less-crowded end of the pool), or have a coffee in the hotel lobby.

And here’s a fun secret: While you might aspire to write a gratitude entry each day, chronicle your family’s vacation so far, or record the funny things your kids said along the way — you don’t have to!

It’s your journal. If you just feel like doodling while you people watch or listen to a favorite podcast, it’s all good (and good for you!).

Now, to help make the vacation PLANNING a lot easier on yourself, be sure to use the resources on this website and our sister website TravelswithBaby.com. Here are links to some of our most popular posts. And you can also use the drop-down menu for help planning family trips to Destinations around the world.

From Family Travel 411:

How to Build a Budget-Friendly Maui Family Vacation

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

Six Amazing Ireland Family Vacation Ideas (with Tips from an Expert)

Six Great Mexico Family Vacation Destinations

Three California Desert Family Vacations for Spring Break

Five Great National Park Vacations for Families

From TravelswithBaby.com:

The 6 Best Places to Visit California’s Giant Redwoods and Giant Sequoias

Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport

How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)

The Best Tips for Flying with a Baby or Toddler (start here!)

The post Three Easy Ways For Moms to Build Self-Care Into a Family Vacation appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families includes my recommended hikes in Joshua Tree, Channel Islands, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.

And for each hike, I’ve included all the details you need to know BEFORE you go to plan for hiking success! You’ll see:

• Multiple color photos
• An easy-to-follow map
• Difficulty ratings (from easy to strenuous)
• Recommended ages on foot (from 2 years through teens)
• Directions and GPS to the trailhead
• Dog-friendliness info
• Mile by mile directional cues
• Even restroom availability for every hike!

Plus my detailed hike descriptions take you along each unique trail so you’ll know what to expect — and what cool things to look for as you hike with your family.

Of course, the book includes several MORE hikes in other incredible California locations as well, from San Luis Obispo County through Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

If you want to experience some of California’s biggest bucket list destinations with your kids, please consider this guidebook your formal invitation!

You can preview the book online at Amazon and order your copy now. And if you find it helpful, I hope you’ll leave a review to let others know. And drop me a line @shelly.rivoli – I’d love to hear what you think of Hiking with Kids Southern California!

Here are some related posts you might like:

Sequoia National Park with Kids

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

Anza-Borrego’s Best Hikes for Kids

Yosemite National Park with Kids

Hiking to Whiskeytown Falls – Shasta County

Review of Merrell Siren Sport 2 women’s hiking shoes

How Can Fourth Graders Visit U.S. National Parks for FREE?

The post Hike These 5 California National Parks with Kids — and Confidence! appeared first on Family Travel 411.

1. Geology – including radically different canyon types and badlands.
2. Human history and cultures – dating back 5 thousand years (and more), including the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay people and their ancestors.
3. Desert flora – including the only palm trees native to the western United States, a variety of cacti, agave and yucca, and spring wildflowers so famous they’ve earned their own hotline (no joke!).

Before heading off to any of these hikes, I recommend a stop at the Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps and information guides for the park and three of these trails.

The friendly rangers can also advise you about the latest trail conditions and any current advisories for the areas you plan to visit — including current conditions of the dirt roads you may need to take to reach some trailheads.

I’ve included some overall tips for your family’s hiking trip(s) to Anza-Borrego at the end of this post. And if you’d like to see more photos from our time in the park, check out my Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo gallery.

As promised, here they are–the best hikes for kids in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. And best of all, everything I want you to know BEFORE you go to have your best hikes possible. Happy hiking! -Shelly

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. This post may contain affiliate links, which help fund this independent website.

1. Borrego Palm Canyon

• Distance: 3.0 miles out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 344 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate (see notes)
• Avg. time: 2 hours+
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.27, -116.42

It’s the most popular hiking trail in Anza-Borrego and with good reason. The most obvious being proximity. The trailhead is close to the town of Borrego Springs, the visitor center, and the Palm Canyon campground making it a convenient stop for the majority of visitors to the park.

But the 3.0-mile hike also starts smack-dab in the middle of a stunning landscape, then leads you into a craggy canyon, dotted with ragged rocks, spiky ocotillo, multiple species of cacti, and eventually palm trees–and occasionally bighorn sheep!

And in spring? It’s one of the best places to see the wide variety of Anza Borrego’s famed wildflowers on display, including mounds of yellow brittlebush, apricot mallow, beaver tail cactus, desert lavender, and towering ocotillo.

Add to that the delicious contrast of small waterfalls cascading over boulders in the middle of the desert (with the excitement of possible creek crossings) and a native California fan palm tree oasis as your outbound destination? And Borrego Palm Canyon is destined to be a memorable hike for your family.

