Borrego Palm Canyon is a stunning 3 mile hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Gorgeous rocky waterfalls surround this lush Palm Oasis, the largest in the park while more than 80 migratory birds use it as a watering hole alongside Desert Bighorn Sheep. Visit after a rain for gushing falls and cooler weather.
#310 Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is a beautiful desert community surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Named after the town's most famous residents, Borrego means 'bighorn sheep' in Spanish. The town is an International Dark Sky Community, one of only a few in the country, making it the perfect place to watch the stars and a meteor shower. If winter rains allow, springtime brings the most stunning desert bloom on the continent with miles of explosive bloom.
#209 Galleta Meadows
Galleta Meadows is a public art installation around the city of Borrego Springs. The metal sculptures are created by Mexican artist Ricardo Breceda and were envisioned by land owner Dennis Avery. He wanted free art for the world to enjoy in this gorgeous desert environment. More than 130 sculptures bring to life creatures that once roamed the Colorado desert from camels, sloths, raptors and elephants. The treasure hunt to find them makes it all the more fun.
#134 Borrego Badlands
The Borrego Badlands in Anza Borrego Desert State Park are a wonder. Miles and miles of desert vista await among rugged golden canyons. The water sculpted lands are a fossil paradise where sea turtles, sharks, bears, ground sloths and camels once lived.
#4 Pictograph Trail
Pictograph Trail is located in the Little Blair Valley region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. More than two thousand years ago, the Kumeyaay Native Americans lived in this desert. They painted these fragile Pictographs on giant boulders. Though the meaning is now lost, some believe they were created for spiritual rituals.
These Pictographs in the deserts of San Diego County (The Great Outback) are a must see. Hiking involves an easy 2 mile round trip hike if starting from the trailhead parking lot. Please note that it is an unpaved dirt road to the trailhead for a few miles and 4 wheel drive is strongly recommended. Use extreme caution when traveling in the desert. Hike this trail in the winter if possible, let people know where you are going and when you shall return. Carry plenty of water.
Pictograph/Petroglpyh Etiquette: Take many photos but DO NOT TOUCH. Oils from our hands can destroy forever. Do not alter the rock art in any way or form and please stay on the trail to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Unknown even to most locals of California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a treasure trove of scenic beauty at every turn. Stay tuned for more from this beautiful State Park!
