Indian Canyon

Over its seven-mile length, Indian Canyon plunges 2000 feet along winding shelf roads and v-shaped canyons often surrounded by dramatic boulder fields and rock outcroppings. The higher elevations are surrounded by desert and coastal sage scrub and provide stellar views to the west. At its lower elevations, the trail suddenly enters a beautiful, dense oak woodland providing deep shade and cool temperatures, and great dispersed camping.

The few dispersed campsites found at the higher elevations are easily recognized as large clearings next to the trail, close to a ledge providing endless views and space for multiple vehicles. At least one large clearing for dispersed clearing can be found in the deep shade of the oak woodlands.

This is an easy trail, and a four-wheel drive vehicle is suggested, especially when climbing the trail. The Forest Service rates the trail as "Easiest". Indian Canyon is mostly flat and smooth with a surface of decomposed granite with some sections of off-camber measuring around 15 degrees and an average grade of 4.5 degrees. Most of the shelf portions of the trail are wide enough not to be too intimidating, but some sections may require backing up to find passing space for the rare opposing vehicle. Expect some stripping from the encroaching sage scrub.