http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1527190141192-FHODZOEUKFCJJ1EOQWEG/mountain-lion-on-rock.adapt.945.1.jpg Upcoming Events http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/2026/1/16/2ylk7hanodj7pbdganfa93uaqk8gaz monthly 0.5 2026-01-16 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/category/In+The+News monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/category/Education monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/category/Events monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/open+space monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/general+meeting monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/valley+center monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/pie+contest monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/hike monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/rodent+management monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/bats monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/horse monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/halloween monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/conservation monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/pies monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/comet monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/western+days monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/pumpkin+carving+contest monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/lovejoy monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/owls monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/barn+owl+box monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/events monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/haunted+trail monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/hellhole+canyon monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/events-upcoming/tag/stargazing monthly 0.5 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/photo-gallery daily 0.75 2016-05-04 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/5728e4361bbee0da7943ebbd/57294607b654f96448c2893f/1462322695254/ Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325422123-P62V5C2QOVX74G8U30IY/IMG_0233.jpg Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325579687-C22KSD58P7IHAQDEZZB2/IMG_1811.JPG Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325612116-7XPXCS1WPYXFXZXVWL0K/IMG_1084.JPG Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325455318-HPIH0ME6P7GDP0JVBKVM/IMG_1081.JPG Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325432167-1NXJS0KQHJ2M6Y2G3CB6/IMG_1010.jpg Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325622984-W9KG4H704YW23KDA8U28/IMG_1085.JPG Halloween Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462325596350-TVC3BDG63CVCW2KR55A8/IMG_1814.JPG Halloween Photo Gallery http://www.hellholecanyon.org/fauna daily 0.75 2016-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648469692-CC7REM4PKGQHHQQ2I04Q/Urocyon_cinereoargenteus_grayFox_cameo.jpg Fauna - Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus No other canid's natural range spans both North and South America and it is the only American canid that can climb trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648469692-CC7REM4PKGQHHQQ2I04Q/Urocyon_cinereoargenteus_grayFox_cameo.jpg Fauna - Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus No other canid's natural range spans both North and South America and it is the only American canid that can climb trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646388750-VZA1IC9X5LI95VP4H32U/coast+horned+lizard.jpg Fauna - Coast horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum Appears rough and spiky but is actually smooth-skinned, with sharp spikes along its sides, back and head. As a defense the lizard can shoot high pressure streams of blood out of its eyes if threatened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647370325-LD38YJ0NV7ERIJQO9TN0/Accipiter-cooperii-01.jpg Fauna - Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii These birds capture prey from cover or while flying quickly through dense vegetation, relying almost totally on surprise. Cooper's hawks prey almost exclusively on small to mid-sized birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648288685-3ROYYIVT8FMIM2O2EL79/Canis_latrans.jpg Fauna - Coyote Canis latrans It is a highly versatile species, whose range has expanded amidst human environmental modification. