Alcoholic Pass, Box Canyon, Hidden Spring Loop
Northern Anza Borrego State Park
25 miles, 13 hours


An Ocotillo is in bloom looking back up Coyote Canyon while leaving via Box Canyon. Collins Valley is in the distance. This is about an hour into the hike.

Near the midpoint of this hike, above Hidden Spring is this dense cluster of Teddy Bear Cholla.

On the extremely well-built trail descending into Rockhouse Canyon above hidden spring, the cholla grow over 7' tall, and are accompanied by ocotillo. The trail may be many centuries old, as this is too isolated an area for modern improvements.

Hidden Spring in Rockhouse Canyon is dry here. The spring may not survive in this location.

Lower Rockhouse Canyon looking east to Villager late in afternoon before heading over Alcoholic Pass. This captures the beauty of the moment.

Did a 25 mile hike from the Alcoholic Pass trailhead in Coyote Canyon. Walked through desert gardens to creek. Walked up the creek to Box Canyon. Went up Box Canyon to near the base of the Buck Range. Zigzagged east until reaching Rockhouse Canyon which is over a hundred feed deep above Hidden Spring. Took trail down to canyon floor, walked up past Hidden Spring about another couple of miles. Reversed course, followed Rockhouse Canyon jeep trail to near Alcoholic Pass. Crossed cholla forest in twilight reaching the pass just before darkness came. Followed trail down to car.