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Anza Borrego Desert is the largest state park in the Southwest, covering 600,000 acres from the edge of the coastal mountains east to the Salton Sea and south almost to the US/Mexico border, and equals the more famous national parks further north for varied, unspoilt desert scenery. The elevation ranges from 6,200 feet to just 150 feet; the land beyond the east edge descends to below sea level, and the temperature can be appropriately extreme, with 120°F not uncommon - the average July maximum is 110°F - and a 30°F difference possible between the often cloud covered western peaks and the parched deserts far below. Such is the heat in summer that the visitor center is open only at weekends, as far fewer people visit here than in the cooler seasons.
Hiking, backpacking and exploring are the main activities,
and entry to the park is good value at $6 (2005). Camping is allowed without further charge anywhere away from the main roads though there are several official sites with fees starting from $20 per night. In spring, many people visit just to see the profusion of many different types of wildflowers that cover the park, beginning in the deserts during February to March and progressing up the canyons in early summer. |
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Three main roads lead into Anza Borrego Desert State Park; S22 across the north, CA 78 across the middle and S2 running southeast-northwest, mostly close to the western edge. There are many unpaved tracks leading into the backcountry but the majority require 4WD.
The dispersed town of Borrego Springs lies at the centre of the park, which is characterised by one large flat basin bordered on three sides by the mountain ranges. The slopes hide many canyons with palms, cacti and yucca near the basin changing through bushes to pine trees near the summits.
The high country of Anza Borrego Desert State Park offers plenty of trails, some of which extend into the adjacent Cleveland and San Bernadino National Forest lands to the west and north, and these areas are especially popular in summer when the heat in the lower areas can be too intense. Away from the hills, most of the park is desert - covered by densely growing cacti in some areas but with bare rock and eroded badlands in others, through which run numerous narrow, slot-like canyons and other interesting rocky features. |
The Northeast - low desert, badlands and narrow canyons
The Northwest - mountains and valleys
The South - large and varied desert region
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Wildflowers - brief details of Anza Borrego species and habitats
Map - map and aerial photography of Anza Borrego Desert State Park
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