Welcome to "My" Desert
Hi everyone! I decided to create this lens because this is one of my favorite areas that I travel to on a regular basis.
This is a great area about 80 miles from San Diego or about 50 miles or so from the Coachella Valley. A very large state park encompasses most of the area. I will try to put as much info that a new visitor would need to know when they visit this park. I will also include info for desert areas surrounding the park as well as for Borrego Springs, the town in the center of the park.
Visiting the Desert:
When visiting the desert, please keep the following in mind:
For one, please check in with local officials in regards to the conditions of the area you plan to visit.
Also, be sure to carry plenty of water and food to last you beyond the time period you plan to stay.
And, please be considerate of other visitors and residents. Pick up your trash, don't camp or trespass on private property, and keep noise levels to a minimum.
I visit here often and sometimes refer to this place as my home without a house. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Just as a side note, there are WiFi services available now in the park. But, you have to be within 150 feet of the Ranger's office. WiFi may also be available at the Borrego Springs library located on the west side of the mall on Palm Canyon Drive.
Anza-Borrego Links
- Park info and Links
- This is the California State Parks website for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
- This is the natural history association for the area. They also have links to other related information. I also like their store on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.
- Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
- This is a site related to what to do in and around Borrego Springs, CA. It may also include activities within the park.
- Photos and Stuff!
- There are several photos on this page of the Luckins Artwork site that are of the park.
- The Anza - Borrego Foundation & Institute
- The Anza-Borrego Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting California State Parks by
acquiring land for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® through donation or purchase from willing sellers.
Important Phone Numbers
Numbers for park and desert info
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Info:
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-5311
You can also call this number for sheep sightings. - Wildflower Hotline (Recorded): (760) 767-4684
- Campground reservations for Tamarisk Grove and Borrego Palm Canyon Campground:
(800) 444-7275 (Reserve America) - Borrego Springs Chamber and Visitor's Center:
786 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004-0420
(800)559-5524
(760)767-5555
(760)767-5976 (fax)
Update on State Park Closures Regarding Anza Borrego
There is still no word as to what exact parks will be closed because of the budget crisis in California. However, the Anza Borrego Desert State Park has begun to make some changes in anticipation of the upcoming cuts. For one, the visitor's center will only be open from Thursdays through Monday, being closed Tuesday and Wednesday between October and May as opposed to daily.Also, state park officials are discussing changes to existing camping and day use fees. Other changes will be coming soon.
Like I said, previously, even if the park is officially "closed", it still doesn't mean you can't visit this beautiful area. There are no fences, checkpoints, etc, that will be locked and you can freely go where you want. However, services, facilities, and activities will, most likely, be limited or scaled back.
'Tis the Season
Observations and Tips on the Current Season
Fall is here and the weather has actually been much cooler than normal. It's actually pretty pleasant most of the time with mild temperature and occasional winds. Winter will soon be here with stronger winds and even cooler temperatures. My Last Trip
Description of my last trip to the area.
I've actually been taking short trips to various areas of Borrego Springs and the parks, but not taking a lot of photos. My last walking/hiking trip was down the little road to Coyote Canyon. I watched military jets fly around, close to the ground and over the hills. If you are looking for a place to camp away from military jets, Coyote Canyon is not a good place to go. However, it's not a constant occurrence.The time I went was around the beginning of October near the end of the dry season. Most of the plants were dormant and dry though the temperatures were relatively cool. The road wasn't very sandy, either, which it usually is. I don't tend to drive my car down this road because you never know when the sand will be bad in this area.
Neat Artwork in Borrego Valley near Hendeson and DiGiorgio Road
Photos and Artwork based on the Anza-Borrego Area
Places I've visited and done artwork about.
These are photos of various places I have visited in the area. I have also added artwork to this set, too.
Weather in Borrego Springs
Here is the weather for right now!
Travel Deals to the Region
I just wanted to add this in order to help anyone from outside the region find their way to the area. Open camping is allowed throughout the park, but there are some hotels there if you want to stay.
Borrego Springs' airport is a small airport that doesn't support jet traffic. Therefore, it is usually best to fly to San Diego or Palm Springs for the shortest drive to the area.
Deals to Palm Springs
I thought I would add this module for those who might like to stay in a more populated area while visiting the entire desert region.
The travel to and from both San Diego and Palm Springs is about 80 miles.
Books on the Anza-Borrego Desert
These are some of my favorites.
Anza-borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park & Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert
This is a classic. It also comes with a very accurate map. I have an older version and it's completely worn out.
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/10/2009) 
Fossil Treasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert
This is a great book on the natural history of the area. The parks visitor's center also includes information on this subject. Very entertaining and informative.
Amazon Price: $36.46 (as of 12/10/2009)
Anza-Borrego A to Z: People, Places, and Things
A great book for general info on the historical aspect of the area.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/10/2009)
Day & Overnight Hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Day & Overnight Hikes - Menasha Ridge)
See review below.
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 12/10/2009)
My Guestbook.
This is where you can write your comments and let me know what you think. It is also a place where you can make suggestions and ask questions.
-
Reply
- Kelly Kelly Jun 23, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
- Beautiful!
-
Reply
- Beas Beas May 21, 2009 @ 4:31 am
- I like deserts and dry, arid places! Maybe once I'm finally visiting the USA I'll visit this place too. Thank you btw for your compliment on my Lost theories page. Great to hear my efforts are appreciated! 5*
-
Reply
- StephenC StephenC May 17, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
- I live in Corona, and me and my wife like to visit trails that are out the way and not very visited. We found the Wilderness Gardens and saw them yesterday. Ruins of an old mill, ponds, etc., it's a very nice place. It's amazing how much So Cal has in the way of stuff like this. Good lens. Anza Borrego is on our list, but now the heat is coming!
-
Reply
- kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Feb 7, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
- This is another place I'd like to see. I'll be heading out to CA in May, so I might just give this place a try!
-
Reply
- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Dec 18, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
- This would be a nice day trip for us... we're in Los Angeles. Thanks for sharing!
- Load More
by desertdarlene
Explore related pages
Bryce Canyon National Park- Dark Reds, vibrant oranges, warm earth toned browns and whites combine like an a...
Capitol Reef National Park- The area of southern Utah desert known as Capitol Reef National Park is one of t...
America on T-Shirts, Posters, Mugs, Postcards & more- American cities and famous sites in the USA - New York, Washington, Boston, Phil...
Roadside Oddities: Trees Of Mystery- On Historic Hwy. 101, a blind driver would be able to see the hulking sculpture...
San Diego Coastal Homestays- How to find a good family to stay within San Diego County, and what to do once y...
Palm Desert, California 92211- Located in Riverside County in Southern California, the town of Palm Desert is o...
