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Expert Review of Elephant Tree Discovery Trail

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Parks and Outdoors Review of Elephant Tree Discovery Trail

Away Travel Expert: Ann Marie Brown

ParksExpert Rating Recommended for:
Day Hiking

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• It's not just the odd-looking elephant tree you'll see on this trail, but also many of the common flora of Anza-Borrego Desert, including creosote bush, burroweed, indigo bush, catclaw, and smoketree. But the trail's lone elephant tree steals the show with its crinkled, folded "skin" covering its trunk, blueberries, and orange twigs. Its bark smells a bit like a spicy air freshener.
• A decade ago there were several elephant trees along this trail, but now all but one specimen have died. It is located near the end of the loop trail.
• If possible, time your visit for early spring when the ocotillos sprout brilliant red plumes and the pink sand verbenas are in bloom.