Nestled Between Los Angeles and San Diego Lies California’s Unique Slot Canyon Trail

A slot canyon is formed over millions of years, beginning as a small crack in the Earth’s surface, commonly limestone or sandstone, that is slowly and steadily eroded by water rushing through the crack. This erosion causes deep, narrow, and twisting pathways with towering, curved walls boasting horizontal striated lines. Slot canyons are commonly found in the southwestern deserts of the United States (like the Paria River Canyon in Arizona and Utah), as well as parts of Australia and the Middle East.

There is one slot canyon that you must visit in California, situated right between Los Angeles and San Diego: Annie’s Canyon. What’s unique about Annie’s Canyon is its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, as most slot canyons are formed in landlocked deserts around the world. You can explore this natural marvel along Annie’s Canyon Trail.

Hikers will be rewarded with views of the ocean and the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, which contains many other trailheads and is an excellent location for bird watching. An approachable distance of 1.6 miles round trip, Annie’s Canyon Trail ranks in the “easy” category of difficulty. However, it does have some stretches that are a bit more difficult, with a steep uphill section on the way back. Common in slot canyons, the trail has portions of very narrow passages, so those who tend to feel claustrophobic should proceed with some caution.

Locals know Annie’s Canyon Trail as the “Mushroom Caves,” and the land on which the slot canyon trail sits used to be private property. The area was previously closed to the public, yet sadly, it was commonly trespassed and vandalized for many years by graffiti and trash. A substantial donation from Annie, a local resident and supporter of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, funded the cleanup of the area. In 2016, the Mushroom Caves was officially named after Annie and opened for the public to enjoy every day of the week.

Although Annie’s Canyon Trail is pretty easy and commonly well-populated, be sure to familiarize yourself with safety tips for solo hiking if you’re venturing out on your own. If you’ve brought your four-legged friend with you, note that dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times. Be aware that the ladder section of the slot canyon may be an obstacle for dogs and young children. Also, keep in mind that the slot canyon path is one-way traffic flow only; all hikers must go up the canyon. If you’d like to enjoy the serene views without the exertion of climbing the ladder up the slot canyon, there is a fork in the road of Annie’s Canyon Trail where hikers can choose a switchback path to the viewpoint, making the difficult stretch of the hike more moderate.