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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California. Five hundred miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and many miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the California Desert. The park is named for Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word borrego, or bighorn sheep. The park features varied desert terrain and habitats, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas and the red diamond rattlesnake. Listening devices for the hearing impaired are available in the visitor center.
Many visitors approach from the east via Highways S22, S2, or 78. Visitors from San Diego and other points west arrive via Highways 79 and 78 can have the added pleasure of driving through the mountainous Cuyamaca Rancho State Park--quite a different experience from Anza-Borrego. The highways from the west climb to 2,400 feet or so and then descend about 2,000 feet to the valley. Where the highway breaks out of the high-country vegetation, it reveals the great bowl of the Anza-Borrego desert. The valley spreads below, and there are mountains all around. The Santa Rosa Mountains on the north side of this basin are notably grand. The surrounding mountains are wilderness, with no paved roads in or out or through. They have the only all-year-flowing watercourse in the park. They are the home of the peninsular bighorn sheep, often called desert bighorn. Few park visitors ever see them; the sheep wary in their defense against predators. A patient few observers each year see and count them, to learn how this endangered species is coping with human encroachment.
Flora & Fauna
Ocotillo: This tall, spindly plant is the signature plant of the Colorado Desert and can be found at all but the highest and lowest of elevations throughout the park. When in bloom, it may look like a candle with spikes of red flowers flaming at its tips.
Cholla: (pronounced choy-ya) Many species of this cactus are seen (and felt!) throughout the park. Some cholla (known as Jumping Cholla) reproduce by dropping joints that look like spine balls. These cholla balls roll across the ground, or get attached to wildlife, until given the opportunity to take root.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit: The jackrabbit is found here along with his smaller cousins, the Audubon Cottontail and Brush Rabbit. Most active early in the morning and late in the evening, the jackrabbits eat shrubs, tree and flower sprouts and leaves, and even cactus on occasion.
Roadrunner: Funny as it sounds, these birds are most often seen crossing the road. They can fly and will build nests low in trees. Roadrunners are meat eaters, favoring lizards, snakes, insects, scorpions and even small mice.
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep: This endangered mammal is the park’s namesake (borrego). Look for them on the rocky slopes just above the desert floor. Loss of habitat and predation by mountain lions are two of the biggest problems facing this species right now. The park is actively working to protect this animal and enhance its habitat. You can help by keeping your dog on a six-foot leash at all times and by walking it on the dirt roads, but not the foot trails in the park, especially the Borrego Palm Canyon trail.
Ocotillo: This tall, spindly plant is the signature plant of the Colorado Desert and can be found at all but the highest and lowest of elevations throughout the park. When in bloom, it may look like a candle with spikes of red flowers flaming at its tips.
Cholla: (pronounced choy-ya) Many species of this cactus are seen (and felt!) throughout the park. Some cholla (known as Jumping Cholla) reproduce by dropping joints that look like spine balls. These cholla balls roll across the ground, or get attached to wildlife, until given the opportunity to take root.
Black-tailed Jackrabbit: The jackrabbit is found here along with his smaller cousins, the Audubon Cottontail and Brush Rabbit. Most active early in the morning and late in the evening, the jackrabbits eat shrubs, tree and flower sprouts and leaves, and even cactus on occasion.
Roadrunner: Funny as it sounds, these birds are most often seen crossing the road. They can fly and will build nests low in trees. Roadrunners are meat eaters, favoring lizards, snakes, insects, scorpions and even small mice.
Peninsular Bighorn Sheep: This endangered mammal is the park’s namesake (borrego). Look for them on the rocky slopes just above the desert floor. Loss of habitat and predation by mountain lions are two of the biggest problems facing this species right now. The park is actively working to protect this animal and enhance its habitat. You can help by keeping your dog on a six-foot leash at all times and by walking it on the dirt roads, but not the foot trails in the park, especially the Borrego Palm Canyon trail.
Accessible Features
Camping
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Three tent campsites are accessible. All are accessibly furnished and located. Tent pads are 12'x 12' on soft sand. There are 48 sites with full hook-ups, two of which are accessible. Restrooms with showers: Five accessible unisex toilet rooms with separate showers are dispersed through upper and lower ends of campground with some near tent sites and some near sites with RV hookups. Routes of travel from sites to restrooms are accessible. There is one accessible parking space adjacent to each of the accessible restrooms.
