Borrego Palm Canyon.

The trail begins at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor center campground, west of Borrego Springs. It climbs gently up a rocky wash for 1.5 miles, gaining 350 feet, before arriving at a grove of about 200 native California fan palms (Washingtonia filifera). A small creek runs year-round at the base of the grove.

The Spanish name for this place — Borrego — means "bighorn sheep." Peninsular bighorn live on the ridges above the canyon and frequently come down to the creek in early morning and late afternoon. Bring binoculars and scan the slopes.

• Distance. 3 miles round-trip.
• Elevation gain. ~350 feet.
• Time. 1.5–2.5 hours.
• Fee. $10 day-use parking, paid at the visitor center.
• Best time. Early morning, October through April.