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646636643-N1SR4L027OL9DOV0NMXF/Gopher_snake1.jpg Fauna - Gopher snake Pituophis catenifer This nonvenomous snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and by the shape of its head which is narrower than a rattlesnake's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648615322-S6MTS54U16U4QXTCHR1O/Cougar_sitting.jpg Fauna - Cougar (mountain lion) Felis concolor This member of the Felinae family ranges from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America, the greatest of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647484013-HL9GAWM17K4EZ67LUH6V/Gall-dindi.jpg Fauna - Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which was originally derived from a southern Mexican subspecies of wild turkey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647067291-NSW5S2FAG9BH4C0CH3EE/Crotalus_oreganus.jpg Fauna - Western rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus A venomous pit viper species found in the western US and northwestern Mexico. Using its heat-sensing facial pits to locate prey, western rattlesnakes eat birds and their eggs, small mammals such as mice and rabbits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647251865-EAKID501DV3JG0VFX5OS/turkey+vulture.jpg Fauna - Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Also known as a buzzard, the turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646194546-ECEQKVC1YL6PP9YQSS43/Two_brown_california_tree_frogs.jpg Fauna - California Tree frog Pseudacris cadaverina This common species is most likely to occur along streams with abundant boulders and cobbles in their channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646823670-L8R7OP62U0TM3631H0RV/California_Kingsnake_%28Lampropeltis_getula_californiae%29.JPG Fauna - California kingsnake Lampropeltis getula californiae A nonvenomous snake found in the western US and northern Mexico. The "king" in their name refers to their propensity to hunt and consume other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647810237-GCSA3N16U9J94PDTKL23/1280px-Bubo_virginianus_-Canada-6.jpg Fauna - Great horned owl Bubo virginianus This is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range. It mostly eats small mammals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647646858-RCGSUDA8WU1AZHHOBTYQ/California_quail.jpg Fauna - California quail Callipepla californica These birds have a curving crest or plume, made of six feathers, that droops forward: black in males and brown in females. They are a highly sociable bird that often gathers in small flocks known as "coveys". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648781002-ZVJWHKIWIN05KXWQ9MXJ/Bobcat2.jpg Fauna - Bobcat Lynx rufus The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, forest edges, and swampland environments. It remains in some of its original range, but local populations are vulnerable to extirpation by coyotes and domestic animals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462650436822-YWFV4X85MU9WEEKEGIWR/2012-mule-deer-female.jpg Fauna - Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus A deer indigenous to western North America; it is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/flora-fauna-1 daily 0.75 2016-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574820886-M6WWBHSYJO0DGRM5CKKU/summer+holly.jpg Flora & Fauna - Summer holly Comarostaphylis diversifolia A shrub in the heath family that grows in coastal chapparal areas of southern California and Baja California, which can exceed 13 feet., https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574820886-M6WWBHSYJO0DGRM5CKKU/summer+holly.jpg Flora & Fauna - Summer holly Comarostaphylis diversifolia A shrub in the heath family that grows in coastal chapparal areas of southern California and Baja California, which can exceed 13 feet., https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574983294-JSQENWT2HNKHN63GDQ61/Dudleyablochmaniae.jpg Flora & Fauna - Blochman’s dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae A reddish-brown succulent with white flowers that grows in coastal southern California and Baja California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462572281907-66LXU2R9GEHCL28CMYTA/californiaadolphia4.jpg Flora & Fauna - California Adolphia Adolphia californica This flowering plant occurs in dry canyons and washes, coastal scrub and chaparral below 1000'. It is rare in California and blooms from December to April. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462573865758-64MFYVTY8GHOEWZ0T31L/Arctostaphylos_rainbowensis-1.jpg Flora & Fauna - Rainbow Manzanita Arctostaphylos rainbowensis This shrub is found only in the chaparral areas of San Diego. It can reach anywhere from 3 feet to 13 feet in height. It blooms with urn-shaped white flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574095018-IDDQA5NRG24MQLDDN6KK/Berberis_nevinii_2.jpg Flora & Fauna - Nevin's barberry Mahonia nevinii Nevin's barberry is a federally listed endangered species with roughly 500 individuals remaining across southern California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575892455-ZT21VKEHABEXEII6DUW4/800px-Nolina_cismontana_2.jpg Flora & Fauna - Chaparral beargrass Nolina cismontana This rare and declining flowering plant occurs in coastal mountain ranges in dry chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574683999-RNFMPGJEP1F33BND4AGV/orcuttsbrodiaea4.jpg Flora & Fauna - Orcutt's brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii This perennial herb is native to California and Baja California and occurs in wetlands, riparian areas and vernal pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575559906-03R4WJ9NB5M69YJDYWYL/Lepechinia+cardiophylla1.jpg Flora & Fauna - Heart-leaved pitcher sage Lepichinia cardiophylla Also called Santa Ana pitcher sage, this native shrub grows in chaparral areas between 600-1200 meters in elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575753277-7YQZYPK24AQL3Y9H5ZGC/Navarretia_fossalis.jpg Flora & Fauna - Spreading navarretia Navarretia fossalis A rare species of flowering plant in the phlox family, growing only in vernally wet areas (vernal pools). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575994699-EWB3QKNSPFGIUI4HP5NI/Quercus_englmannii_sillouette.jpg Flora & Fauna - Engelmann oak Quercus engelmannii Engelmann oak is a small tree that grows up to 33 feet tall, and is mostly evergreen with thick gray bark and leathery leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462576455190-5J4OY9SR3YSXSNQ5IH7F/sandiegosatureja4.jpg Flora & Fauna - San Miguel savory Clinopodium chandleri An uncommon flowering plant in the mint family with a wonderful minty fragrance. Photo from calflora.net https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462576890093-Z8BI3QZHYMLSCXRYPI0B/250px-Packera.jpg Flora & Fauna - Gander’s ragwort Packera ganderi Gander's ragwort is a rare, hairy plant with yellow flowers that grows well in chaparral and especially after a fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462577038203-O622BZ0FE7BTET2L7MN1/Tetracoccus_dioicus_3.jpg Flora & Fauna - Parry's tetracoccus Tetracoccus dioicus A flowering shrub native to the chaparral areas of southern California and Baja California, and can grow up to 6 feet. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/photo-gallery-1 daily 0.75 2020-09-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654540637-O05JRFWS6ZCI5E6SU8GQ/DSC_0756.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654540637-O05JRFWS6ZCI5E6SU8GQ/DSC_0756.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1601255403725-KKS4BXWRHDRINJIKYO4N/image-asset.jpeg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654749706-T0C3EWS6YFXR067K7HTG/P1030321.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654562482-8AOTY7BC1GYONSD2MXKH/DSC_0916.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654678944-DI2G21LE6C0C3XZZA3MX/DSC_1602.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654678841-ZTVGCEWKDGTJNN9ZQRL9/DSC_1619.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654695919-GN7UZ0HRNUVG3UDWV5VC/IMAG0435.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654753142-Q2236H9084AV3RY6DGUP/Rod+Mtn+from+North.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654767365-KWIQ5HT5LB0TAA21B30U/DSC_1630.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654746161-ZUGDIA60OL1KDVJ9ED2H/IMG_1200.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654576372-742QFRPOO8F91P92SI2D/DSC_0760+%281%29.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654766537-D6J59X6TTTDNMY8896B9/Rod+Mtn+in+Snow.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654818906-R6RLJTJVFM4SGD860D6Z/Rodriguez+at+Sunset+2.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654885594-IAWK51OXQSCWTSCOM7UR/DSC_0816.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654822746-6RVJY5F9B0LNUIPI1Y0I/HellholeCanyon2.jpg Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462654907218-FCFMRH6GVHQJR95YR3O9/IMG_1259.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1494648495084-0I3B4KF37S0IMHIR2MCN/Butterfly+near+Guejito.jpg Photo Gallery - Behr's Metalmark A current visitor to the Hellhole Canyon area is this colorful little flyer. Look for it on the buckwheat which is it's preferred snack. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/572e55ab044262a7f8bb2c36/5a501aca71c10b67038c5009/1515199242648/DSC_1918.JPG Photo Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1520898270376-0MDKU0QVOA3CAYSSBG9C/image-asset.jpeg Photo Gallery - Paradise Mountain Wildlife Corridor Aerial https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1534626276721-67TQ5HOR424ETSPLPMD0/DSC_1903.jpeg Photo Gallery - Spooky Trails attendees 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1541629654479-XIH54C9QR7A6G5FLXJ1B/image-asset.jpeg Photo Gallery - Friends of Hellhole Canyon, 15th Annual Spooky Trails-2018 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/contact daily 0.75 2024-03-31 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/wildlife-corridor daily 0.75 2024-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1620785590521-2UMU7YLLGDUHRMNHUR9C/mountain-lion-on-rock.adapt.945.1.jpg Wildlife