Anza-Borrego South: Coyote Mountains: Painted Gorge

Photo of the Coyote Mountains in Painted Gorge
Painted Gorge

At Painted Gorge, in the southeast corner of the Coyote Mountains, ancient sandstone from the Colorado River meets volcanic soils from the ancient volcanoes to the west. It's a place of great colors such as the red stretch of mountain in the photo above which is associated with the Alverson Formation volcanoes.

Visitors in passenger cars should be able to drive into this area, assuming a dry road, and to get close enough to enjoy it. Do not, however, drive down hill or enter any narrow canyons without 4-wheel drive.