Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Borrego Springs
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Borrego Springs, San Diego County, California, US
Site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_i...
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
in: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
out: 12:00 PM
No pets
No parties
Smoking allowed
Additional rules
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COVID-19-related guidelines apply
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Cancellation is free up to 5 days before
After 5 days, cancellation costs a 5% Fee
You can't cancel an ongoing event
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24/24 concierge lodge
Direct phone liaison
Fire detection
Private entry
Swimming pool
Baby carriage
King size bed
Bathtub
Wi-Fi
Workspace
Television
Minibar
Air conditionning
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The artwork is fantastic and can be walked around and seen from any angle you like, including underneath.It is beautiful to see the during weathering patterns of the metal as well as the animals they represent (some are a little free form and look similar to animals in life, but only with some artistic flare).It is clean, easy to drive in and out/park, as well as find.Please make sure to pickup after yourselves. Even though it looks like a lot of barren sand scape. It it a unique and gorgeous environment. Be kind to it and enjoy.
6/10/2021 Date of trip...Ok...Plan when you go...and check the weather! 😅..we went oblivious of the heat wave week so we didnt do all that we planned because it was too hot to hike with kiddos. But go to Fonts point because it has the best view of the badlands in my opinion. You do need a 4wd or an AWD to traverse the 8mile round trip soft sand, very bumpy road. And take your time to explore the Galleta Meadows sculptures.
Amazing metal sculptures in the desert. Seems like it would be a good place for mountain bikes or ATVs but we went to see the dinosaurs. My 3 year old son is crazy about dinosaurs and when we told him we were taking a trip to the desert to see some really big ones he couldn’t stop taking about it. There are unpaved narrow roads the make it possible to drive right into the park and pull up to each sculpture so you don’t have to drag yourself through the sand and hot sun. We stayed nearby at Palm Canyon Resort and RV Park, which was cute. Not perfect but a decent play to stay.
Top things to see in my opinion...-Fonts Point at sunset (need 4wd)-17 Palms Oasis (need 4wd)-Galetta Meadows SculpturesThis park has an awesome mix of outdoor and man-made beauty. Enjoy the views that Mother Nature provides as well as the awesome metal artwork scattered throughout the land. This is one of my favorite places visited thus far!
Out of this world! We love Anza Borrego. Off-road world/Camping paradise. The park is massive and the colors are amazing. To say that I have explore Anza Borrego it will take days. Fonts Point, Slot Canyon, Wind Caves etc.... You must go 4x4 needed in most Canyons and high clearance recommended. Give it a chance and you will definitely love it 😉
Just before dawn, I stopped at a viewpoint/peak on S3/Yaqui Pass Rd. to watch & photo sunrise. Plenty of room to pull 10+ feet off road safely but be careful of vehicles behind you (shoulder not paved). Its on S3/Yaqui Pass Rd apx 4mi from Hwy78/S3 turnoff (7 miles S from central Borrego Springs).You can see a full 180 degree panorama of Lagunas to the W, Borrego Valley from N to E. Beautiful to see sun creeping above horizon, slowly illuminating the valley and Laguna Mountains with its orange & crimson rays. That viewpoint is become a favorite of mine. Careful, it can be very windy in those mountain passes from about Nov to April.
This was the perfect getaway from San Diego. I went for one night and saw some great wildlife. I’m not an advanced hiker by any means and I was alone but I felt really comfortable with the Palm Canyon Hike as a beginner and solo hiker, and I saw some sheep! Remember not to go later in the afternoon though because it gets dark earlier with the mountains. I will definitely go back at some point.
When youre at this park take your time. Admire the canyons, mountains, plants, wildlife, oases, and many other incredible features. Places like this need to be preserved for as long as possible. Treat this place as something holy. Respect the delicate and fragile habitat. Do that, and the land will give you a gift in the form of spectacular beauty and wonder!
The desert doesnt beg for your attention like a mountain top or a waterfall does. That being said, the closer you look, and the deeper you listen, the more you will find the desert is brimming with life. Its a peaceful place. The wind whispers strange spells that melt away the faces of the rocks. The birds sing the news of the coming rain, to the relief of the desert plants (the most resilient of all plants). And if you go at the right time, you will find carpets of flowers in every hidden valley. And in the full moon, my god, its breathtaking to see it. Packs of coyotes weave between the hilltops. Owls hover silently overhead, and every little creeping thing comes out to greet the moonlight. I would highly recommend it, but i WONT tell you my secret spots. Youll have to find your own.
