Slot Canyon Tour San Diego

Annie’s Canyon Trail is a short hiking trail in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve between Solana Beach and Encinitas. This trail leads to a unique slot canyon that seems out of place in San Diego County not far from the Pacific Ocean. Slot Canyon is a 7.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Mecca, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from October until May. One of those treasures is the majestic slot canyons. Slot canyons are narrower than they are deep, often to an extreme degree. Formed by flowing water eroding rock in a tight seam over millions of years, some canyons feature dramatic sculpturing of the nearly vertical cliffs. This reminded me a lot of Annie's Canyon, which is a coastal slot.

1. Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Map
2. Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Things To Do
3. Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Hotels
4. Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Airport

See a true natural wonder – right in your county’s backyard –

The sandstone canyon walls display breathtaking shapes that are a don’t-miss gift from mother nature. What happens when thousands of years of coastal rains fall? In this particular case, those rains yielded a unique slot canyon – and what we think is one of the best hikes in San Diego – for us to appreciate and enjoy.

In this slot canyon, you get up-close and personal with San Diego’s unique geology. On either side of you, you can observe these naturally eroding canyon walls. Don’t forget your camera – and a spirit of adventure! (Tag your Instagram photos with #anniescanyontrail)

Added by Jason Neitzke

Distance: about one mile (no need to rush). Duration: 1-3 hours, depending on your speed. Short hike, easy access and amazing views. No permit required.

The Slot is an amazing short hike located in the Anza Borrego Desert. Drive east on Hwy 78, and about a mile and a half after Borrego Springs Road, turn left onto Buttes Pass Road. Buttes Pass road is a dirt road and not marked well so look carefully. The road is pretty smooth, about a mile in you will take a left at the fork. From there, you will drive about another mile to a parking lot. Two wheel drive vehicles should be fine unless there was a recent rainstorm.

From the parking lot, you will take the trail into the canyon that is directly in front of you. This will be the hardest and steepest part of the hike. There are no trail markers for the Slot. Do not take the trail to the right of the parking lot or you will miss the Slot. Once you are at the bottom, go left and head to where the canyon starts to narrow. As you enter, the walls start to close in and you are taking your bag off to get through some tight passages. Every turn is exciting, it is constantly changing and you are not sure what is going to be around the next bend. The Slot is made of siltstone and is very brittle so watch your footing if you decide to climb around. At the end of the Slot you hit a dirt road, from there you can either turn around and go back through or follow the road and find some other trails. Further down the road there are some awesome wind caves and arches that are worth checking out.

We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more!

Join the community

Reviews

Sophia Steen

over 2 years ago

Great short hike

Beautiful sandstone slot canyon. It gets tight in areas. Went of the main trail a bit and did some climbing up! So much fun

5.0

Scott Sichler

🥇Top Contributor

almost 3 years ago

Slots O fun

This is a really fun hike. The slot is a little tight in spots but doable by most people. We like to hike out into cliffs beyond the slots for great views of the area.

Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Map

5.0

Allett Wallets

about 4 years ago

Worth The Stop

This was an entertaining hike. It makes you feel like a kid again. It's a unique experience and a worth while diversion.

Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Things To Do

4.0

Christine Thompson

almost 5 years ago

Hands Down One Of The Best Adventure

It is simply amazing! Your weaving in and out of the canyon you find yourself going through tunnels . A must see

Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Hotels

5.0

Slot Canyon Tour San Diego Airport

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.