Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The largest state park in California is home to amazing flowers and plants which bloom in the early spring.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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13 within 3 miles
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16 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- soulefultravelerSun City West, Arizona1,896 contributionsWorth the driveThis is a HUGE park a few hours south of Palm Springs (VERY hot in summer). Beautiful landscapes. An extremely well done Welcome Center with several park rangers available for questions, etc. Hiking trails. Very remote - great star gazing at night.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 23, 2024
- Claire KHove, United Kingdom1,960 contributionsDay 11 of the American AdventureYou don’t need to pay to get into this park because it’s all around you as you drive East to West on Route 78. Stunning views of ‘Big America’, mountains & plains & just space. It’s incredibly beautiful. And happening upon an Artefact of Attraction in Borrego Springs was the pinnacle.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- Robert SSan Diego, California4 contributionsWorth the trek.Finally made out to the desert, we’ve been wanting to go for a bit and the drive isn’t far. Firstly I’ll say with recent rains and everything, it was a beautiful drive out from the coast. We saw wildflowers and lots of vegetation and once you hit the mntns are it’s like entering a different planet. To me it was just beautiful, once we arrived however it wasn’t much else going on. It’s great for place to get a change of scenery, so if that’s what your looking for then worth the trip. Check out the sculptures and walk around the visitor center and take it all in. But that’s about the extent of it.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 21, 2024
- Alix M1 contributionBeautiful scenery and great campgroundStill many flowers especially on higher hikes like the horse trail. I stayed in campsite #93: plenty of space, a covered table which offered shade throughout the day, large firepit and BBQ. The nearby bathrooms were always clean, and there were showers with hot water!!! A sink, dish-washing sink, and feet or paw-cleaning sink were also available. Beautiful scenery, hikes within walking distance, and did I mention hot showers? No cell or wifi service though (T mobile)Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Cliff K
Des Moines, IA777 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
California is blessed with many fine state parks and this is one of them and the largest in the state. It has a variety of areas from Badlands to Sandy washes to mountain high desert... Some people would call it the Colorado desert or the Sonoran desert you're almost on the western fringes of that area with Palm Springs probably being the most western and up in Joshua Springs you also have elements of the Mojave desert there. Basically you're in a desert environment so you have to be aware of having your own gear to survive if you need to. Common Sense should tell you you need to have plenty of sunscreen on plenty of water available and some sleeping gear in case your car gets stuck or broke. I would also recommend a basic first aid kit and of course some kind of cactus kit including needle nose pliers tweezers maybe duct tape and some Elmer's glue to remove cactus needles.
There are sidewinder rattlesnakes in the park but I believe they primarily are active at night. There was also the red diamond rattlesnake, and a couple other Rattlers so you have to have your radar out and make sure you have the right type of footgear and a hiking stick. You need to be able to look where you put your hands and where you step. The area also has mountain lions so you have to be aware of that as well. Just because it's close to San Diego and to Palm Springs doesn't mean you can slack off on your wilderness awareness. Having said that as an older hiker there are certain areas that are more accessible to people with limited ability than others. The wildflower areas are definitely accessible and very beautiful I would try to not go during the peak because it could be crowded. I went twice in February. there are also some hiking areas that are more accessible for people with limited ability than others. The visitor center and volunteers are a great resource plus everything that they sell in there goes to help maintain the park.
There are sidewinder rattlesnakes in the park but I believe they primarily are active at night. There was also the red diamond rattlesnake, and a couple other Rattlers so you have to have your radar out and make sure you have the right type of footgear and a hiking stick. You need to be able to look where you put your hands and where you step. The area also has mountain lions so you have to be aware of that as well. Just because it's close to San Diego and to Palm Springs doesn't mean you can slack off on your wilderness awareness. Having said that as an older hiker there are certain areas that are more accessible to people with limited ability than others. The wildflower areas are definitely accessible and very beautiful I would try to not go during the peak because it could be crowded. I went twice in February. there are also some hiking areas that are more accessible for people with limited ability than others. The visitor center and volunteers are a great resource plus everything that they sell in there goes to help maintain the park.
Written April 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lan
Seattle, WA81 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Beautiful desert 🌵 hike at end of October Sunday. The temperature was cold in early morning and by dusk but it reached around 76F by noon.