Tamarisk Grove Campground: Two campsites are accessible. Restroom: A new accessible restroom and shower building is adjacent to one of the accessible campsites. An accessible parking space is adjacent to the building. The campfire center has been made accessible. (Note: due to budget reductions Tamarisk Grove Campground is currently closed).
Bow Willow Campground: There are two accessible campsites and an accessible non-flush restroom at this remote primitive campground.
Trails
The 3/4 mile All-Access Trail near the Visitor Center has been improved and now connects the Visitor Center to the Borrego Palms Campground. Interpretive panels focus on area plants and animals and include Braille text keyed to alternate senses.
The Culp Valley Trail is a ½ mile accessible trail that starts at the Culp Valley Campground located off S22, Montezuma Valley Road. Access to the trailhead is located on the backside of the campground. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead and the accessible restroom at the campground. This trail is constructed of compacted soil and gravel and has a destination overlook of the Borrego Valley and surrounding area.
Exhibits/Programs
Anza Borrego Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is generally accessible and includes automatic doors at the entry. Exhibits are generally accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. Exterior accessible restrooms off the parking area are available. Parking includes four designated accessible spaces with one van accessible. Route of travel from lot to Visitor Center entry is 300 feet, but path is paved and generally accessible.
An accessible mounting ramp is available at the Horse Camp.
Camping
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: Three tent campsites are accessible. All are accessibly furnished and located. Tent pads are 12'x 12' on soft sand. There are 48 sites with full hook-ups, two of which are accessible. Restrooms with showers: Five accessible unisex toilet rooms with separate showers are dispersed through upper and lower ends of campground with some near tent sites and some near sites with RV hookups. Routes of travel from sites to restrooms are accessible. There is one accessible parking space adjacent to each of the accessible restrooms.
Tamarisk Grove Campground: Two campsites are accessible. Restroom: A new accessible restroom and shower building is adjacent to one of the accessible campsites. An accessible parking space is adjacent to the building. The campfire center has been made accessible. (Note: due to budget reductions Tamarisk Grove Campground is currently closed).
Bow Willow Campground: There are two accessible campsites and an accessible non-flush restroom at this remote primitive campground.
Trails
The 3/4 mile All-Access Trail near the Visitor Center has been improved and now connects the Visitor Center to the Borrego Palms Campground. Interpretive panels focus on area plants and animals and include Braille text keyed to alternate senses.
The Culp Valley Trail is a ½ mile accessible trail that starts at the Culp Valley Campground located off S22, Montezuma Valley Road. Access to the trailhead is located on the backside of the campground. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead and the accessible restroom at the campground. This trail is constructed of compacted soil and gravel and has a destination overlook of the Borrego Valley and surrounding area.
Exhibits/Programs
Anza Borrego Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is generally accessible and includes automatic doors at the entry. Exhibits are generally accessible. Assistive listening devices are available. Exterior accessible restrooms off the parking area are available. Parking includes four designated accessible spaces with one van accessible. Route of travel from lot to Visitor Center entry is 300 feet, but path is paved and generally accessible.
An accessible mounting ramp is available at the Horse Camp.
Park News Alert
NEW VISITOR CENTER DAYS AND HOURS
We are grateful to our non-profit partner organization, Anza-Borrego Foundation, for providing the emergency funding that keeps the Visitor Center open daily during our peak visitor season (November through April). We invite you to help support the park by becoming a member.
TAMARISK GROVE CAMPGROUND is closed until further notice.
NEW VISITOR CENTER DAYS AND HOURS
We are grateful to our non-profit partner organization, Anza-Borrego Foundation, for providing the emergency funding that keeps the Visitor Center open daily during our peak visitor season (November through April). We invite you to help support the park by becoming a member.
TAMARISK GROVE CAMPGROUND is closed until further notice.
Getting There
The Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending south and east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs.
Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending south and east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs.
Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from dawn to dusk in the day-use area of the developed campgrounds.
The visitor center will be open daily October 1 though April 30 and on weekends and holidays May through September from 9 am – 5 pm. Call the Visitor Center at 760-767-4205 for further information.
