Pictograph Trail / Smuggler Canyon

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park contains numerous areas of archaeological importance and over 50 known American Indian rock art sites.  The trail to Smuggler Canyon is in the Little Blair Valley Cultural Preserve and is a 3 mile out and back hike over easy terrain.  Along the way you will pass by a Kumeyaay pictograph hundreds of years old.  The red and yellow symbols are clearly visible on a boulder located next to the trail about 1 mile into the hike.  Continuing past the pictographs will bring you to a wide sweeping valley and site of a seasonal Kumeyaay village.  The trail is evident down the sandy wash, and many side paths lead to other interesting features in the area.  The trail arrives at a natural turn around point  at the overlook of Smugglers Canyon.  The sweeping view below provides a perfect place to reflect before heading back to the trail head.  The most difficult terrain on the trail is at the very beginning, and if you are interested in seeing photos of the trail before hiking please click HERE.  For detailed trail information please visit ALL TRAILS.