Morteros Trail

Over 4,000 acres comprise the Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve, highlighted with evidence from nomadic people who used the area as a seasonal village.  One of the more concentrated areas of cultural significance is the Moteros area where the Kumeyaay people collected agave and juniper berries and ground them into flour.  The Morteros Trail is a smooth walking 1/2 mile loop with an interpretive handout explaining various features along the way.  The brochures may be available at the trail head but if you are stopping at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitors center first, you can pick up a brochure there to be sure you have one.  Along the hike you will see evidence of both large morteros used for grinding, and smaller cupules thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes.  If you are interested in a slightly longer hike, there is a pictograph approximately 1/2 mile from the trail head, following the natural wash.  As you walk the trail keep your eyes open for some common plants which were of importance for the Kumeyaay such as yucca, jojoba, juniper, and ephedra.  A photo introduction of the trail is available HERE, and if you are looking for a nice descriptive write up please click HERE.  And if you are interested in trail information please click on ALL TRAILS.