I have an issue with this State Park designation. No idea how or why, but why on Earth is a camp ground with zero shade, no water, only hole in the ground toilets cost $20/night? You can camp 100 feet away for free...until some pencil pushers decide to charge just to drive through Split Mountain.
Beginner friendly camping and hiking. If youre willing to endure the 20 degree winter nights, the temperatures are perfect during the day, and cold enough around sunset to be cozy around a fire. If youre brave enough to camp while its raining, when the skies clear lots of wildlife comes out. We encountered owls, roadrunners, rabbits, and listened to the yips of the coyotes at night. At least where we stayed, it is required to have a fire in a metal container. Its not that big of a deal (we got ours for $20), you can still have a real nice fire and you can re-use it.
The desert has too many areas of interest to list.Limited cell signal in some areas,,Go prepared & pay attention to the weather. Avoid desert wash if rain is forecast, these areas can turn into rivers fast.Please bring a trash bag to pick up some trash losers leave in the beautiful place.
There is open camping throughout much of the park. I found a nice campsite on the old stagecoach route with some large salt cedars for a bit of wind protection. Cell signal (Verizon) is spotty. Further down this road was a very hairy section of deep sand that would be risky without a 4WD. I suspect these sections shift around due to weather and erosion. Roads off the highway are dirt, not gravel, and have better and worse portions: severe washboarding, unevenness, and dips that may not be navigable by RV or trailer. There may not be turnarounds where you need them in order to backtrack from bad sections, particularly if your vehicle is not very nimble. Smaller FWD cars will probably be ok as you could back out in a pinch, but use caution in exploring these roads. There is a variety of desert landscapes to enjoy at Anza-Borrego including some marshy areas, mud caves and mountain vistas. As a long-term camper I like the park a lot and will definitely come back when Im in the neighborhood.
We were really excited for our 4 day reservation at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The drive in through the park and town of Borrego Springs was beautiful, the blooming cactus at the visitors center were gorgeous, and the campground was a breath of fresh air with well spaced, relatively private sites with a shaded picnic table and good fire-ring. However, the interactions I had with staff were not at all positive. On our way into town on Monday, we realized that something wasnt right with our Class B RV Sprinter campervan, so we called to make an appointment at one of the shops in Borrego Springs. While we were at that appointment on Wednesday, we found out that both the alternator and battery were bad, but that the shop in town could not get the right parts and we would need to drive at least an hour away to a town large enough to make the repairs. In the process of getting the parts ordered and making arrangements to drive to Indio, our RV completely died and we were stranded. We ended up at a hotel in town and having to have our RV towed. Even despite all of this, I tried to call the campground to let them know we would not be using our site for the last 2 nights of our 4 night reservation, but I could never get through to anyone. I called back the next day to let them know, as a courtesy to other guests that may have been trying to get a space. The person I spoke to in the visitors center was one of the worst customer service encounters I have ever had. She repeatedly cut me off, talked over me, and was asking questions that I would have already answered if she hadnt spoken over me repeatedly. I finally called her out on talking over me, and she insisted that she wasnt - while repeatedly talking over me some more. I finally was able to speak to the campground, and the person there was much more pleasant and helpful. I explained the situation and asked that the belongings that we had left in campsite be held for us to pick up in the next 1-2 days as soon as we get our RV back from the shop. She said she would make sure it was taken care of. Then, she called me back about 10 minutes later to tell me she had let the hosts know to process the site, but that she couldnt guarantee that we could get our items back. She gave me a lot of excuses about how they could fill a landfill with the items people leave behind. I said, look, we only used 2 of the 4 nights we paid for and I didnt even attempt to ask for a refund, but we would like to at least get our things back and she said she agreed with me, but couldnt guarantee anything. I directly asked if the hosts were just going to take our things and keep them or give them away to someone else and I received no response. I understand that they cant store things for people indefinitely, but its Thursday afternoon and we would be coming by either Friday afternoon or first thing Saturday morning and given the extenuating circumstances, it doesnt seem like an unreasonable ask. Before this experience, we would have easily chosen to stay at this campground and visit this park again in the future, but after this experience, Im seriously considering cancelling all the other California state park reservations that I have coming up.