corridor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462563394569-R5NUGLJJS043F5VDW6YU/image-asset.png Wildlife corridor http://www.hellholecanyon.org/land-acquisition-campaigns daily 0.75 2024-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1665547231792-67CUBOS2TW5EB7OADXCE/1772EC4E-FF81-4A98-9627-DE514F853E7B.jpeg Land acquisition campaigns https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/bc525d6c-7c28-4a18-a208-5276e2725fab/Hellhole_Canyon_By_Year.jpg Land acquisition campaigns - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/our-impact daily 0.75 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462243141627-228OI6B7915QBFKJFCQT/Rodriguez+at+Sunset+2.jpg Our Impact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1626387444584-96F9NG8CZMI6U1QT8IFU/Hellhole_Canyon_By_Year_v7.15.21.jpg Our Impact Yellow border lines are the original preserve borders. Blue border lines are what the Friends have helped the county to acquire. More recently, we’ve expanded our focus to acquire nearby parkland such as Butterfield Trails Ranch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/5fa311bb-3e89-475d-bd5a-584968abf1c3/HC-alpenglow.jpeg Our Impact - Make it stand out Above: Late afternoon sun and clouds at Hellhole Canyon. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/flora-fauna daily 0.75 2023-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462297240319-WM1E2473K3Q6HB1XHT9Q/DSC_0816.JPG Flora & Fauna https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648469692-CC7REM4PKGQHHQQ2I04Q/Urocyon_cinereoargenteus_grayFox_cameo.jpg Flora & Fauna - Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus No other canid's natural range spans both North and South America and it is the only American canid that can climb trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646388750-VZA1IC9X5LI95VP4H32U/coast+horned+lizard.jpg Flora & Fauna - Coast horned lizard Phrynosoma coronatum Appears rough and spiky but is actually smooth-skinned, with sharp spikes along its sides, back and head. As a defense the lizard can shoot high pressure streams of blood out of its eyes if threatened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647370325-LD38YJ0NV7ERIJQO9TN0/Accipiter-cooperii-01.jpg Flora & Fauna - Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii These birds capture prey from cover or while flying quickly through dense vegetation, relying almost totally on surprise. Cooper's hawks prey almost exclusively on small to mid-sized birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648288685-3ROYYIVT8FMIM2O2EL79/Canis_latrans.jpg Flora & Fauna - Coyote Canis latrans It is a highly versatile species, whose range has expanded amidst human environmental modification. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646636643-N1SR4L027OL9DOV0NMXF/Gopher_snake1.jpg Flora & Fauna - Gopher snake Pituophis catenifer This nonvenomous snake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and by the shape of its head which is narrower than a rattlesnake's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648615322-S6MTS54U16U4QXTCHR1O/Cougar_sitting.jpg Flora & Fauna - Cougar (mountain lion) Felis concolor This member of the Felinae family ranges from the Canadian Yukon to the southern Andes of South America, the greatest of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647484013-HL9GAWM17K4EZ67LUH6V/Gall-dindi.jpg Flora & Fauna - Wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which was originally derived from a southern Mexican subspecies of wild turkey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647067291-NSW5S2FAG9BH4C0CH3EE/Crotalus_oreganus.jpg Flora & Fauna - Western rattlesnake Crotalus oreganus A venomous pit viper species found in the western US and northwestern Mexico. Using its heat-sensing facial pits to locate prey, western rattlesnakes eat birds and their eggs, small mammals such as mice and rabbits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647251865-EAKID501DV3JG0VFX5OS/turkey+vulture.jpg Flora & Fauna - Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Also known as a buzzard, the turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646194546-ECEQKVC1YL6PP9YQSS43/Two_brown_california_tree_frogs.jpg Flora & Fauna - California Tree frog Pseudacris cadaverina This common species is most likely to occur along streams with abundant boulders and cobbles in their channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462646823670-L8R7OP62U0TM3631H0RV/California_Kingsnake_%28Lampropeltis_getula_californiae%29.JPG Flora & Fauna - California kingsnake Lampropeltis getula californiae A nonvenomous snake found in the western US and northern Mexico. The "king" in their name refers to their propensity to hunt and consume other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647810237-GCSA3N16U9J94PDTKL23/1280px-Bubo_virginianus_-Canada-6.jpg Flora & Fauna - Great horned owl Bubo virginianus This is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range. It mostly eats small mammals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462647646858-RCGSUDA8WU1AZHHOBTYQ/California_quail.jpg Flora & Fauna - California quail Callipepla californica These birds have a curving crest or plume, made of six feathers, that droops forward: black in males and brown in females. They are a highly sociable bird that often gathers in small flocks known as "coveys". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462648781002-ZVJWHKIWIN05KXWQ9MXJ/Bobcat2.jpg Flora & Fauna - Bobcat Lynx rufus The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, forest edges, and swampland environments. It remains in some of its original range, but local populations are vulnerable to extirpation by coyotes and domestic animals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462650436822-YWFV4X85MU9WEEKEGIWR/2012-mule-deer-female.jpg Flora & Fauna - Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus A deer indigenous to western North America; it is named for its ears, which are large like those of the mule. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574820886-M6WWBHSYJO0DGRM5CKKU/summer+holly.jpg Flora & Fauna - Summer holly Comarostaphylis diversifolia A shrub in the heath family that grows in coastal chapparal areas of southern California and Baja California, which can exceed 13 feet., https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574983294-JSQENWT2HNKHN63GDQ61/Dudleyablochmaniae.jpg Flora & Fauna - Blochman’s dudleya Dudleya blochmaniae A reddish-brown succulent with white flowers that grows in coastal southern California and Baja California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462572281907-66LXU2R9GEHCL28CMYTA/californiaadolphia4.jpg Flora & Fauna - California Adolphia Adolphia californica This flowering plant occurs in dry canyons and washes, coastal scrub and chaparral below 1000'. It is rare in California and blooms from December to April. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462573865758-64MFYVTY8GHOEWZ0T31L/Arctostaphylos_rainbowensis-1.jpg Flora & Fauna - Rainbow Manzanita Arctostaphylos rainbowensis This shrub is found only in the chaparral areas of San Diego. It can reach anywhere from 3 feet to 13 feet in height. It blooms with urn-shaped white flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574095018-IDDQA5NRG24MQLDDN6KK/Berberis_nevinii_2.jpg Flora & Fauna - Nevin's barberry Mahonia nevinii Nevin's barberry is a federally listed endangered species with roughly 500 individuals remaining across southern California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575892455-ZT21VKEHABEXEII6DUW4/800px-Nolina_cismontana_2.jpg Flora & Fauna - Chaparral beargrass Nolina cismontana This rare and declining flowering plant occurs in coastal mountain ranges in dry chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462574683999-RNFMPGJEP1F33BND4AGV/orcuttsbrodiaea4.jpg Flora & Fauna - Orcutt's brodiaea Brodiaea orcuttii This perennial herb is native to California and Baja California and occurs in wetlands, riparian areas and vernal pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575559906-03R4WJ9NB5M69YJDYWYL/Lepechinia+cardiophylla1.jpg Flora & Fauna - Heart-leaved pitcher sage Lepichinia cardiophylla Also called Santa Ana pitcher sage, this native shrub grows in chaparral areas between 600-1200 meters in elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575753277-7YQZYPK24AQL3Y9H5ZGC/Navarretia_fossalis.jpg Flora & Fauna - Spreading navarretia Navarretia fossalis A rare species of flowering plant in the phlox family, growing only in vernally wet areas (vernal pools). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462575994699-EWB3QKNSPFGIUI4HP5NI/Quercus_englmannii_sillouette.jpg Flora & Fauna - Engelmann oak Quercus engelmannii Engelmann oak is a small tree that grows up to 33 feet tall, and is mostly evergreen with thick gray bark and leathery leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462576455190-5J4OY9SR3YSXSNQ5IH7F/sandiegosatureja4.jpg Flora & Fauna - San Miguel savory Clinopodium chandleri An uncommon flowering plant in the mint family with a wonderful minty fragrance. Photo from calflora.net https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462576890093-Z8BI3QZHYMLSCXRYPI0B/250px-Packera.jpg Flora & Fauna - Gander’s ragwort Packera ganderi Gander's ragwort is a rare, hairy plant with yellow flowers that grows well in chaparral and especially after a fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462577038203-O622BZ0FE7BTET2L7MN1/Tetracoccus_dioicus_3.jpg Flora & Fauna - Parry's tetracoccus Tetracoccus dioicus A flowering shrub native to the chaparral areas of southern California and Baja California, and can grow up to 6 feet. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/membership daily 0.75 2023-01-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462340073462-BF6ARLY910Y3NC838VHB/DSC_1630.JPG Join the Friends http://www.hellholecanyon.org/board daily 0.75 2024-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462341784408-DGFV4O20J3HLL0XPQC5T/DSC_1025.JPG Who We Are http://www.hellholecanyon.org/partners daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1463500893438-PYLJNKVIWH34DWO19YQL/DSC_0772.JPG Sponsors and Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462642296813-VYLC6MXPAZASRKHA7EC4/image-asset.png Sponsors and Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462644418264-PKZAG3MOEFRLYD6RTLVI/image-asset.png Sponsors and Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462644983899-01OZE03W6M6GA607P5PB/image-asset.png Sponsors and Partners https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1523298639256-N2VY72N09CYPDNOX4YCA/NWF.jpg Sponsors and Partners Join Friends of Hellhole Canyon in the certification of Valley Center, CA as a National Wildlife Habitat Community. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/c8ce0b2d-2f03-481c-96dc-97c5ad9d8360/VauquerosLogoUpdated4-21.png Sponsors and Partners - 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Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/efbe52a6-384f-441e-941b-110def5a9628/VC+Art+Gallery.PNG Sponsors and Partners - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/11117994-b307-44c2-a70b-b3351f202ae6/Industria+Power.jpg Sponsors and Partners - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/69bb6929-7ee9-4d40-908c-1cd25f424ebb/Historical+society.PNG Sponsors and Partners - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/trail-information-1 daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1670823149470-1BG0NKAYKYW7GMR07QDV/fall-hiking-at-hellhole.jpg Visitor Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462257183730-H71V7X8R067T2LXPVMC7/image-asset.png Visitor Information http://www.hellholecanyon.org/home daily 1.0 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1523296521401-ET3JQZ5WKQZ4ENU8GWJR/NWF.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1463187275601-3PKXKROKVNYKN7SZ2PEC/DSC_0826.JPG Home Welcome to Hellhole Canyon Plan your visit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462428635454-DU053DZ9BM30IJ1UCLZW/Rod+Mtn+from+North.jpg Home Preserving the Paradise Mountain Wildlife Corridor Learn More https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462428645295-U9ZO48GNXZ26ZJ4LPQFR/Rod+Mtn+in+Snow.jpg Home Help us protect our community's open spaces Join us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/3413103b-ee8d-4c49-8ab9-01e8c00732e9/BOS+June+2023.png Home Left: FOHC vice-president Laurie Carter, at far right, accepts San Diego County’s award for an Outstanding Outdoors Organization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462329576581-RKV6HYKNL7SPDIF178S2/image-asset.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462432747455-SAZRXXI52J6N7JR0IM0P/Screen+Shot+2016-05-03+at+7.32.55+PM.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462585540689-2H6JZBSGPG191MJOQ49G/image-asset.jpeg Home http://www.hellholecanyon.org/cancelled-transaction-donation daily 0.75 2016-07-27 http://www.hellholecanyon.org/success daily 0.75 2016-05-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1462569727654-N05MNVS9WKB66GNCD5P7/DSC_0760.JPG Transaction success http://www.hellholecanyon.org/past-events daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1470156446798-BPULKEHBN1QHG3WWB7P4/WEb+image+fox.png Past Events https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1520891266420-DVSCJIWY7T0HO2WEDFHP/Zelasko_FEMALE+++STRUT_G2F3788crop.jpg Past Events Photography by Sandy Zelasko, one of many artists who donated to the November 2017 silent art auction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1472184125215-XA5A9LP1R9M33B8PV2UR/image-asset.png Past Events http://www.hellholecanyon.org/butterfield-trails-ranch-parkland daily 0.75 2024-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1665637539920-BPQZZOB9ZLBDYVL860S4/BTR-pond.jpg Butterfield Trails Ranch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/fdf20beb-ec2a-4386-8ae8-a42d7866860d/BTR-aerial-view.PNG Butterfield Trails Ranch - Make it stand out Undated aerial view of Butterfield Trails Ranch, with the property boundaries noted by a thin white line. Access to the ranch is from Valley Center Road at Sunday Drive (far left center of photo). Native Oaks Golf Course is just south of the ranch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/306b1e83-0327-47a5-a646-b2503e8e3bba/BTR-pond.jpg Butterfield Trails Ranch Left: A large pond is the centerpiece of the ranch property and makes an inviting stop for parkgoers and passing wildlife. http://www.hellholecanyon.org/archive daily 0.75 2022-12-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5724e634d210b805ad8701b0/1671407116357-5MG17Y0N7FN9Q7NR0JK4/Rodriguez+view.jpeg Archive