The Slot Canyon.

From Borrego Springs, take Borrego Springs Road south to Highway 78, then east. After roughly 6 miles, turn left (north) onto the signed dirt road for Buttes Pass. A standard car can make it in dry weather; high-clearance is more comfortable. Park at the marked trailhead.

The hike drops into a wash and immediately narrows to shoulder width. Walls rise 30 to 50 feet overhead in mud and sandstone, glowing orange at midday. The narrowest section is a 15-foot squeeze where you'll need to remove a backpack. The slot opens back out after about half a mile.

Late morning to early afternoon is when sunlight reaches the canyon floor and lights the walls. For photography, overcast days produce the most even color. Avoid the canyon entirely if rain is forecast anywhere in the surrounding mountains — flash floods are a real risk.

• Sturdy shoes — the floor is sand and rough rock.
• A small backpack you can pass through narrow sections.
• 1 liter of water minimum, even in winter.
• A wide-angle phone or camera. Tripods are awkward.