Anza-Borrego State Park

The Anza-Borrego's eroded badlands provide a different view into the region's tropical past. The inland of southeastern California was not always a desert. Fossils found include preserved plants, a variety of invertebrate shells, animal tracks and a vast array of bones and teeth. Most Anza-Borrego fossils date from six million to under a half million years in age. The first fossils found were marine shells from the prehistoric Lake Cahuilla, which is now the present-day Salton Sea. They were collected and described by William Blake in 1853. Blake was commissioned by Congress and President Franklin Pierce to find a railway route to the Pacific. If you tour by car, there are a many highways that cross the park and require no fee. California Route 78 runs east to west through the middle of the park while County Routes S1, S2, S3 and S22 links the various sections of the park. The park accounts for 1/5th of San Diego County’s land, so if you choose to explore deeper there is over 500 miles of roads. You can find routes up rocky climbs, or through deep sand; some are paved but most require and off road vehicle or 4x4. Biking is a great way to explore the park, with miles of highway to travel and many trails to explore. Backpacking in the region is quite common; The Pacific Crest Trail provides 50 miles of hiking with plenty of opportunities to set up camp. All together, over 110 miles of hiking trails are available. The Vern Whitaker Horse Camp provides a camping location for those who decide to try the park on horseback. Many trails are set up for horses. Coyote Canyon is a great spot for nature observation. Spanning 18 miles, the canyon reaches nearly 4,000 feet to the north, with heavy rainfall. The floor of the canyon is dry with virtually no rainfall, as is a common home for wildlife because of a year round running stream. You may get to see a roadrunner, golden eagle, kit fox, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas. The red diamond rattlesnake is in the area, so please be cautious as you explore. Camping reservations Anza-Borrego State Park.

Spring Wildflowers Ana-Borrego

Anza-Borrego Park Winter Vista

Coyote Canyon is a great spot for nature observation. Spanning 18 miles, the canyon reaches nearly 4,000 feet to the north, with heavy rainfall. The floor of the canyon is dry with virtually no rainfall, as is a common home for wildlife because of a year round running stream. You may get to see a roadrunner, golden eagle, kit fox, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas. The red diamond rattlesnake is in the area, so please be cautious as you explore. In many parts of the Santa Rosa Mountains, you may see ancient trails crossing the mesas. These trails contain rock piles, called Cairns, which represent shrines where native peoples would toss a rock to thank their spirits for a safe journey. Rock art can be seen throughout the park. In the northern parts of the park, petro glyphs are predominant; designs and symbols can be seen etched into the boulders and rock faces. In the southern areas, pictographs are more common; pictures painted or drawn on the rock walls. Mine Canyon and Blair Canyon are sites of rock art examples, as well as left behind artifacts. While they are a fascinating example of primitive life, please avoid the urge to take souvenirs. Not only is it illegal, but also would deny future generations the chance to witness history. Wildflowers usually start blooming in late February or early March, with varieties of cactus blooms growing. The blossoms range in colors from red to yellow and green. Each season the blooms change due to the temperature and rainfall throughout the year.

Driving Directions and Information:

The Desert Garden outside the Visitor Center building provides a look at some of the vegetation in the area, and includes a pupfish pond. There’s a second pupfish pond near the picnic area just past the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. The Visitor Center provides informative exhibits, and a free 16-slide program with music and narration. Maps and listening devices for the hearing impaired are available and WiFi access is available within 150 feet of the center should you need this modern convenience. The Visitor Center is open five days a week, Thursday – Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the year. Summer hours for the visitor center are weekends and holidays only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with parts extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. Anza-Borrego is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Irvine, Riverside, and Palm Springs. Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. Obviously there is no lodging available in the park, so plan on camping, or arrive early enough to make a long day of exploring your next desert adventure. Article by Matthew Martz

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