MTB Coyote Canyon to Sheep Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert

I parked about a half mile before you arrive to Desert Gardens.  The morning ride was an out and back trip to get the layout of the land and set things up for a bike packing trip in the new year

Ocotillo is such a fun plant!

Looking forward to seeing more desert wildflowers as spring arrives to Anza-Borrego.

The ride went pretty well.  Some areas of soft sand made the pedaling a little difficult, but the two-track was able to be ridden.  Going “off-road” is not permitted, as the habitat is very fragile.  Hiking trails are off limits to bikers, which I agree with in this setting.

The contrast of colors is stunning, and the blue sky makes the mountainous lines more pronounced.

I had thought I’d make my way up to somewhere between Middle and Upper Willows, but felt pulled towards Sheep Canyon.  My bike turned this way.  I went with it.

The native palm grove at Lower Willows.

It was somewhere around this point in the ride that I saw a jackrabbit.  His/her ears were as tall above his/her head as the body was long.  Still no sighting of a Peninsular big horn sheep, though.

I turned toward Sheep Canyon, knowing a backcountry campsite was there.

Looking in the direction of Cougar and Indian Canyon.

Heading back into Sheep Canyon.

Looking back over my shoulder away from the crossroads.

A lone palm takes root amidst the rocks.

About a half mile up the canyon from the campground, a palm grove has water year round. This area will be bike base camp for spending some time in Cougar Canyon, Indian Canyon, and then on up to Middle Willows and beyond.

The beautiful Colorado desert, a segment of the greater Sonoran desert.

A view heading back to the car.  Some sections of the double-track were quite technical with loose chunky rocks.  I nearly fell hard off my bike going up one of the rocky sections!

The creek that runs through Coyote Canyon has water year round.  Because of that, the Cahuilla people made this their home.  

The ocotillo is whimsical.

Cholla getting a fresh coat on for the season.

Wind swept ocotillo.