Definitely love this place for self healing, our group hiking! Loved this year super bloom that happened here. Got to see people enjoying nature in a respectful manner. What the best thing is the wonderful hikes anza offers, also dirt biking and much more.I would definitely recommend camping here!!! The views at night are just breath taking! Knowing that there is very minimal to no light in the near by town.
I have been coming here for years with my family. We love taking short walks on the side trails and taking pictures of the flowers and wild life. Always recommend bringing water, wearing a hat, sunscreen, and good shoes. Definitely be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on the kids. The cactus blends in and can easily be walked into if youre not careful.
Tons of blooming flowers right now. I just went to the visitor center because it was the most convenient. Parking was $10 (I paid with credit card). Lots of places it go to the restroom also. They have a guided trail that’s about a quarter of a mile long that gives you a brief introduction to the park which is very nice. I didn’t see many trails, per se, That were marked but they were plenty of areas to walk to avoid walking on the flowers. I didn’t see any snakes, which Im very thankful for not seeing, But I did see quite a few ants and one jack rabbit. See the video for the jack rabbit footage. I could smell the wildflowers while walking some of the unmarked trails. Not very crowded and there is plenty of room for you to park and just look around. It’s not really possible to get lost just walking around near the visitor center because there is a large flag pole that will directly lead you back to the parking lot.
Beautiful expansive views of Borrego Springs and the Mojave Dessert and well as breath taking views of the Salton Sea...there are free camping areas all over that are great for little getaways...please remember it is the desert...there is zero water and the weather will change drastically from hot to cold during the day and at night so please come prepared...the spring wildflowers are not to be missed
Beautiful place!! Many scenic views! Wonderful visitors center with staff members there ready to answer your questions and tell you about the park. You can find maps of the whole park in the center, along with interactive learning stations for children. Around the visitors center there are several concrete walking paths that loop around different fauna and even a wet pond like area. There are bathrooms here next to the parking lot and they were very clean. There are also picnic tables for you to use.
Magnificent, desolate, beautiful state park. This was a key aspect to my natural education, as when I was in third grade in 1986 my grandma took me camping here for the weekend to watch Halley’s Comet, and the millions of stars in the desert darkness permanently flipped a switch in my soul.That time in 1986 we walked the Slot Canyon Trail, a tall and narrow half-mile canyon, and it was thrill (although my 8 year old self didn’t like to walk). A few years ago I walked the slot again, for the first time in 31 years. It was wonderful to walk that otherworldly canyon for the first time since elementary school. It’s still a magical experience, though I was sad my grandmother has passed away.This is one of those examples of how something was just as fun at age 8 as it was at age 39. It’s only a half- mile hike, but it’s family-friendly and fun and exciting. A fantastic, short desert adventure in a deep and skinny canyon. Enjoy!
Great winter hiking. Temps from 60-85. Super friendly staff at the visitor center. This park offers epic vistas. The Stark background of the mountains and vivid blue of the sky against red-black rocks is unparalleled. Come prepared to hike into the mountains through one of the many canyons or relax in Borrego Springs.
This state park is huge. If you are a off road lover, you will definitely love it. In spring, you mind see the wild flower blossom. It peaked in 2017, but not 201 ( rain less than 1 inch). The desert garden is gorgeous. You might spots some big horn sheep here as well.
Wow this place is so Cals gem. Quick and easy car ride to get to a place that doesnt make you feel like youre in so cal at all. Its nice and warm, sunny and the terrain is unbelievable. You gotta check out the Badlands and the wild flowers. So much to do if you have a 4x4 car to go explore. Also dogs are allowed in most areas on a leash.
Truly a Californian desert. Please you must take a chance and experience this once. You won’t be disappointed!!! Very hot about 106 at first around 5 pm but when the sun drops(just look at the sunset) it gets a tad cooler. Now in cooler months it can get cold overnight but we just went to stargaze and alien/ufo watch lol I absolutely will forever remember my time here and will be visiting the San Diego area again in about 8 months. Can’t wait. Do yourself a favor and just experience a night in Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
All I can say is WOW!!! Huge and magnificent jewel of the desert! I spent the day driving and checking out different places. I wont say exactly where they were because that makes the adventure more fun. Please preserve this land, take care of it. I saw a coyote running off with a rabbit in his jaws.
Large area to explore by foot or by jeep. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. Lots of areas with no cell phone coverage so be cautious and go with a group. Respect the history and the beauty and keep it clean. If you are lucky you may find traces of Native Americans who lived there hundreds of years ago.
