One of the most extraordinary things about the desert, any desert, is the way it is shaped and sculpted by air and water. Ancient rivers and seas left behind dramatic canyons and badlands. Wind creates massive sand dunes and erodes the terrain into sharp ridges, pillars, and caves. This short hike gives you an up-close look at the wind caves in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The Wind Caves Trail is short and fairly easy to access, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended to navigate the rocky, rutted road. It is also recommended that you visit the desert between October and April, when the temperatures more moderate.
Jared Stein/Google Local
The hike to the wind caves is only one mile, but it is fairly steep and rocky so take your time. It is not a terribly difficult hike and there are plenty of places to stop for a moment, take a breath, and take in the spectacular views of the desert.
Mike Jones/Google Local
Wind whipping through the desert picks up sand and pebbles and essentially sand-blasts large stones and rock formations.
Bonnie Pelnar Dietz/AllTrails
The wind has sculpted some strange and fascinating caves in the rocks of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Once holes are formed, the wind blowing in and through them continues to erode them, making them deeper and changing their shape.
Ruth Newell/Google Local

Related Stories

Hike, Swim, Fish, Kayak, Camp, And More At The Splendid Regional Park In Southern California, Yucaipa Regional Park

Hike, Swim, Fish, Kayak, Camp, And More At The Splendid Regional Park In Southern California, Yucaipa Regional Park

 The Enchanting Forest Trail In Southern California, Dogwood Campground Loop, That Will Keep You Nice And Cool On A Hot Summer Day

The Enchanting Forest Trail In Southern California, Dogwood Campground Loop, That Will Keep You Nice And Cool On A Hot Summer Day

 Hike To A Picturesque Meadow Then Dine At A Small-Town Tavern On This Delightful Adventure In Southern California

Hike To A Picturesque Meadow Then Dine At A Small-Town Tavern On This Delightful Adventure In Southern California
Not only do natural forces give the desert a strange beauty unlike any other place, but the landscape constantly changes shape.
Benjamin Yang/Google Local
You can venture inside some of the larger caves, where you not only get a break from the desert sun, but you get a unique vantage point from which to see other parts of the park.
Zee See/Google Local
Views from the top of the trail include the otherworldly Anza-Borrego badlands.
Christian Chavez/Google Local
Of course, the elements have crafted incredible shapes aside from the caves themselves. In fact, if you want to expand your hiking expedition here, you are actually not far from The Slot, Anza-Borrego’s stunning slot canyon.
Did Photo/Google Local

Southern California’s deserts are full of amazing areas to explore and discover. Have you been to see the wind caves at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? Share your experiences with us in the comments. Looking for other unique trails in this beautiful desert? Check out the Borrego Palm Canyon trail that takes you to a real desert oasis. 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Southern California

Featured Addresses
Wind Caves Trailhead, 32°59'28.0"N 116°06'45., 2nd, Julian, CA 92036, USA