We took a a 3-mile roundtrip hike at the end of the campsite inside the State Park. It was an easy hike with scenic nature. The end of our trail was greeted by a herd of horn-sheep coming out for dinner and water, not far from our parking site, a very pleasant end of our day-hike.
We took a a 3-mile roundtrip hike at the end of the campsite inside the State Park. It was an easy hike with scenic nature. The end of our trail was greeted by a herd of horn-sheep coming out for dinner and water, not far from our parking site, a very pleasant end of our day-hike.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert E
Long Beach, CA18 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
If you’re a dark sky enthusiast or really love the majesty of nature at extremes Anza is the perfect place.
From breathtaking view atop the cliffs above or sunsets over the washes and gully’s that stretch across the valley floor.
Your day will be filled with all the beauty and thrills
4 wheels are a must if you want to see the interior of this natural wonderland. For those with conventional transport try one of the trails over looking the valley floor.
Take plenty of water, food, and if your staying to see the stars bring warm clothes and a good pair of binoculars or telescope.
Check their website for closures and areas currently off limits do to Covid.
Primitive and Developed Campaign is available with advanced reservation.
From breathtaking view atop the cliffs above or sunsets over the washes and gully’s that stretch across the valley floor.
Your day will be filled with all the beauty and thrills
4 wheels are a must if you want to see the interior of this natural wonderland. For those with conventional transport try one of the trails over looking the valley floor.
Take plenty of water, food, and if your staying to see the stars bring warm clothes and a good pair of binoculars or telescope.
Check their website for closures and areas currently off limits do to Covid.
Primitive and Developed Campaign is available with advanced reservation.
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Zorba
Torrance, CA196 contributions
Jan 2022
A little something for everyone here! You can do an easy hike or difficult hike. You can drive around in your car from sculpture to sculpture with the A/C on. You can camp for a few days then drive your 4x4 around some cool terrains. You can spend 2 hours there or 2 days! Whatever your motivations, it's worth the visit. And if you're randomly stopping by, go to the visitor center so they can help you make the most of your time.
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda S
Berkeley, CA22 contributions
Dec 2021
I traveled with my family, husband, kids ages 12 and 9. My husband had been there as a kid and it was a first time for the rest of us. Also my first desert trip. Really I was knocked out. It was so beautiful and unique. The visitors center was awesome. One of the rangers, Regina gave a talk that was enjoyable. All the rangers were really knowledgeable and friendly. My 9 year old somehow didn't know what a visitors center was and said it seemed super boring and didn't want to go. But once she went there she said it was nothing like she imagined and that she loved it there. We did some hikes on our own (Borrego Palm Canyon) and had an amazing tour with California Overland (also highly recommended). Accommodations nearby are inexpensive and its a state park which added up to a very affordable and fun vacation.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karine D
Saint-Denis, France347 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Off the usual and tourist trails, it is a park very different from the others. A great desert, a dizzying arrival via San Diego, a city and a park a full summer a little empty, you feel right in the middle of nowhere, in a movie. The landscapes are unique. We arrived at 2pm, and left the next day at noon, one night in Hacienda Del Sol (top). We took a private excursion with California overland, with Joe, who in 4x4 mode allowed us to discover beautiful landscapes and especially sunset on the badlands at fourpoint (we had an Suv that went into Awd mode it was enough). The next day at 7am we hiked Palm Canyon, very well also and pleasant temperature, before visiting the visitor center and returning to the Inn for a slap in the pool. A break from an unusual day. Very nice.
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Written September 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonSpencer
Temecula, CA146 contributions
Feb 2020
The Anza Borrego Desert State Park is the beginning of a love affair with the desert. It is a must go and experience throughout the year so you can really see and feel how the desert changes with the seasons. Summertime is very hot and hiking is good very early morning with extra water! If you are fortunate you'll see the mountain sheep roaming around or the big furry tarantulas... beware or the rattle snakes but if you are really fortunate and the weather is perfect you'll want to see the desert come alive with wildflowers during a super bloom! Spectacular. Don't tell anyone about what I have shared because Borrego Springs is a small quiet community that should stay that way forever. But if you are driving through they have a great Farmer's Market every Friday October to April from 8 - noon. Food and treasures to be found and enjoyed...
