Anza-Borrego Desert State Park sprawls across more than 650,000 acres, making it the largest state park in California. Tucked into southern California, it’s a place where wild desert landscapes, twisted badlands, and rare palm oases come together in a way you just don’t see elsewhere in the state.
If you want to soak up the unforgettable beauty and wild variety of the California desert, these five sights are the ones I keep coming back to.
I’ve wandered sun-baked slot canyons and stumbled into peaceful palm groves that feel like discovering a secret. Each spot on this list reveals a different side of the park’s personality.
Whether you’re chasing wide-open views, odd rock shapes, or quiet trails, this guide should help you get the most out of your trip.
Essential Tips for Visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Whenever I plan a trip to Anza-Borrego, I always think about timing, where to get the latest info, and how I’ll spend the night. Sorting out these details makes the whole adventure smoother.
Best Times to Visit
Honestly, I’d pick late fall through early spring for a visit. Temperatures stay much cooler between November and April, so hiking, scenic drives, or wandering palm oases feels a lot more doable.
Spring wildflowers? They’re a showstopper. If the winter brings enough rain, the desert bursts into color from mid-February through April.
Photographers and plant lovers flock here for that.
Summer, though—yikes. The heat often soars over 100°F, and I don’t mess around with daytime hikes then.
Stargazing at night is a different story. From June to August, the Milky Way lights up the sky, and it’s worth staying up late for. If I absolutely have to visit in summer, I stick to early mornings or evenings.
Visitor Centers and Park Information
I always make a beeline for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center in Borrego Springs.
The staff there are super helpful with current trail updates, flower locations, and ideas for things to do—like where to catch the best badlands views or which drives are worth your time.
Inside, you’ll find maps, exhibits, restrooms, and a tiny shop. You can pay entry fees or grab a park pass here, too.
They’re open most days from fall through spring, but summer hours shrink, so I double-check before heading over.
If you’re coming from San Diego, expect about a two-hour drive to the visitor center.
You can also find updates and alerts on the official park website or by calling ahead, which I always do after heavy rain or before a big hike.
Camping and Accommodations
Camping here is a treat, and you’ve got options—everything from developed campgrounds to rugged backcountry spots.
The most popular are Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, Tamarisk Grove Campground, and Bow Willow Campground. They’ve got basics like bathrooms, picnic tables, and a little shade.
Borrego Palm Canyon fills up fast in spring, so I try to snag a reservation. Tamarisk Grove and Bow Willow are quieter, but I still check ahead.
You can camp for free in many parts of the park, as long as you follow Leave No Trace rules and pitch your tent at least 100 feet from roads or water sources.
If you’d rather not rough it, Borrego Springs has a handful of small hotels and motels—but they sell out quickly during wildflower season.
Badlands and Font’s Point: Dramatic Desert Vistas
The Borrego Badlands and Font’s Point really stand out for their sweeping desert views and wild geology. I never get tired of exploring these spots or snapping photos at golden hour.
Font’s Point: The ‘Grand Canyon of California’
Font’s Point is legendary out here. People call it the “Grand Canyon of California,” and honestly, that’s not much of a stretch.
You get these endless views over the rugged Borrego Badlands, especially if you show up at sunrise or sunset. The shadows stretch across the land, and the colors just pop.
Getting here means driving down a sandy dirt road. You’ll want a high-clearance vehicle or something that can handle soft sand—trust me, I’ve seen folks get stuck.
The walk from the parking area is short, and on a clear day, you can see all the way from the Salton Sea to the San Ysidro Mountains.
Photographers flock here for the shifting light and crazy shapes in the landscape. Every time I visit, the view looks different.
Exploring the Borrego Badlands
The Borrego Badlands sprawl out in a maze of eroded hills and valleys. The cracked earth and twisting canyons look like something from another planet.
I love taking slow drives or short hikes to new viewpoints. There’s always some weird rock formation or hidden nook to discover.
Many dirt roads wind through the badlands, perfect for off-roading or just soaking up the silence. Geology buffs will geek out over the layers of rock, which tell stories from thousands of years ago.
People have even found ancient fossils in these rocks, proof that the desert has seen a lot of change.
The wind and water keep shaping the land, and you can really see that process at work out here. Standing among the ridges and arroyos, the place feels both wild and peaceful.