Enormous desert park, but not as easily accessible as Death Valley or the (much smaller) Joshua Tree. Getting the most out of your stay requires some planning. The visitor center staff gave me some helpful suggestions. I especially loved the Badlands. Dont miss Fonts Point! Fish Creek Wash and the Palm Oasis are also worth checking out.
Google & various other sources say the sculptures are open but upon arrival on 9/2 it was blocked off with NO TRESPASSING signs attached to temporary plastic gates not allowing vehicles to drive through. It was closed due to covid or land preservation.We parked the car & made a few short walks from the road to the sculptures in the 117 dry degree heat.Still super cool art installations worth checking out if your road tripping & need a wonderful town to take a an overnight layover in.
One of my most favorite parks in California. Bring lots of water as it can get hot! Camping is great, just put your fire in a metal container. There are lots of hiking and off road trails with lots of geographical features, Native American sites, animal and plant life, all kinds of things to explore. Even though this is a park, keep in mind it is also a real desert. There are a lot of dangers out here if you wander in casually. Always play it safe if youre unfamiliar with desert exploration and please bring at least a gallon of water per person per day. DO NOT litter or dump your trash here. Pack it in, pack it out!
Being a photographer, I love taking photos of beautiful landscapes & scenery! Anza-Borrego is absolutely BREATHTAKING! Even if youre only there to take in the views, spend time with friends, & branch away from the city, youll enjoy this park tremendously.10/10 recommend.
If you think if the desert as a barren place,think again! With an incredible amount of varied terrain, landscapes, plants and animals. The park has history on display in both geologic and human scales. So many places to see in one place if you like to explore! Wether you like to hike , fourwheel or just sit and relax its here just a short drive from San Diego.
Winter camping in Anza Borrego State Park is outstanding, with warm days, and cool or cold nights and generally with clear skies and fabulous stargazing. Camp in designated campgrounds if you want boisterous, crowded conditions, and amenities like running water, flush toilets, etc., or camp anywhere else if you want to get away from the crowds. Just remember to bring plenty of water and leave no trace. Lots of variable geology, scenery, and places to check out in a park the size of Rhode Island. Park headquarters and visitor center is in Borrego Springs which has got to be one of the friendliest towns anywhere; just a great vibe.
From mountain’s high to desert’s low, a million plus acres to enjoy and explore. A great place for camping, hiking and four wheeling. The largest state park in California. From ancient Native Americans to Spanish explorers and General Patton‘s army, Anza Borrego Desert State Park has a long recorded history. Geographical wonders that will boggle the mind. Millions of years of time laid out in sediment like open pages of a book. Cacti and plants that will paint the desert with color in spring. Howling coyotes and hooting owls will serenade you as you sit around the nighttime campfire enjoying the star filled sky. Once you have enjoyed the peacefulness of The Anza Borrego Desert State Park you’ll never want to leave.
Its tough to describe how great and diversified this place is. You have the Palms and goats on oneside to the Badlands and washes to dunes and rocks, caves and pumpkins, slots and notches, hikes and off roading. Fonts point has the views and entertainment at the 4x4 training center. Desert blooms in the spring on occasion are a must see.
This is a great little park. All the rangers were very friendly and helpful. The hike that starts at the campground is on the short side at 3 mi round trip, but totally worth it. The trail can be difficult for some because of all the rocks, but the trail is maintained and well traveled.
Anza Borrego is in super bloom! Across the land are amazing flowers & cactus. Ocatillos are everywhere with their red flowers on the tip of their branches. If you want to see beautiful desert, come to Anza Borrego. There are sculptures spread across the landscape that were created with unbelievable details. This place is about 20 minutes away from the Dalton Sea. The super bloom doesnt happen every year, so come out if you can now.
The falls trailhead we entered lost the trail about 75% of the way up. It looks like the recent rains may have made it a lot harder to discern, if youre trying to reach the falls, well to see them, Id recommend the main entrance by the visitors center. The view is gorgeous but remember to A. Pack enough water (which in the desert sun should be about 20-40% more than typical, so for me thats 100 oz.) A two liter camel back is more than enough for this type of trail. But sunscreen up because its mostly exposed to the sun. Also please remember to leave things better than you when you got there, or at least leave no trace, and keep on the trails as best you can. Footsteps in the wrong area speed up erosion, and can bring you closer to animals who may not want to be close to you.