General Park Office Telephone: 760-767-5311
The park is open from dawn to dusk in the day-use area of the developed campgrounds.
The visitor center will be open daily October 1 though April 30 and on weekends and holidays May through September from 9 am – 5 pm. Call the Visitor Center at 760-767-4205 for further information.
General Park Office Telephone: 760-767-5311
Visiting the Park
The Visitor Center has some very informative exhibits, books, and specialty items for sale plus a choice of three free 20-minute video presentations on park subjects with music and narration.
A desert garden just outside the Visitor Center building provides a quick look at some of the vegetation in the 600,000-acre park, with the species identified. The desert garden includes a pupfish pond. Pupfish evolved from conditions during the Ice Age to today's precarious existence of fish in the desert. They can still be found in places such as the Salton Sea and other remote locations but are becoming increasingly rare. These pupfish can thrive in fresh water or water nearly as salty as the ocean, and they can survive temperatures from near freezing to as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets too warm or too cold or nearly dries up, these fish burrow in the mud at the bottom of the pool. There's another pupfish pond at the Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead at the back of the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. The pupfish are protected as an endangered species in these ponds and are truly a desert treasure.
There are more wonders in this desert than anyone could see in a lifetime, such as the wildflowers, which usually start blooming in force in late February or early March. Varieties of cactus bloom at all elevations but at different times, and for wildflower buffs they are the real prize. They tend to be "specimen" blossoms in colors ranging from red to yellow, and green. Some, such as the red chuparosa and the yellow brittlebush, show themselves as a mass of tiny flowers covering the surface of a shrub, or even a field of shrubs, or, in a good year, a broad expanse of pinkish sand verbena. The park rangers say you can't predict how the desert plants will respond to the timing and amounts of rainfall and the fluctuations of temperature.
The Pacific Crest Trail is the jewel in the crown of America's scenic trails, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states. The trail passes through five California State Parks: Castle Crags and McArthur-Burney Falls in Northern California; and Silverwood Lake, Anza Borrego Desert and Mt San Jacinto in Southern California. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is an excellent source of information for anyone planning a trip on the PCT. Turn north (left) off 78 onto Highway S3, drive about 6 miles, and turn left onto Borrego Springs Road (Highway S3). Another 5 miles or so will take you to Christmas Circle in the town of Borrego Springs. Drive counterclockwise around the circle and turn off at Palm Canyon Drive west. Drive about 3 miles and follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Look for the American Flag; the Visitor Center is built into a hill, so it is mostly underground.
The Visitor Center has some very informative exhibits, books, and specialty items for sale plus a choice of three free 20-minute video presentations on park subjects with music and narration.
A desert garden just outside the Visitor Center building provides a quick look at some of the vegetation in the 600,000-acre park, with the species identified. The desert garden includes a pupfish pond. Pupfish evolved from conditions during the Ice Age to today's precarious existence of fish in the desert. They can still be found in places such as the Salton Sea and other remote locations but are becoming increasingly rare. These pupfish can thrive in fresh water or water nearly as salty as the ocean, and they can survive temperatures from near freezing to as high as 108 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets too warm or too cold or nearly dries up, these fish burrow in the mud at the bottom of the pool. There's another pupfish pond at the Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead at the back of the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. The pupfish are protected as an endangered species in these ponds and are truly a desert treasure.
There are more wonders in this desert than anyone could see in a lifetime, such as the wildflowers, which usually start blooming in force in late February or early March. Varieties of cactus bloom at all elevations but at different times, and for wildflower buffs they are the real prize. They tend to be "specimen" blossoms in colors ranging from red to yellow, and green. Some, such as the red chuparosa and the yellow brittlebush, show themselves as a mass of tiny flowers covering the surface of a shrub, or even a field of shrubs, or, in a good year, a broad expanse of pinkish sand verbena. The park rangers say you can't predict how the desert plants will respond to the timing and amounts of rainfall and the fluctuations of temperature.