Slot Canyons and Geological Wonders
Anza-Borrego is famous for its slot canyons and quirky rock features. I’ve wandered through tight canyons and along old trails that mix beauty with a little thrill.
Hiking The Slot: A Must-See Formation
The Slot is probably the park’s best-known hike. This narrow canyon twists through ancient rock, with walls sometimes only a few feet apart.
It feels like you’re sneaking through a secret passage.
The hike is about 2 miles round trip. It’s not tough, but I always wear sturdy shoes and watch my footing on the uneven ground.
When the sun shines through the cracks above, the sandstone glows in wild shades of orange and gold.
I look for odd pillars and patterns where wind and water have carved out the rock. Every turn brings something new.
Here’s a quick guide to The Slot:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~2 miles round trip |
| Accessibility | Dirt road, some drop-offs |
| Best Times | Fall to Spring, mornings |
| Tip | Take water, no shade |
If you’re into photography, the shadows and curves are magic for photos. The Slot is a simple way to get up close with one of the desert’s coolest geological wonders.
Calcite Mine and Pictograph Trail
For a mix of history and scenery, I like heading to the old Calcite Mine and the nearby Pictograph Trail.
The Calcite Mine Trail takes you to an old mining site where workers once dug up transparent calcite crystals. You can still spot bits of calcite along the path and see leftovers from the mining days.
The trail also runs along sharp ridges and through badlands shaped by erosion.
The Pictograph Trail is a short, easy walk with a real surprise at the end. Ancient rock art, painted by the Kumeyaay and Cahuilla people, decorates big boulders in a hidden canyon.
Standing there, I feel a connection to the people who lived here long before us.
Highlights of Calcite Mine and Pictograph Trail:
- Historic sites: Old mining remains, ancient rock art
- Unique geology: Badlands, mineral crystals, desert plants
- Cultural experience: Kumeyaay and Cahuilla heritage
Every visit brings something new—maybe a fresh trail or a rock pattern I missed last time. These spots really show off both the natural and human history of the park.
Palm Oases and Desert Wildlife
Anza-Borrego hides rare palm oases and bursts with wildlife if you know where to look. I’ve found shady retreats, unexpected waterfalls, and some of the best places to spot bighorn sheep or birds.
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail and Oasis
The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is a classic. About 3 miles round-trip, the path is easy to follow and winds through sandy washes and rocky stretches.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Palm Canyon Oasis, where native California fan palms cluster together and throw some much-needed shade.
Water trickles through the oasis, attracting animals and making this one of the best wildlife-watching spots in the park. I’ve had the best luck seeing birds and, if I’m lucky, bighorn sheep, especially early or late in the day.
In spring, wildflowers add splashes of color along the way. I never forget extra water and a camera—the views against the dry hills are just too good.
Maidenhair Falls and Hellhole Canyon
You’ll find Maidenhair Falls at the end of the Hellhole Canyon Trail. The hike is about 2.5 miles and can get rocky and a bit overgrown, but it’s worth it.
This trail feels quieter and more remote than Palm Canyon.
The waterfall isn’t massive, but it’s a shock to find green ferns and dripping water in the middle of the desert. The cool, shady area around the falls supports rare plants like maidenhair ferns—pretty wild for such a dry place.
Along the way, I spot tall cacti and the occasional wildflower. The sound of water and birds overhead gives this canyon a real sense of life, even when the heat is on.
Birdwatching and Spotting Bighorn Sheep
If you love birds, Anza-Borrego is a treat. Palm oases and water sources like Palm Canyon and Maidenhair Falls attract roadrunners, hummingbirds, and even hawks.
Morning is prime time for birdwatching, when they’re out hunting or cooling off.
Bighorn sheep are the park’s rock stars. I’ve had my best sightings along the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, especially near the oasis or on rocky slopes above.
They blend in so well, so I bring binoculars for a better look. Spotting them always feels like hitting the jackpot.
Wildlife gets most active in the cooler hours, so I plan my outings around sunrise or sunset for the best chance to catch the desert’s rarest residents.
Art, Culture, and Unique Points of Interest
Anza-Borrego isn’t just about wild scenery—it’s got outdoor art, odd geological formations, and a small-town vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Southern California.
These spots spark curiosity and show off the creative side of the desert.
