| Distance: | 8 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: | 1300'/1300' |
| Difficulty(1-10): | 8 |
| backpacking/camping allowed: | yes |
| Agency | Anza Borrego Desert State Park |
Smoke Tree Canyon is in the northern part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Hike is 3 miles from the paved road to the natural rock water tanks. You can park on a small turn out on the side of the road, you can't drive down this wash at all. There is not much of a trail, you just follow the wash to the north and it eventually becomes a very narrow canyon. The canyon comes to an end and you will need to climb up the north wall of the canyon and head east for about 1/4 mile. You will find the natural rock water tanks in a small narrow canyon. There are 3 tanks and they are all about the same size, about 5 feet in diameter. The depth of the water depends on recent rainfall, but can range from 1 foot to about 4 feet deep.
If you don't see any big horn sheep here, its because they heard you coming. you will definitely see tons of sheep poop on the rocks around the water tanks.
The hike is pretty difficult, mainly because of the sandy and rocky terrain and the steep climb out of the canyon at the end.
If you are backpacking, there are many great camping spots along the way.
View Anza Borrego Desert - Smoke Tree Canyon in a larger map
Smoke Tree, near the beginning of smoke tree canyon
Halfway there, where the open wash narrows into a canyon.
Top water tank, about 5 feet in diameter, 4 feet deep
Middle water tank, about 5 feet in diameter, 2 feet deep
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