Wow! I have been in a lot of deserts and this one took my breathe away. There were so many beautiful blooms and succulents. The drive is an easy one and I would recommend stopping at the vistors center. The drive up to Julian is well worth the time if coming from the desert side like I did.
I love coming to this park! Very peaceful and quiet, even when there are a lot of people, the park is big enough to find a quiet place. The sculptures are kewl and they are everywhere. There is a small town with restaurants, bars, clothes and gift shops, and even a small art museum. Perfect place to enjoy the southern california desert and get away for a day!
It is California’s largest state park and the only one that allows open camping – basically pitch your tent wherever you want.The next morning we did a 3 mile round trip hike through Borrego Palm Canyon to an oasis. The heat & sun were brutal so I rewarded my toddler with some swim time in the oasis before we returned. On the way back we were lucky enough to run into a huge heard of bighorn sheep – probably 25 or more.
MY EXPERIENCE:I dont recommend going here in 110 degree weather, but I wouldnt of had it any other way. I had the whole place to myself. The Palm Canyon hike is definitely worth the trip... and the lush, albeit small, palm tree oasis made my entire day something to reflect on for years to come. Spare the time, it is worth it.DETAILS:The trail is intermediate; though I wouldnt recommend really small children during hot days... and dogs are prohibited in the Palm Canyon. The trail meanders a bit, but you are typically within 50 yards of a marked post or felled palm (used for navigation). Suffice to say, you may have to back track a few times if you arent alert. The park recommends 4 litres of water/person/day minimum. Lastly, there are facilities for camping on site as well as a sizeable inn with various amenities near by.
A great and extensive desert park. It covers a vast amount of land and there are lots of different places and things to do. I got to see the visitor center during the 2019 super bloom and it was very beautiful. There are a lot of nice hiking trails there, and the visitors center features a nice concrete walkway thats lined with informative signs.
For me, best time to enjoy the desert is Before and after summer. That’s because I can’t handle hot weather.I do lots of remote camping, hiking, and off roading.You can find tons of information online or stop in any state park building, or forest department for information.If you go, please Leave No Trace, and keep our parks and open land as you found it for everyone enjoyment.
I love coming out to Borrego for some fun in the desert. There are so many things you can do and Sights to see in the park. From off roading to hiking, this place has it all. I suggest going to the visitor center before you go out on the trails so they can inform you of what to see and where to go. I highly reccomend you visit this place. Side note, make sure to find all the massive sculptures strewn across the dessert. Theyre amazing.
This place is freakin awesome. My wife, dog, friends and myself all went out here for my birthday weekend. We went wheeling where we could in our Jeeps (though there’s not anything to get too technical on, pretty much just dirt roads) and we shot some guns, camped, had fires and it was just a really good time. I highly recommend it. I’d like to visit the dunes but we couldn’t seem to find them. There are tons of signs that state you can’t take vehicles beyond the sign so that too was kind of a bummer. All in all, go there and have some fun. You’ll dig it!
This State Park is HUGE and if you want to see it all during a Super Bloom I highly recommend a 4x4 so you can get away from the crowds and see a lot more of the undeveloped parts of the park. There is so much this place has to offer from Alpine deserts to areas that are almost sea level. I went here in March and the nights were cold but the days were perfect for being out in the desert. If we have a lot of rain during the winter months you can expect tons of blossoming flowers throughout the desert but it can get crowded out there with all the other people enjoying its beauty as well. To find out where the flowers are check in with the VIsitors Center, the staff there are so helpful and once they asked if I had a 4x4 they got excited and told me well in that case, you should go here, here, and here... and if it werent for their recommendations I wouldnt have discovered some of these amazing landscapes. If you dont have an app called All Trails I cant recommend that app enough because you ll find trails on there not advertised on any brochures that the State Park offers. Have fun be safe and bring TONS OF WATER youll need it for drinking and rinsing off the inevitable dust off of your hands and body.
Palm canyon trail is definitely worth a visit. A tiny oasis in the desert with water so your odds of seeing bighorn sheep are pretty good. We also saw tadpoles and birds. The slot Canyon trail is good to see if you havent seen a slot Canyon before but its a pretty small canyon. Bring plenty of water-- and maybe avoid summer visits. Temperatures in the canyons can get up to 125.
