Veronica HillBetween late February through April each year, the desert landscape at Anza Borrego Desert State Park is awash in a blanket of wildflowers, ranging from delicate desert lilies to bright red cactus blooms.
Plan to stay the weekend, as there’s more than wildflowers to see.
Anza Borrego sits near the Salton Sea on more than 600,000 acres of slot canyons and badlands. It’s a snowbird’s paradise, home to four scenic golf courses, beautiful desert trails and awesome off-road adventures.
Fall through spring is the best time to visit Borrego Springs, which is the Anza Borrego desert town center. This is when temperatures dip from summer highs of 120 down to a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees.
When you arrive, check out the visitors center, which is located just above town. This is also where you’ll find Palm Canyon, one of the larger Anza Borrego campgrounds that has hookups.
The Anza Borrego Visitors Center is a great place to learn about the native flora and fauna, take in a geology lesson, or enjoy a short stroll to the desert pupfish pond. These endangered fish can live in water three times as salty as the ocean and up to 120 degrees in heat! Several free programs are offered at the center, including guided bird walks from Tamarisk Grove to Yacqui Well, and evening campfire programs.
Borrego Palm Canyon is one of the area’s most popular hikes, clocking in at 3 miles round-trip. Allow roughly 2 hours for the journey, which begins at the Visitor Center and ends at a natural palm oasis. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the desert’s native bighorn sheep.
On the hike to Alma Wash, you can check out the rare elephant trees, which were discovered here in 1937.
Other popular hikes are to Maidenhair Falls, Lower Willows, Harper Flat, Cool Canyon and Warner Springs.
Cycling is a great way to see the Anza Borrego desert, and many rentals are available in town. If you have a four-wheel drive, head out to popular locations like Ocotillo Wells, Blair Valley, Split Mountain and Sheep Canyon.
You can play 18 holes of golf at Borrego Springs Resort, Rams Hill Country Club or the Roadrunner Golf and Country Club.
One of the most unique sights in Borrego Springs are the metal sculptures, which are scattered throughout the valley. Designed by artist Ricardo Breceda, the sculptures are located along 3 square miles of Galleta Meadows Estate, which sits along Borrego Springs Road.
Highlights include a field of farm workers, a stranded desert Jeep and an awesome 350-foot serpent that travels beneath the highway. Many of these larger-than-life sculptures resemble the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Borrego Valley, ranging from giant sloths and camels to wooly Mammoths and saber-toothed tigers.
Outside the chamber of commerce, you’ll find a replica of Spanish explorer Juan Bautista De Anza, who blazed the trail from Mexico to San Francisco in 1775.
Where to Stay in Anza Borrego or Borrego Springs
If you’re bringing along the trailer or RV, don’t miss a pampering stay at the Springs at Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course. You can enjoy a round of golf beneath the Santa Rosa mountains, enjoy some catch-and-release fishing on the golf course, or go swimming in their 85-degree pool and hot mineral springs.
Additional camping is available in Borrego Palm Canyon, Tamarisk Grove and Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. For camping reservations, book them online at Reserve California.
There are just a few hotels in Borrego Springs, but Borrego Valley Inn (405 Palm Canyon Drive; 760-767-0311) offers some of the most lovely accommodations. This 15-room Santa Fe-style boutique inn boasts in-room fireplaces, luxury bed linens, kitchenettes, TV and WiFi. The staff are friendly and hospitable.
The Anza Borrego desert’s remote location makes it an ideal spot for stargazing. In fact, Borrego Springs hosts dozens of astronomy events throughout the year, and was California’s first International Dark Sky community.
Summer weather can reach up to 125 F during the summer, so always carry plenty of water. Proper hiking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are also a must. WiFi service is offered near the Ranger’s Office.
Peak wildflower season lasts only a couple weeks, so call for the latest Borrego Springs wildflower reports at (760) 767-4684. Wildflowers include such species as desert dandeloin, desert mallow, white sage, lupine and Indian paintbrush.