Be sure to grab the tri-fold numbered brochure at the trailhead or save it to your phone and learn more about what you see (and might otherwise miss) along the way.

Things to know before you hike the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

The round trip out-and-back hike to the oasis is 3 miles, and is often described as “easy.” However you’ll do a fair amount of steps and scrambling up and down uneven rocky surfaces with 344 feet elevation gain overall (700 ft. if you return on the alternate trail–see note below). Plan for at least 2 hours.

If there’s much water flow during your visit, expect creek crossings either over slippery (and possibly rolling) rocks or directly in the water.

This is a $10 day use fee area. You can pay by phone using a credit card and the Yodel app (instructions in parking lot) or display either of the annual California state parks passes (California Poppy or Explorer both work here). Fourth graders with the California Adventure Pass can visit this park FREE.

Door-less (and roofless!) toilets are at the trailhead, so your family will either want to stand guard for each other or use the restrooms at the adjacent Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (yay, doors!) or nearby visitor center.

This hike can get HOT — even hotter than surrounding parts of the park as the canyon narrows and its walls amplify the heat like an oven. Bring plenty of water per person and be sure to drink it throughout your hike. And leave extra water in your car for when you return. (There is a drinking fountain near the trailhead, but don’t depend on it working.)

The “alternate trail,” which forms a lollipop of about the same distance but with an additional 350 feet of elevation gain is not nearly as interesting to most kids as following along (and over or through) the creek and boulders route.

The palm oasis suffered a horrible human-caused fire in 2020, but is making a fabulous comeback. For now, hikers need to appreciate the native California fan palm grove from the overlook as the resilient trees continue their recovery and the fragile topsoil stabilizes. (Please respect the signs!)

You can rest and enjoy a picnic on boulders at the oasis overlook or at picnic sites with tables near the trailhead.

2. Ehmuu-Morteros Trail

• Distance: 1.1 mile out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 105 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (see notes below)
• Avg. time: 1 hour
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.00, -116.38

When you’re ready for one of Anza-Borrego’s off-the-beaten paths, head for the Ehmuu-Morteros Trail in the Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve (be sure to read driving notes below).

Be sure to pick up the numbered trail brochure beforehand or save it to your phone (get the PDF here). This location was a seasonal home to the Kumeyaay people and their ancestors before them.

As you explore the main trail and the numbered (and unmarked) offshoots, you’ll see archaeological evidence of the many generations that stayed, gathered and prepared its foods here–including the agave, yucca, and berries from juniper you’ll see still growing along the way.

Look for the many ground-out holes in the large rocks which give the trail its name. “Morteros” is actually the Spanish word assigned to these, but the Kumeyaay word is “ehmuu.”

You’ll also see a “kitchen rock,” with many of these in different sizes as well as grinding slicks where the rock was worn smooth from other methods of grinding seeds and preparing flour.

The star attraction of the trail is a large, painted pictograph on the side of a massive boulder. Its exact age and meaning is unknown, but the Kumeyaay created the black weather-proof paint for their artwork from charcoal and the oil from roasted wild cucumber seeds.

On your return, don’t miss the side trail to what looks like a pile of boulders, but was in fact a small shelter for the Kumeyaay when staying in this valley. Look closely and you’ll see yet another ehmuu worn in its floor.

Pssst! For more photos from our time in the park, check out my Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo gallery.

Things to know before you hike the Ehmuu-Morteros Trail

You will need to drive about 3.5 miles of dirt road to reach this trailhead — either Little Blair Valley Road or Blair Valley Road to get to the trailhead. Both are usually passable in a 2WD car (30 miles/1 hour from the visitor center). You might want to check with the park rangers first about the road’s current condition. Continuing beyond this trailhead to Pictographs Trail DOES require 4WD and a higher clearance than the average SUV.

Expect to lose signal during the drive and hike. Keep your map and compass handy, and look extra closely for road signs.

There is no day use or parking fee at this trailhead, so it is possible to do this hike for free (or just the cost of gas), though you’ll need to pay the day use fee to park at the visitor center or Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead.

The nearest toilets (vault) are by the Blair Valley Campground, toward the north end of Blair Valley Road (not “Little” Blair Valley Road), near S2/Great Southern Overland Stage Route. If you’d like to make a pit stop before or after the hike, take Blair Valley Road.

My version of this hike goes beyond the pictograph, making it slightly longer than the official trail described by the park. You’ll see an established trail continuing past the pictograph boulder, following through the scenic wash until it finally dead ends at boulders (your cue to start back).

