Because the beginning of this off-road adventure is substantially higher in elevation than the famous valley floor of Borrego Springs, desert flowers can be found in bloom for sometime after those in other parts of the park have faded. As one travels lower into the canyon, the type of cacti and other vegetation changes, as well.
Anza Explores the Region
The Spanish explorer, Juan Bautista de Anza, passed through Coyote Canyon in the spring of 1774. One goal of his expedition was to open a route connecting Mexico with New California, thus expanding the empire. De Anza described the canyon, “Here was found much grass and other green plants, as well as wild vines and trees, which announce to us an improvement in the country from here forward (Anza as quoted in Pourade, 1971, p. 57). At the time Anza travelled the area, the Cahuilla tribe of Native Americans inhabited the area. In the fall of the following year, Anza returned to the area with approximately 240 settlers bound for cities elsewhere in California. De Anza left his name on the state park and the town of Anza. The Coyote Canyon off-road trail connects the upper valley where the town of Anza is located with Borrego Springs, an important watering station in the desert east of San Diego.
The North Coyote Canyon Trail
Sections of the off-road trail can be difficult, and thus the trail earns a moderately difficult rating (Massey & Wilson, 2002) for more experienced off-road enthusiasts. Users should check with local authorities to determine whether and for what distance the trail is open. At times in the late spring and summer months, portions of the trail are closed in order to protect the riparian habitat and bighorn sheep found in the area.
Accessing the Coyote Canyon Trail
The north trail can be accessed via California Route 371 at Terwilliger Road through Terwilleger Valley. A difficult stretch of the trail is Turkey Grade carved by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. As off-roaders make their way down the trail marked changes in vegetation and wildflowers will be seen. At the far end of the north trail in Coyote Canyon Wash, off-roaders will find Bailey’s cabin where overnight stays are permitted. Campers who stay in the cabin frequently leave food and supplies for the next guests to arrive.
Flowers in Coyote Canyon
From March through much of April, the North Coyote Canyon Trail is lined with desert wildflowers. Many of the most spectacular are those found on cacti. Off-roaders will want to stop often to make photographs and take in the spring desert air. Experimenting with angle, diffuse lighting, close-ups, and selecting just the right specimen from the many along the road and trails can result in beautiful photographic memories of a trip through Coyote Canyon.
References:
Massey, P. & Wilson, J. (2002). Backcountry adventures: Southern California. Castle Rock, CO: Swagman Publishing.
Pourade, R. F. (1971). Anza conquers the desert: The Anza expeditions from Mexico to California and the founding of San Francisco, 1774-1776. San Diego: The Copley Press.
 |
 |
