Oriflamme Canyon

Oriflamme Canyon is an ancient route connecting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Banner, California. Long before overlanding and four-wheeling, the Kumeyaay, Spanish, and early settlers used the route for trade, travel, and seasonal dwelling. Oriflamme was the name given to the first mine that worked in the area, and the canyon and mountain soon took on the name as well. It is believed that the name came from the steamship "Oriflamme," which brought miners to San Diego in 1870 during the Julian gold rush. The road became more pronounced during the various mining booms, and today is included in many overland trips through Anza-Borrego. It offers mountain scenery with tall oak trees, adventurous shelf roads, and a chance to see crystal clear fresh running water at the right time of the year.