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2011-04-16: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

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BorregoWrangler
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2011-04-16: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

Post by BorregoWrangler » Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:35 am

A short hike from the hot, dry desert flat into a narrow canyon and to a hidden waterfall, full of mosses, vines, and trees, this tiny oasis felt like a world away. Hellhole Canyon is home to Maidenhair Falls, a seasonal 20-foot waterfall that makes a refreshing hiking destination on a hot day in the California desert.

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Looking back at the trail head.
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The trail begins out on the flat alluvial fan well outside the canyon containing typical California desert vegetation.
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What's up with these rock stacks?
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Looking back towards Borrego Springs.
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Deeper into the canyon the terrain gets rockier and vegetation starts closing in.
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Once you reach the first set of palm trees, the trail gets a bit strenuous and the vegetation turns into jungle-like thickets of palms, sycamores, canyon grape, and those pesky catclaws.
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My destination, Maidenhair Falls,
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Pictures don't do it justice.
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The crystal clear, cool water was very refeshing.
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After a bit of relaxation, it was time to head back down.
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By the time I reached the trail head it had warmed up considerably, making me glad I had packed enough water. I really enjoyed this hike and look forward to returning to this desert oasis.
-John Graham
1989 YJ & 2000 TJ

View all my trip reports here at my blog: GrahamCrackers

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Scenic WonderRunner
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Re: 2011-04-16: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

Post by Scenic WonderRunner » Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:54 pm

Awesome hike and pics...John!

So did you make this a round trip hike? Perfect time of year.

I always love a water feature in the desert! How Fun!

Carry On!.... 8-)


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ssc
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Re: 2011-04-16: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

Post by ssc » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:48 pm

John,
Great write up and photos. I enjoyed it.

Thanks, Steve
FJ Mamba. Icon 2.5 front CO XT, Icon rear 2.5 with res, Icon UCA, AP sliders, Demello front bumper, AP Rear Bumper and skids. BFG KM-2 285-70-17. Warn winch. Don't forget the Puddy Cat!

2012 Tundra Crewmax 4x4 with BFG's, 05 4-Runner 4X4, BFG's, http://www.sscphoto.zenfolio.com
The other off road rig, the "License To Chill"

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BorregoWrangler
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Re: 2011-04-16: Hiking Hellhole Canyon to Maidenhair Falls

Post by BorregoWrangler » Mon Apr 18, 2011 7:11 am

Scenic WonderRunner wrote:Awesome hike and pics...John!

So did you make this a round trip hike? Perfect time of year.

I always love a water feature in the desert! How Fun!

Carry On!.... 8-)
Yeah, its a 4.6 mile round trip that takes about 3 hours with an elevation gain/loss of 900 feet. I love hikes that take you to a waterfall or swimming hole! :D
ssc wrote:John,
Great write up and photos. I enjoyed it.
Thanks, Steve. It was a great little outing.
-John Graham
1989 YJ & 2000 TJ

View all my trip reports here at my blog: GrahamCrackers

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