Galleta Meadows and Metal Sculptures
Galleta Meadows is where I’ve stumbled on some of the most unforgettable public art in the park.
Metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda pop up along the roads north and south of Borrego Springs, springing from the sand like something out of a dream.
There are over 130 sculptures—life-size mammoths, saber-toothed cats, a giant serpent that seems to swim through the desert. It’s a wild sight.
Most sculptures are easy to reach, sitting just off the road with parking spots nearby.
Early morning or late afternoon, the sunlight sets the metal glowing and the whole place feels surreal. This is always one of my favorite things to do in Anza-Borrego, because where else can you see art and desert blend like this?
Tip:
Don’t forget your camera or phone. Each piece begs you to get close, wander around, and spot the little details in the metalwork.
The Pumpkin Patch and Wind Caves
The Pumpkin Patch is a cluster of round sandstone rocks that look almost too perfect to be natural. But centuries of wind and water carved them into these weird, pumpkin-like shapes.
I couldn’t believe how much they really resemble a pumpkin patch. The site is pretty remote and you’ll need to drive on dirt roads, so check conditions and bring a vehicle that can handle it.
Nearby, the Wind Caves offer another quirky stop. After a short hike up a sandy trail, I found sculpted openings in the rock, shaped by wind over thousands of years.
The view from the caves over the badlands below is pretty special.
Both places show off the stranger side of Anza-Borrego, where nature gets creative.
What to Bring:
- Plenty of water
- Sun protection
- A map or GPS
Borrego Springs and Local Culture
Borrego Springs has this small desert town vibe that instantly draws you in. People here are friendly, and there’s a creative energy that feels different from the busier scenes in Palm Springs or Julian.
It’s quieter, honestly, and not so built up. I’ve wandered into local galleries where artists display desert-inspired paintings and photographs—most of them live right here in town.
A lot of the restaurants and shops echo that slower pace and real-deal authenticity. You can really take your time, and nobody seems in a rush.
History matters a lot in Borrego Springs. At the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, I picked up stories about the Cahuilla and Kumeyaay people, who’ve been connected to this tough landscape for ages.
During wildflower season, the town buzzes with festivals and community events. Even just walking down the main street, you can feel how much the desert shapes daily life.
Stargazing and Night Sky Adventures
A wide shot of a desert landscape filled with numerous round, light-colored sandstone concretions resembling pumpkins, scattered across the sandy ground with sparse desert vegetation and a light-colored, rocky hill in the background under a clear sky. might just be California’s best-kept secret for night skies. There’s hardly any light pollution, and the desert air stays remarkably clear.
On a good night, you can spot stars, planets, and sometimes the Milky Way stretching right overhead. It’s honestly a little magical.
Best Stargazing Locations in Anza-Borrego
The park’s huge open spaces in the Colorado Desert make it perfect for stargazing. I keep coming back to Font’s Point—the view over the Badlands is unreal.
Photographers and stargazers love it up there. You can see for miles and miles, and sometimes it feels like you’re the only one around.
Borrego Palm Canyon is another favorite spot. After a day hike, it’s pretty great to just sit back and gaze up at the stars, well away from any city lights.
If you’re after the darkest skies, you’ll want to head further into the park, away from Borrego Springs itself. Coyote Canyon and the roads leading south usually offer clear, peaceful nights.
It gets seriously dark out there, so don’t forget a flashlight—and maybe double-check your route before you go.
Photography Tips for the Desert Night
Photographing the night sky in Anza-Borrego? I always pack a tripod because even the tiniest shake can turn stars into smudges.
If you’re hoping to catch the Milky Way, grab a camera with manual controls. I usually crank the ISO up to 1600 or even 3200, then leave the shutter open for about 15 to 30 seconds.
Oh, and dress in layers. You’d be surprised how chilly the desert gets after dark, even when the day’s been blazing.
When you’re ready to shoot, turn off all lights. Skip the flash—it just washes everything out and ruins that natural starry vibe.
A headlamp with a red filter is a game-changer. It keeps your night vision sharp and your hands free.
I love using apps like Photopills or Sky Guide to figure out when the Milky Way will really pop.
Stay on the trails and respect the landscape. Honestly, the stars always look better without a trampled cactus or a startled critter in your frame.