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mcation
San Diego, CA16 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
I’ve gone out to the desert in late winter many times to see the flowers and this year late Winter 2023 was one of the best. It has been a wet past 6 months in Southern California. The floral display started early and is still worthwhile in early April. One of the longer blooming seasons I’ve experienced. This year the purple of Desert Verbena seemed to dominate in the Coyote Creek wild flower areas. The southern section off of Henderson Canyon Rd is also notable. I visited the June Wash area off the S-2 this season it is on the southwestern side of the park. It was ok but I always find Coyote Creek the more satisfying. Coyote Creek drains an immense area of mountains, so yes it’s more crowded…..all I will say is it’s never crowded before 9 am so I like to arrive at 7:30 by 9 am I’m done.
The most beautiful drive into Borrego Springs and the park from the northwest on the S-22. The park visitor center is great but not during wild flower season. Feb and March. You can find anything you need to know on the web. Going to the visitor center at this time of year, no parking, long lines and overworked well meaning employees. If you need a rest stop to freshen up. The restrooms at Christmas Circle are clean and well kept by the city. Google Maps has the wild flowers areas marked, The sculptures around town many had wild flowers around them too.
Enjoy.
The most beautiful drive into Borrego Springs and the park from the northwest on the S-22. The park visitor center is great but not during wild flower season. Feb and March. You can find anything you need to know on the web. Going to the visitor center at this time of year, no parking, long lines and overworked well meaning employees. If you need a rest stop to freshen up. The restrooms at Christmas Circle are clean and well kept by the city. Google Maps has the wild flowers areas marked, The sculptures around town many had wild flowers around them too.
Enjoy.
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace L
Chesapeake, VA13 contributions
Jan 2023
I didn’t realize a desert could be so impressive. Just seeing nature as we drove along was a beautiful experience. We were here in late January, and there were flowers out already. Even the Visitor Center is nice. It is built into a hillside and given a stone facade. Nice views, short trail, and friendly, helpful staff. We did not do some of the trails, as we had expected to do, instead opting to see the metal sculptures - Galleta Meadows. Will have to come back for the trails.
All are very impressive - the sculptures themselves as well as the way they are laid out. And it is. Dry easy to drive around to them. My favorite was the Miner. With a road behind them and plants around, the man is on his knees, a pan in his hands, with his donkey behind him. It appears as if they had been traveling down the road when something caught his eye and he started panning for gold.
All are very impressive - the sculptures themselves as well as the way they are laid out. And it is. Dry easy to drive around to them. My favorite was the Miner. With a road behind them and plants around, the man is on his knees, a pan in his hands, with his donkey behind him. It appears as if they had been traveling down the road when something caught his eye and he started panning for gold.
Written February 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SDLocal
San Diego, CA121 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I have been going to the Anza Borrego State Park since I was a child. It feels different every season. It gets extremely hot in the Summer, cool and comfortable in the Fall, cold in the winter and warm in Spring. Take your time and don't try to see the entire park in one day. Decide what you want to see, where you want to go and take your time. You don't need a 4 wheel drive to get to the majority of places. Be safe. Go to the Visitor center first and find out what to see and do.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crowds? Asking this in March 2024. How ar the crowds on a weekday. We kno Joshua Tree can be very crowded during flower time
Written March 7, 2024
You should be just fine. Weekdays are the best!!
Written March 8, 2024
Paulina B
Gardiner, Montana
Is there a south entrance to the park and can you camp along the dirt road, as long as guidelines are followed?
Written August 12, 2023
I don't believe camping is permitted there
Written September 26, 2023
If you just visiting for the day, can u stay after dark to see the stars or do u have to leave at dusk?
Written June 18, 2022
Melissa T
Los Angeles, California
Is August too hot to camp? We were wanting to stay overnight for the Perseid meteor shower, but I am thinking it will be too hot during the day?
Written July 17, 2021
Where can I rent a JEEP or OTHER 4X4 near Anza Borrego? I am coming from San Jose, CA.
Written November 19, 2020
Can you stay over at the national park if you don’t have a tent ?
Written September 15, 2019
This is about the question of whether a tent is required for camping at Anza Borrego Desert State Park. The question read, "Can you stay over at the national park if you don't have a tent?" Anza Borrego is a State Park. Anza Borrego is not a national park. I doubt if there are any requirements for a tent, if you want to stay all night in a national park in California, or at a state park in California. If you are interested in exploring Anza Borrego Desert State Park, or the nearby Joshua Tree National Park, you should avoid the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. The months of June, July, and August, are especially dangerous because the high temperatures. Anza Borrego has a very dangerous snake, called, MOJAVE GREEN. It is very poisonous. The following is some info from the internet: THERE IS NO MENTION OF ANY REQUIREMENT FOR A TENT. Read this:There is absolutely no shortage of camping in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Four developed campgrounds with 175 total sites and eight primitive campgrounds with even more places to camp are located throughout the park. Primitive campgrounds are free, and sites at developed campgrounds range from fifteen to thirty-five dollars per night (and $80 for a group site at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground).