The Pacific Crest Trail is the jewel in the crown of America's scenic trails, spanning 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states. The trail passes through five California State Parks: Castle Crags and McArthur-Burney Falls in Northern California; and Silverwood Lake, Anza Borrego Desert and Mt San Jacinto in Southern California. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is an excellent source of information for anyone planning a trip on the PCT. Turn north (left) off 78 onto Highway S3, drive about 6 miles, and turn left onto Borrego Springs Road (Highway S3). Another 5 miles or so will take you to Christmas Circle in the town of Borrego Springs. Drive counterclockwise around the circle and turn off at Palm Canyon Drive west. Drive about 3 miles and follow the signs to the Visitor Center. Look for the American Flag; the Visitor Center is built into a hill, so it is mostly underground.
Tips & Rules
Developed Campgrounds
•Check out time is 12 noon.
•Speed limit in the campground is 15 MPH.
•Park vehicles with all tires in the designated parking area.
•Pets must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs or cats must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed on dirt hiking trails or in the wilderness areas.
•Engine driven electric generators which can disturb others may be operated only between the hours of 10am and 8pm. Loud, disturbing noise is prohibited at all times, as is disturbing those asleep between 10pm and 6am.
•Gathering or taking of any live, dead or downed vegetation is prohibited.
•Bicycles, skateboards, etc. must remain on paved roads. All riders under 18 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.
Primitive/Backcountry Camping & Day-Use
•The California Vehicle Code applies to all roads in the park – dirt, sandy wash or paved. All vehicles must be highway legal and remain on established roads.
•Vehicles must be parked no more than 1 vehicle length off the road. Do not trample vegetation or drive over geological features.
•Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash and are allowed only on park roads. Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or in wilderness areas.
•Camp at least 100 feet away from all water sources (springs, creeks, streams).
•Ground fires are not permitted. A metal container must be used for all campfires.
•Bring your own firewood. Gathering or taking of any live, dead or downed vegetation is prohibited.
•Firearms and fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the park.
•There is no garbage collection in the backcountry so you are responsible for packing out all your garbage, including toilet paper and human waste. Practice “Leave No Trace”.
•All natural and cultural features are protected. Nothing may be removed or disturbed.
Developed Campgrounds
•Check out time is 12 noon.
•Speed limit in the campground is 15 MPH.
•Park vehicles with all tires in the designated parking area.
•Pets must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs or cats must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed on dirt hiking trails or in the wilderness areas.
•Engine driven electric generators which can disturb others may be operated only between the hours of 10am and 8pm. Loud, disturbing noise is prohibited at all times, as is disturbing those asleep between 10pm and 6am.
•Gathering or taking of any live, dead or downed vegetation is prohibited.
•Bicycles, skateboards, etc. must remain on paved roads. All riders under 18 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.
Primitive/Backcountry Camping & Day-Use
•The California Vehicle Code applies to all roads in the park – dirt, sandy wash or paved. All vehicles must be highway legal and remain on established roads.
•Vehicles must be parked no more than 1 vehicle length off the road. Do not trample vegetation or drive over geological features.
•Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash and are allowed only on park roads. Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or in wilderness areas.
•Camp at least 100 feet away from all water sources (springs, creeks, streams).
•Ground fires are not permitted. A metal container must be used for all campfires.
•Bring your own firewood. Gathering or taking of any live, dead or downed vegetation is prohibited.
•Firearms and fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the park.
•There is no garbage collection in the backcountry so you are responsible for packing out all your garbage, including toilet paper and human waste. Practice “Leave No Trace”.
•All natural and cultural features are protected. Nothing may be removed or disturbed.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Slot Canyon - Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
Clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
Clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
Easy
2.8 mi/
4.5 km
4.5 km
Borrego Palm Canyon
See a real desert oasis as you clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
See a real desert oasis as you clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
Easy
3.1 mi/
5.0 km
5.0 km
Vulcan Mountain
Great visitas and Apple Pie near the historic mining town of Julian
Great visitas and Apple Pie near the historic mining town of Julian
Easy
3.6 mi/
5.8 km
5.8 km
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec
One of the more interesting artifacts of California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is Yaquitepec on Ghost Mountain
One of the more interesting artifacts of California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is Yaquitepec on Ghost Mountain
Moderate
1.4 mi/
2.3 km
2.3 km
Kitchen Creek Falls
4.9 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail near Boulder Oaks, California
4.9 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail near Boulder Oaks, California
Moderate
4.9 mi/
7.9 km
7.9 km
Stonewall Peak
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Moderate
5.3 mi/
8.5 km
8.5 km
Corte Madera Summit
A gorgeous 6.8 mile trail near Alpine, California. Hike to San Diego's Half Dome with fantastic views the whole way!
