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Fish Creek Trail - Anza Borrego

4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Ocotillo, California (San Diego County)
Last Updated: 03/15/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping
Desert
Iconic
Overland
Sand
Wash

There is no other place like Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Many overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts seek it out for its endless exploration opportunities. Fish Creek Wash is the starting point for many since it connects to many of Anza-Borrego's most famous offroad trails. Wind, rain, powerful earthquakes, landslides, and father time have shaped Fish Creek Wash into a living, geological museum. With its wind caves, dinosaur tracks, fault lines, towering mud hills, sandstone canyons, and wildflowers, Fish Creek is a perfect place to begin your exploration of the astonishing Anza-Borrego.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Fish Creek runs through a desert wash with a mix of soft sand with exposed and hidden rocks. Trail conditions can change drastically after any rain. This trail is simple to follow. But if the weather has concealed the typical traffic pattern, stay in the wider paths to regain the route. Starting at roughly 200 feet, the trail climbs to over 2,300 feet over 18-plus miles. Fish Creek connects to Diablo's Drop Off's exit, Loop Wash, Sandstone Canyon, Olla Wash, and Hapaha Flat.

No significant obstacles exist, but all-wheel or four-wheel drive is recommended due to the sand and air down your tires.

The area is prone to flash floods. Never travel in this wash if there is a threat of rain in the area.

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (37 reviews)
This trail guide's difficulty was changed on 03/15/2023
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 03/11/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Washboarding was a bit less that in the past but this was first time I ran it on aired down tires so might just be me. Recommend hiking to the wind caves.
Official Crew
106250
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The rock formations through 4-7 were fascinating. I also enjoyed the very far end past Olla Wash, which seemed like it didn't get as much traffic and was very interesting.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/25/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very washboarded as previous reviews have mentioned but very worth going out despite this! Despite airing down still quite bumpy. Tried my best to avoid the washboard but quite a busy trail relative to others in the area. Would definitely recommend stopping frequently and jumping out to enjoy the scenery. Definitely my favorite trail in the area. Would recommend exploring all the other washes in the area (Sandstone etc.) to get away from the crowd and enjoy all that this area has to offer.
2200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/12/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Extremely washboarded even aired down but very scenic and interesting trail, nothing difficult here but enduring the washboard.

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