The primitive campgrounds have vault toilets (except at Yaqui Pass), but not picnic tables or other amenities. Fish Creek Campground is the most developed of the primitive campgrounds. Its six sites all have their own fire rings, which are not included at other primitive campgrounds. Blair Valley Campground is a large undeveloped area situated at 2,500 feet above sea level, providing more moderate temperatures than the desert below. Culp Valley is the highest primitive campground at 3,350 feet and Fish Creek is the lowest at 280 feet. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has fairly specific rules regarding their roadside parking: Do not camp farther than one car length from any dirt or paved road. Do not camp within 100 feet of any water source. There is no garbage collection outside developed campgrounds so pack-in pack-out. Ground fires are not permitted, and metal containers must be used for all campfires. This last rule is the trickiest. Bring a metal container to keep your fire off the ground. Pack out all coals, and dispose of them as trash. Coals should not be buried or spread out on the soil. Dogs are welcome on leashes within campgrounds, but dogs are not allowed on trails or in wilderness areas. Overall, the desert is not a good place for dogs. Burned paw pads, cactus quills, and snakebites pose a danger to dogs, and canines threaten desert biomes as well. A dog’s scent can scare other animals away from trail areas, shrinking the habitat they rely on to survive.
Developed Campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Borrego Palm Canyon Campground | 122 sites | reservations accepted | $25 – $80 per night | drinking water, picnic tables, shade ramadas, fire rings, showers, and flush toilets | elevation 775 feet | Start of Borrego Palm Canyon Trail and Panoramic Overlook Trail
Tamarisk Grove Campground | 27 sites | reservations accepted | $25 per night | non-potable water, picnic tables, shade ramadas, fire rings, showers, and flush toilets | elevation 1,400 feet | Start of Cactus Loop Trail and Yaqui Well Trail
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp | 10 sites | reservations accepted | $30 per night | drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and flush toilets | elevation 960 feet
Bow Willow Campground | 16 sites | first-come first-serve | $15 per night | drinking water, picnic tables, shade ramadas, fire rings, and flush toilets | elevation 950 feet
Primitive Campgrounds in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Blair Valley Primitive Campground | Lots of sites | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | vault toilets | elevation 2,500 feet
Sheep Canyon Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | picnic tables, shade ramadas, vault toilets | elevation 1,500 feet
Culp Valley Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | vault toilets | elevation 3,350 feet | Start of Culp Valley Loop
Aroyo Salado Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | vault toilets | elevation 880 feet
Yaqui Pass Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | vault toilets | elevation 1,730 feet| Start of Kenyon Overlook Trail
Yaqui Well Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | vault toilets | elevation 1,400 feet
Fish Creek Primitive Campground | 6 Sites | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | fire rings, vault toilets | elevation 280 feet
Mountain Palm Primitive Campground | first-come first-serve | $0 per night | fire rings, vault toilets | elevation 760 feet
Written September 16, 2019
Bonjour, nous avons un séjour programmé en Californie en novembre et nous envisageons de visiter le sud Californie que nous be connaissons pas encore et notamment le parc ANZA BORREGO. Les photos que nous avons vues donnent envie. Nous envisageons une journée, avec 2 nuits à BORREGO. Beaucoup de ceux qui y sont allés ont utilisé un 4x4. est-ce obligatoire ? Que peut-on faire avec une voiture ordinaire ? Autres conseils? Merci
Written September 1, 2019
Assurez-vous d'avoir beaucoup d'eau et de bonnes chaussures.
Written September 1, 2019
Yes. The metal statues can be addressed with a vehicle. All over town I saw people with dogs. Just bring your doggie bag.
Written March 21, 2019
It all depends on the rain! Super blooms are all about perfect timing of weather and rain. The desert bloom cycle is dependent on temperature and rain fall. The main bloom tends to happen mid February to mid March but I’ve seen flowers as early as January and as late as June.
Written March 17, 2019
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