A gorgeous 6.8 mile trail near Alpine, California. Hike to San Diego's Half Dome with fantastic views the whole way!
Moderate
6.8 mi/
10.9 km
10.9 km
Upper Santa Ysabel Creek
Great hike near Julian, a 7.3 mile trail near Julian, California. Hike in a amongst the cows and their babies!
Great hike near Julian, a 7.3 mile trail near Julian, California. Hike in a amongst the cows and their babies!
Moderate
7.3 mi/
11.7 km
11.7 km
Calcite Mine Trail
A 4.8 mile hike near Borrego Springs, California with great views of the badlands and even some slot canyon side tracks!
A 4.8 mile hike near Borrego Springs, California with great views of the badlands and even some slot canyon side tracks!
n/a
4.8 mi/
7.7 km
7.7 km
Big Laguna Lake Loop
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
n/a
6.7 mi/
10.8 km
10.8 km
Guides
One of the more interesting artifacts of California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is Yaquitepec on Ghost Mountain
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
See a real desert oasis as you clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
Clamber through a slot canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Wilderness
4.9 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail near Boulder Oaks, California
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
Great visitas and Apple Pie near the historic mining town of Julian
Great hike near Julian, a 7.3 mile trail near Julian, California. Hike in a amongst the cows and their babies!
A gorgeous 6.8 mile trail near Alpine, California. Hike to San Diego's Half Dome with fantastic views the whole way!
A 4.8 mile hike near Borrego Springs, California with great views of the badlands and even some slot canyon side tracks!
Community Trips
Zevensphin found this loop in "Afoot and Afield in San Diego." Somewhere we did something wrong, or maybe not, but the book stated it was 5.3 miles. Regardless, it was a nice hike, lots of variety, I'd imagine a little later in the fall, or in the spring, would be prime photo time. We met some Orienteers, out on an event. Looked like fun. Thanks, Zev, for the GPX.Read complete details at...
Great, mildly wintery day to hike Stonewall Peak. Today was one of my volunteer roves in Cuyamaca, and my hiking partner and I decided to see how many "contacts" we could make. We spoke to around 35 people on the way up and around the peak. Plenty of folks out enjoying (my idea of) perfect hiking weather. Parts of the trail were snow covered, parts mud bogs, but it was an interesting...
Distance: 2.75 Round TripElevation Gain; 400 ftDifficulty: EasyBest Season: Fall, Spring, WinterHow to Get There....From north take CA-78 towards Scissors Crossing, The Junction with S-2. From Scissors Junction, Travel South on S-2(the Great Southern Overland Route) through Earthquake Valley for 5.8 Miles. Turn onto the Dirt Road Signed Blair Valley(dirt Road is named Anza-Borrego Desert St Park). Follow the sings labeled Pictographs all the way to the end. Park. Hike. Enjoy!!!!!!!
Decided to take this trail during the winter months to see how hard it would be riding in the snow... well, let me tell you it was hard to climb and slippery to descend, but the good part was that this only occurred at the top (5,500 ft.) as we started our way down it got better... a lot better, with only a couple of obstacles on the way (fallen trees, moved...
beautiful scenery, great views, lots of wildflowers, and strong cooling breezes. also went up to champagne pass viewpoint, it is worth the short side trip.
beautiful sunny day for an excursion up to middle cuyamaca peak. sugar pine trail was fairly overgrown and lined with lots of poison oak, so very careful bushwacking up to face level is required for this portion. there is no summit trail to middle peak so we scouted around and found a clearer cross country route directly from the north over all the dead burnt trees. while checking out the hard to...
This is the one way track of an out and back hike.Trip Report
we took the side trip out on the island to the little summit and down to the shoreline, then over to the stonewall gold mine and museum before returning. made three loops along the way, it was a perfect day!
Reviews
