Welcome!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by.
My reference links will open in a new tab.

If you have any corrections, suggestions, comments please use the Comments at the end of the post.
I do respond to all comments. - Thanks!

February 26, 2020

Hornblende Canyon - Anza Borrego

As Jerry Schad's Roam-O-Rama column in the San Diego Reader offers “Explore a relatively unknown canyon”, in the description of Hornblende Canyon.  The canyon is named for the common hornblende crystals found here.

We've driven on S-2 south of Scissors Crossing past this canyon a few dozen times, the canyon is unmarked and we have never stopped at this gem.  The trailhead is south of Box Canyon Monument on the west side of S-2, but the small parking area is on the east side of the road.

As with my previous post on Rainbow Canyon there are dry waterfalls to scale.  But only two challenging ones this time and a dozen, or so, lesser to scrambler over.

Our destination is Kumeyaay site at the second large dry waterfall. Making this a 4.2 mi R/T hike from the trailhead.

The trail follows a sandy dry wash on the canyon floor.

We got a fairly early start with lots of cool shade as we begin.

At least until the sun climbs above the canyon rim

The trail quickly climbs through series of small dry falls,  

as it passes below the marbled colored walls of the canyon, looks like someone has called this spot home.

and about a mile from the trailhead we come to the first of larger dry falls.  This one has a trail leading around it on the south side of the wash, perfect for the geriatric hikers not wanting to exert themselves. 

Not far above this fall is a Kumeyaay village site, with moteros, shelters and storage.
 .
 .
 .
.

Another mile contains many more scrambles over the small dry falls.  Fran makes quick work of them.

Two miles from the trailhead we arrive at the second dry waterfall.  At the top of this fall is another Kumeyaay village site.  There is a cool breeze coming up the canyon and enough moisture here for grass to be growing.  No surprise the Kumeyaay called this spot 'home'.
 .

We’ll return to the Jeep from here, although the canyon continues another 4 miles as it follows along the side of Granite Mountain.

About the mid-point between the 1st and 2nd dry falls is an abandoned mine to the south of the wash.  I read there are bats in the mine ... we did not try to confirm that claim.

Although vegetation is not as dense as it was in Rainbow Canyon, there is a lot more variety, as Hornblende Canyon has a greater elevation change.
 .
 .
 .

We spent another peaceful night in Blair Valley with only the stars for company.

16 comments:

  1. Very cool! I keep adding to my AB list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gaelyn we'd love to explore a canyon or two with you, let me know when you might be in the area.

      Delete
  2. Love finding those hidden hiking gems...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This canyon is indeed a gem! No other hikers and lots of variety

      Delete
  3. Boy, so much of this sounds familiar but the name doesn't. Sure sounds like fun with great rocks. We enjoy those dryfalls for the whole body workout, as long as they have good holds. Thanks for new ideas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll not find the dry falls much of a challenge after mastering Rainbow Canyon! Looking forward to your return to Borrego.

      Delete
  4. great directions and pictures! So much to see and do in the area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Always lots to see in Borrego, so much looks the same but it is all unique and fun.

      Delete
  5. The village site was a cool find.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is always interesting to explore around a native American village site.

      Delete
  6. Very interesting hike into this canyon. Lots to see even for us geretic folks. One could spend weeks exploring the Borrego area. Thanks for taking me on your hike.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a fun canyon that we will likely do again. A bit of a doable challenge

      Delete
  7. Hornblende Canyon indeed looks like a less explored canyon. The trail looks is quite rocky and easier to be explored. Thanks to your photos, the place indeed looks a boon for the geriatric hikers. Loved the pictures of the little vegetation found. Exploring an old village site is a rewarding experience as the curiosity of how people would have lived over here keeps running in your head all the time. Thanks once again nancy for the amazing description.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for following Andrea. Yes this is a fun hike, for a bit of a challenge there is an abundance of rewards.

      Delete
  8. It looks fun with all the rocks around. Bit risky too. Hornblende crystals are new to me. It must be a cool experience stopping by the Blair valley. Wondering if you have something for entertainment. The village look serene and dry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. he hike along Hornblende Canyon is a great hike that we'll be doing again. The desert landscapes, hikes and night sky are usually enough entertainment

      Delete

I welcome any corrections, additions and more links that tie in to this post. Please place them in your comments. Your comments are always appreciated! and I will reply to all comments.