OMG... Can you say worth it? The staff at the visitors centre was pretty nice in guiding us with recommended trails. We did Palm Oasis and The Slot. Both are worth it and easy to do in a single day. If youre making the journey from SD, definitely get out early enough.
Came out to check out the wild flowers during the superbloom. Enjoyed it for the most part. Went to the Visitor Center for advice on a good trail to hike and the option that was given to us was a bit underwhelming. Still enjoyed the hike for the most part but definitely would have wanted more.
When the mountains start getting too cold for camping in the winter, this is where to go. So much to do-- hiking, camping, 4x4ing, astronomy--and all a short drive from San Diego or Los Angeles. Dispersed camping means no toilets, but it also ensures plenty of space and privacy. If thats too much for you, a day trip is easy as Apple pie in Julian on the ride home.
Wow! What a wonderful desert! Went off roading with my son in his Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. We had a fabulous time and loved being able to pull over and sleep. So adventurous, quiet, and also beautiful. We even had a hummingbird come over and check us out . . . very magical.
So I google mapped myself to the wrong spot, I wanted a short hike through Box Canyon and ended up with Palm Canyon. My first clue was paying $10 at the gate, but this mistake was o-tay! Besidesthe volunteer at the bottom making albeit warranted dispersion of my clown shoes and lack of water I had fun. He even taught me how to square off with a big horn sheep. A beautiful California desert oasis, be more prepared then we were, its beautiful!
This place is beautiful. Wonderful, and a oh so affordable campground. The staff is super friendly and helpful.The campground is very well maintained, and very quiet at night. THE STARS ARE AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL.Everything there for a relaxing vacation. They even have wood to purchase for your fire. Our dogs loved it... lots of places to walk. We were a little worried about rattlesnakes, but never saw any.There is a hiking, hiking, hiking and more hiking. I just read it is the largest state park in California, 600,000 acres. Take your sunscreen, water bottle and a hat!!!On a side note, the drive from the San Diego is quick... but is a little hairy, scary heading down into the valley... the grade is VERY, VERY, VERY steep.Overall, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This largest state park has the qualities of a national park without the hype. There are numerous opportunities from hiking, cycling, camping, 4WD. Explore canyons, badlands, hot springs, mountains, nature, history, native culture, and fossil treasures. View bighorn sheep. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Anza Borrego is a gem. You could spend weeks out here exploring the desert on foot or by 4wheel drive and you still wont see it all. Bring plenty of water and have a plan before you come, much of this area is accessed by dirt roads and 4x4 trails, cell service is unreliable if you get lost.
Hell on earth during the summer, but great secret spots if you know where to look.Its a very desolate beauty - Im of the opinion that CA desert is very ugly in general (as a local), but Anza Borrego is definitely one of the top. During the rainy season the blooms are some of the best in the entire world. People come here in the spring expecting flowers - dont. Flowers only come in the weeks following rain (Fall, Winter, Spring) - and then they will disappear until the next rain - which can be a long time. If you dont time it right there will not be any flowers to see. The stargazing is second to none, and there are not a lot of people here so the place has an otherworldly feel. Borrego Springs is a nice small town and there are plenty of places to stay. I would recommend camping if it isnt during the summer, and there are some great trails for offroading and RV camping. The State Park center is very nice and all the rangers know their stuff. Asking them for the best hiking trails for your level is your best bet. Bring PLENTY of water and hats/sunscreen.
Palm Canyon campground in the Anza Borrego desert will not dissapoint!The camp sites are spacious, a section with hook ups is available, bathrooms are always well stocked and clean with nice warm showers. The showers only take tokens so bring some cash. firewood can be purchased there plus anything else you would need can be found in town. Park rangers are very polite and helpful. The surrounding mountains are gorgeous, the night sky is stunning. There are some amazing trails to hike Palm Canyon is one of my favorites, we have seen Bighorn Sheep every time we have hiked it. There is a paved trail all the way to the visitors center which is fun to look around in , they have several 15 min films they show. This campsite makes for a great relaxing and fun filled experience.
Came here after midnight in the middle of August after the moon went down. It was almost pitch black except for the stars and meteor shower. It got down to 72°f after being in the low 100s all day. The only winds can pick up very unexpectedly, so be prepared for strong gusts out of nowhere. We drove about 1/10 of a mile south of Pinyon wash and found a flat spot of sand. A raised 4 wheel drive is recommended. Small cars WILL get stuck in the soft sand. This is an official DARK SKY location, so you will see many celestial bodies. Didnt see much landscape as it was a after midnight, but the night sky was glorious.
