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Find shade and sandy trails in Anza-Borrego’s Moonlight Canyon

Take advantage of springtime before the summer heat with this easy canyon hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Moonlight Canyon Trail is a roughly 2-mile loop in Agua Caliente County Park that traverses through a shady flat wash, up rocky hillsides and overlooks the desert and Vallecito Mountains. It’s mostly easy, though there are some sections with rock scrambling, which might not be suitable for all hiking levels.

Hiking in or near Agua Caliente County Park has several benefits. For one, campers staying there have easy access to the trailhead, which is located on the southern end of the campground. Even if visitors aren’t making an overnight trip, though, the campground offers day use for $3 so they can spend some extra time in the area enjoying the desert. Plus, campers and visiting hikers alike can go for a pre- or post-hike soak in one of the campground’s geothermal pools — $3 per day use visitor or included in the cost of a reservation for campers.

Keep in mind that this part of San Diego County can get very hot, especially in the summer but even in the late spring. Start the hike early, bring plenty of water and — if necessary — postpone the hike if weather conditions are too warm.

Also note that Agua Caliente County Park is closed from Memorial Day through Labor Day due to high temperatures.

I did this hike during a camping trip at Agua Caliente County Park, so I left my car at my campsite. Day use visitors can park at the campground’s caravan area, which is located near the southeastern end of the trail.

I also completed the trail by going counterclockwise, starting near the caravan area, but other hikers may choose to go clockwise, beginning near campsite 140.

If following my directions, set out heading east from the campground; there will be a sign directing hikers to the Moonlight Canyon Trail.

Continue along the wide trail as it wraps south around the mountain. Hikers will soon head into Moonlight Canyon, and the terrain will shift from a wide path to a more narrow and sandy trail. Temperatures can drop in the shade — a much needed break from the sun, depending on the time of day.

There are some sections where the path is harder to follow, so hikers should keep an eye out for footprints in the sand from previous hikers, as well as for the few trail signs along the way.

The middle section of the trail is rocky, slightly steep and more exposed to the sun as hikers exit the canyon, so take breaks as needed. Once at the top, the trail turns to dirt and heads back in the direction of the campground.

The final section of the hike features a steep descent down a granite slope, along with another change of scenery as the trail passes through another wash with green vegetation.

Hikers will end the trail once they reach the campground, near campsite 140. From there, walk along the campground’s paved road to reach your vehicle.