3. The Slot

• Distance: 2.3-mile loop
• Elevation gain: 300 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous (see notes)
• Avg. time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Dogs: No dogs on trail
• Trailhead coordinates: 33.18, -116.21

The Slot is another of Anza-Borrego’s most popular hiking trails — and again, with good reason! The adventure through the slot canyon and views of Anza-Borrego’s weirdly wonderful badlands are incredibly fun for kids and adults alike.

Plus, the contrast between this canyon and other parts of the park you’re likely to see — especially on these recommended hikes — will give you an even better appreciation of the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

This is a trail you will want to hit EARLY, and on a weekday morning if possible, to avoid the crowds and un-pleasantries of vying for parking spaces (not to mention mid-day or afternoon heat).

Most hikers start at the signed trailhead at the northeast end of the parking area, which starts with a short and steep uphill climb. But that quickly turns into a descent into the canyon, and so the adventure begins!

Hiking in this counter-clockwise direction, however, means the most exciting portion for kids comes first. And a steep uphill climb in soft sand to the tune of a 20% grade(!) comes nearly at the end–though with fantastic, sweeping views over the park to the north.

For that reason some families might want to do this hiking route in reverse, starting with the dirt/service road leading from the west end of the parking lot. If you’re not confident where to start if going clockwise, look for hikers completing the route and returning to the parking lot.

For this direction, you’ll follow the dirt road along the top of the canyon to the sign warning 4WD ONLY with an arrow to Borrego Mountain Wash Road (my stomach flips imagining someone actually driving down that?!).

At the bottom, you’ll follow the road and turn right into the wash, where rocks block entrance to any possible vehicles.

However, if you’ve arrived at a very busy time, you might not want to play salmon-fighting-upstream through the many hikers in the narrow parts of the canyon. Again, more reason to arrive early and on a weekday morning if possible.

Alternatively, I’m not aware of any rule that says you can’t do your own out-and-back version, hiking the slot portion in each direction. If you do, you might also want to take a leisurely stroll afterward along the portion of Borrego Mountain Wash Road that heads west from the parking area to see some fabulous ocotillo and take in the views over the canyon.

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. Continue reading below.

Things to know before you hike The Slot Trail

You will need to drive on a dirt road to reach this trailhead. Again, the road is usually manageable in a 2WD car, but check the latest conditions with a ranger before heading out if there’s any question.

This is a $10 day use fee area. You can pay by phone using a credit card and the Yodel app (instructions in parking lot) or you may find envelopes for cash with tear-off tabs to display on your dash. Or display either of the annual California state parks passes (California Poppy or Explorer both work here). Fourth graders with the California Adventure Pass can visit this park FREE.

Toilets are at the trailhead.

The park brochure claims this trail is 1.5 miles round trip. However, I and other hikers confirmed a distance of 2.3 miles when hiking the full loop.

My difficulty rating for this trail is “strenuous” because some good scrambling and squeezing are necessary, and a 20% grade climb in loose sand (if going the most common, counter-clockwise direction) is intense for most hikers.

Bulky baby or toddler backpack carriers may need to be removed to get through some parts of the slot.

All content ©Shelly Rivoli. Continue reading below.

WANT MORE FAMILY ADVENTURE?

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Yet, thanks to the underground springs feeding into Crystal Creek, the miracle that is Whiskeytown Falls continues cascading over its rocky slopes and mossy ledges, refreshing the eyes, ears, and souls of hikers year round—even in the midst of a mega-drought.

After driving past haunting acres of wild land scorched by the 2018 Carr Fire to reach the trailhead (the most devastating wildfire in National Parks Service history), you’ll feel especially grateful that this peaceful trail and its scenic wonder were spared.

But be warned: This hike is a workout! Prepare for a total elevation gain of 794 feet (about 73 stories), with nearly all of that achieved in the first 1.7-mile leading you to the base of the lower Whiskeytown Falls.

Fortunately, you’ll find strategically placed benches along the way and plentiful shade in hot summer months. But for the best resting spot of all on this hike? Take a seat on the long log or boulders right at the base of Whiskeytown Falls. (Don’t forget to pack a picnic!)

Here’s more information to help you plan your family’s hike to Whiskeytown Falls.

At-a-glance specs for this hike

Distance: 3.4 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 794 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous, steep with up to 20%-24% grade in some sections, also steep uneven rocky steps to upper falls viewpoint

Seasons: This spring-fed waterfall flows year round, even in drought years. Visits are best spring through fall, with the best wildflowers usually February – May. Wet weather could mean slippery conditions on the trail and possible risk of mudslides in surrounding burn areas.