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4.7 (199 comments)
Review №1
2022-06-11This is a wonderful place to explore for a day. We spent about two hours here, discovering the statues and enjoying the picturesque landscapes. It gets pretty hot here, but the desert is really nice. The roads are good, not if you want to see the statues close by though.
Review №2
2022-04-04We loved our stay at Blair Valley. We got a beautiful campsite. It is a wonderful time of the year to visit. There is so much to see here. The desert is in full bloom this time of year. Will definitely return.
Review №3
2022-01-23This state park has so much space that its incredible. If you want privacy take your car a little off the beaten path and there is plenty of spots to camp and enjoy the night. The desert is magical, spend a night out here and experience it yourself.
Review №4
2022-03-13An extraordinary desert with miles and miles to explore. There is so much stuff in this state park to discover, you will need weeks to enjoy everything it offers. From spectacular dark nights for star gazing to a natural Oasis in the middle of dry land. Miles and miles for off road vehicles to enjoy. A BLM shoot area nearby to bring your guns and shoot whatever it is that you shoot. Deceloped campsites are abundant and primitive campsites are also around. Tons of RV glamping for your enjoyment. Bring water as it can get pretty hot very quick, and please keep your dogs hydrated and cooled.I recommend visiting:- The wind caves if you have high clearance vehicle and 4x4.- Borrego canyon camp site. Walk a mile in to find the Oasis- Slot canyon. No off road or 4x4 needed here. Bring a camera for sure!- Tamerisk Grove campground for cabin sleeping, but you must bring your own sleeping pad.- Drive up to Julian (outside of Anza borrego state park, just about 39 miles west) if you have time, but do it in the early part of the day as most shops and restaurants close earlier than normal.- If you have dirt toys bring them, the Ocotillo off road area is just phenomenal.
Review №5
2022-02-20My favorite place in Southern California. Plenty of vast open land for hiking, biking, off-roading and more. Camping is totally free as dispersed camping is allowed in most of the park. The dark sky cant be beat either!
Review №6
2022-01-04If youre looking to take in a beautiful sunset over some exotic terrain, you could do worse than the Borrego Badlands, a 20-mile stretch of desert in southeastern Californias Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This arid landscape is not the kind of dune-filled terrain that you might visualise when you think of a desert, but a series of rolling hills, canyons, gullies, and arroyos speckled with sparse but hardy vegetation. It makes for a surreal and beautiful view.Fossilised seashells found in the area reveal that this arid landscape was once submerged under the waters of the Gulf of California and the Colorado River. The terrain was shaped over time by water and wind erosion into its current form. Today, the Borrego Badlands is a favourite spot for campers, while photographers are drawn by the picture-perfect sunsets.©bing.com
Review №7
2021-11-26Very Peaceful, Relaxed and clean. Staff very friendly and welcoming. People riding bikes going for walks. We stayed for 9 days and it was very surreal. We were in full hook ups but they also have spots with no hook ups for tent and smaller auto camping. Has some hiking trails, public restroom and showers that you have to pay for with tokens you can buy at the check in office. 2 tokens for $1 and 1 token buys you 2 min of water that you cannot shut off. Usually, you can put water on pause in most places to soap up and turn water back on but not these showers. Also no toilet seat covers or hand soap in the public restrooms. Hmmmm. Kind of stumped me on that one. Also has dumpsters and Recycle Bin to throw trash in. I still feel its a great place to come for lots of relaxation worth the drive. Do not get great internet service but my texting and phone seem to work ok.
Review №8
2021-12-14Absolutely stunning! Most dispersed camping is free. Very few pit toilets, no firearms, and fire must be contained in a metal container so plan accordingly. Very beautiful area, tons of great geology, history, and even pictographs. Lots to do and to explore. Very mild weather in the winter but can get hot hot in the summer. The town of Borrego Springs is not far (less than one hour from most places in the park) if supplies are needed. 4WD is recommended off road although there are some 2WD friendly places to visit.The amateur photographers/astrophotographers dream!
Review №9
2022-03-16Tons of beautiful landscape, features, hikes. Just a beautiful place! Love the dispersed camping.
Review №10
2022-03-13Amazing and different than Riverside county and Palm springs JT experience... Darker night skies, more dispersed camping options.