Beyond the Sculptures of Borrego
With numerous services and campgrounds, experience the natural wonders and exciting attractions in this California state park.

With 805 km (500 mi) of dirt roads, a dozen wilderness areas and kilometres of hiking trails you would expect some great adventures, and you won’t be disappointed.

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Nestled between the historic gold mining town of Julian and The Salton Sea, Borrego Springs and the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offer a number of exceptional experiences. Located two hours from San Diego, there are activities and natural attractions suited for many types of RVers. With 805 km (500 mi) of dirt roads, a dozen wilderness areas and kilometres of hiking trails you would expect some great adventures, and you won’t be disappointed.

Todays podcast was written By Jim DeLillo
Hiking is really popular in the Anza-Borrego Desert ,and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The desert trails are not for the faint of heart but rather ideal for those with a sense of adventure. Remember, hydration is vital in this arid region so be sure to bring along plenty of water.

The routes are not always well-marked, and cell service is almost non-existent.
But, hiking allows you to observe all the flora and fauna that thrives in this desert. Keep your eyes out for hares, coyotes, and roadrunners and there may be scorpions and snakes underfoot. Snakes - including rattlers - are abundant and you’ll want to avoid them. They will let you know if you’re too close, just give them a wide berth.

And be mindful of where you sit during a break to avoid scorpions, spiders and fire-ants. Remember, cactus needles, too, can be painful if they are stepped on with thin-soled shoes like sandals, or if you accidentally brush up against them.

Located in the southern region of the park, Anza-Borrego’s Mud Caves are a popular attraction. They offer a glimpse into the distant past and a true sense of adventure. It is a departure from the typical ‘caves on display’ which have handrails and area lighting, in the Mud Caves you meander through all-natural passages and explore giant caverns.

With its rich geological history, the caves are where Archeologists discovered fossils of mammoths and saber tooth tigers. While it is a fascinating experience, exploring this natural attraction can be risky. Wet weather causes the mud walls to erode and even walking on top of the caves may be enough weight for them to collapse underfoot. Explore with caution during and after rainy conditions.

Another natural highlight is the wind caves that overlook the Carrizo Badlands.

This ancient, arid area belies a lush valley that once occupied rich woodlands, flowing rivers and streams. It became inundated by the encroachment of the Colorado River Delta and the mineral-rich waters seeped into the fallen trees. Remains of the trees are now exposed by the windswept sand. While tempting, do not take the rocks. They are protected by federal, state, and regional park laws. Removing or disturbing these resources is ‘verboten’, ‘interdite’, ‘prohibido’.

Running an off-road rig is a great way to see Anza-Borrego and the place to visit is Font’s Point. Vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive are a must to get to this area. Font’s Point leads through 6 km (4 mi) of swift sand that can be challenging but the reward is stunning landscapes.

Beware of the dry washes that create demanding conditions of soft sand, deep mud, or washouts. Being stranded in the desert wilderness can be a harrowing experience and four-wheel drive vehicles are always recommended here.

There are a variety of dining choices in Borrego Springs but Carlee’s Place is quite literally an oasis in the desert. The pickup trucks and motorcycles parked outside are a testament to the quality of food and service. Try the homemade gazpacho that brims with perfectly cooked grilled shrimp and seasoned with cilantro…in the desert!

Borrego Springs isn’t known for its nightlife or at least not the ‘club kind.’ However, it is an area that should be explored well after the sun sets. Borrego is an International Dark Sky Community that was designated by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Stargazing is encouraged.

There is no need for a telescope and the brilliantly lit skies will awe anyone who hasn’t been out of the dome of a city glow. Billions of stars make themselves known and form many prominent constellations.

RV parks, are also are available. The Springs At Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course, Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort, the Leapin Lizard RV Ranch, and Anza-Borrego Desert are all located in Borrego Springs State Park, while the Stagecoach Trails RV Park and Vallecito are other options in nearby Julian.

For more information visit www.visitcalifornia.com