What you’ll find along the way

Just a short distance into the hike you’ll start hearing the rushing waters of Crystal Creek. And at 0.2 mile the trail leads you over the creek on a sweet little wooden bridge. Take a moment to enjoy the shady spot—once you’ve crossed, the climbing begins!

At 0.4 mile, you’ll see a fork in the trail, with a sign smack dab in the middle of the Mill Creek Trail to your left, advising of its closure. With many other trail closures in the area due to safety risks and restoration efforts, be sure to respect any signs requesting you stay on the well-marked route to Whiskeytown Falls.

You’ll be rewarded by many lovely glimpses of Crystal Creek and its mini-waterfalls along the way.

However, around 0.8 mile (depending on the timing of your visit), you may notice the small creek beside the trail seems to have dried up, and there’s no longer the sound of any rushing water at all. (Not a good sign when it’s only 1.7 miles total to a massive water fall, right?) Don’t panic!

Over the next half a mile, you’ll encounter some of the steepest sections of the hike (including that 24% grade I mentioned), and without a hint of flowing water you may be ready to throw in the towel. Just take advantage of one of the benches along this stretch to let the family re-water and refuel with a quick energy snack.

It won’t be long before you hear the sounds of rushing water once again, and find yourselves crossing over a lovely box canyon whilst feeling the cool breath of a gentler micro climate.

Once you come upon a small waterfall cascading out beneath a red wooden bridge, you’ll know you’re almost to Whiskeytown Falls (think of it as the 1.5-mile marker).

Photos from this post are available in my Whiskeytown Shasta Trinity stock photo gallery.

Continue following the trail up the left side of the creek, past boulders and small pools until the 30-foot lower Whiskeytown Falls comes into view. Here, you’ll find the falls spilling into a pool of water with a perfectly placed long log and side boulders to sit upon and enjoy the view.

This could be a pleasant enough reward to pause and take in, but before you go, you’ll want to see the upper falls as well–unless you have a fear of heights, tricky knees, or issues with vertigo (then just stay put!).

Look for the steep and ridiculously rugged “staircase” (with handrail to help hoist yourself up) to the left of the lower falls. This treacherous route leads the most adventurous visitors up to view the upper Whiskeytown Falls (scroll down to see the upper falls).

When ready, you’ll simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead, where chances are you’ll all be very glad to have extra cold water waiting for you and yours in the car.

Know before you go

Restrooms: Vault toilet at trailhead

Fees/permits: A Visitor Pass is required, but any of these will work: The Whiskeytown National Recreation Area private vehicle pass ($25 for 7 days), the Lassen Volcanic and Whiskeytown Annual Pass ($55 for 1 year and good in Lassen Volcanic National Park as well), or the America the Beautiful pass. If you have a current 4^th grader, display your FREE Every Kid Outdoors Pass.

Parking: At trailhead

Dogs: Yes, see note below

Trail Contact: Whiskeytown Visitor Center, 14412 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Whiskeytown, CA 96095 (note they are open limited days and hours); (530) 246-1225, https://www.nps.gov/whis

Dogs on the trail?

Yes! Dogs are welcome on trails in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, including the hiking trail to Whiskeytown Falls, as long as they are leashed and you clean up after them.

Just remember, this trail will be a workout for Fido, too, and you’ll want to bring plenty of water for you both. The trail is mostly dirt with lots of shade, so its pretty easy on a pup’s feet even on hot days.

How much time should you plan for this hike?

For the average family, I’d plan to spend 2-3 hours on this hike. Our family spent about 2 hours overall on this hike, including about 30 minutes overall of resting breaks and enjoying the waterfall.

However, we rushed a bit for the return portion (speed hiking!) knowing we still had relatives expecting us for dinner in Bend, Oregon, that evening.

Suffice to say, it took only about half as long for us to hike back down as it did going up thanks to the significant elevation gain—and loss!

Getting there

The James K. Carr Trailhead is about 30 minutes west of Redding, California. From central Redding, take CA-299 West/Eureka Way for 16 miles, then turn left onto Crystal Creek Road.

Be prepared to lose cellular service and watch your odometer. In 3.7 miles, on your left (east) you’ll see the small restroom, several parking spaces, and staging area for the trail.

To the left of the restroom, you’ll find an information kiosk with area map and just beyond it, the signed “James K. Carr Trailhead” where this hike begins. Trailhead GPS: 40.639, -122.676 (click here to see on Google maps).

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