[BorregoWrangler]

A short hike from the hot, dry desert flat into a narrow canyon and to a hidden waterfall, full of mosses, vines, and trees, this tiny oasis felt like a world away. Hellhole Canyon is home to Maidenhair Falls, a seasonal 20-foot waterfall that makes a refreshing hiking destination on a hot day in the California desert.



Looking back at the trail head.


The trail begins out on the flat alluvial fan well outside the canyon containing typical California desert vegetation.


What's up with these rock stacks? Graves? They seemed a bit on the small side.


Looking back towards Borrego Springs.


Deeper into the canyon the terrain gets rockier and vegetation starts closing in.










Once you reach the first set of palm trees, the trail gets a bit strenuous and the vegetation turns into jungle-like thickets of palms, sycamores, canyon grape, and those pesky catclaws.




My destination, Maidenhair Falls,


Pictures don't do it justice.




Continued...

[BorregoWrangler]

The crystal clear, cool water was very refreshing.






After a bit of relaxation, it was time to head back down.










By the time I reached the trail head it had warmed up considerably, making me glad I had packed enough water. It turned out to be a 4.6 mile round trip that took about 3 hours with an elevation gain/loss of 900 feet. I really enjoyed this hike and look forward to returning to this little desert oasis.

[Number7]

Good stuff! Thanks John. George

[dzJeepChic]

Cool hike - awesome destination! Thanks for posting John, you're probably sleep deprived so I feel honored! d