Adventure and Art in Borrego Springs
Beyond the Sculptures
Nestled between the historic gold mining town of Julian and The Salton Sea, Borrego Springs and the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California 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, kilometers of hiking trails you would expect some great adventures, and you won’t be disappointed.
“Every day offers excitement in Borrego Springs,” says Françoise Rhodes, Executive Director for Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce. “From the beautiful sunrises and the star-studded night skies to where wildlife roams freely and traffic jams don’t exist, Borrego Springs offers peace and tranquillity. It’s not often realized by visitors until they leave, only to come back time after time.”
Explore on Foot
Walking downtown Borrego Springs is a fun experience. Start at Christmas Circle - the main attraction - and poke your head into some exciting shops or visit The Borrego Art Institute. This is where you can observe potters and en plein air artists complete their current artworks.
You can even purchase an Open Studio Membership to express your artistic skills during hours when studio monitors are available for questions and guidance. There is full use of the entire pottery studio, including the wheels.
Wander the Gallery
to admire the creations of local artists that are available for purchase and be sure to stroll through ArtPark. It consists of a creative blend of community gardens, orchards, and stunning desert scapes.
Galleta Meadows
A visit to Borrego Springs isn’t complete without meandering through Galleta Meadows and marveling at the full-size Ricardo Breceda sculptures. There are about 140 metal beasts and figures scattered among the desert. One of the most recognizable is the serpent that seems to cross under the road through the area. Others depict woolly mammoths, eagles, and gigantic insects. This is a great attraction for all ages.
Bring Your Hiking Boots
Hiking is popular in the Anza-Borrego Desert and 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 and be sure to bring along plenty of water. The routes are not always well marked and cell service is almost non-existent.
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 but just give them a wide berth.
Also, 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.
Find Your Adventurous Side: Mud and Wind Caves
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 not to mention a true sense of adventure. A departure from ‘caves on display’ with handrails and area lighting, this is where you can meander through all-natural passages, explore giant caverns, and maneuver through some challenging, tight spaces. Prepare to get dirty and, of course, muddy.
With its rich geological history, the caves are where Archeologists discovered fossils of mammoths and sabertooth tigers. While a fascinating experience, exploring this natural attraction can be risky. Wet weather can commonly cause 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 overlook the Carrizo Badlands
They may not be as impressive as those found in Arches National Park in Utah, but they are formed the same way. Wind blowing abrasive sand against the rock outcroppings scoured away the surfaces creating sweeping arches, bridges, and depressions, which ultimately eroded through to form natural arches.
Petrified Forest
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 before they evolved into stone. 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 Park laws. Removing or disturbing these resources is strictly forbidden.
Visit by 4x4 Vehicle
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 to admire.
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.
Another option for an off-road experience (for more adventurous RVers) is the Pumpkin Patch OHV Trail, an 11 km (7 mi) outback route located near Borrego Springs. Rated as moderate, it’s best enjoyed from November to March.
Satisfy Your Appetite
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 belie the quality of food and service. Try the homemade gazpacho that brims with perfectly cooked grilled shrimp and seasoned with cilantro…in the desert!
Silent, Sparkling Nights
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.
Lodging
There are several hotels and villas as well as Airbnbs located in Borrego Springs and some options include:
• Hacienda Del Sol
• Borrego Springs Resort and Spa
• Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort
• Stanlunds Inn and Suites
• Agua Caliente campground
There are also many choices of RV parks for many preferences and budgets. The Springs At Borrego RV Resort & Golf Course, Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort, the Leapin Lizard RV Ranch, and Anza-Borrego Desert are located in Borrego Springs State Park while the Stagecoach Trails RV Park and Vallecito (San Diego County Park) are options in nearby Julian.
No matter where you explore the area from, there are a number of ways to discover this unique snowbird destination. Stay for a week or a month; you’ll no doubt learn all about the community and natural attractions in the scenic California desert landscape.
For more information visit www.visitcalifornia.com
Enjoy a Full Borrego Experience
A number of companies offer guided trips in overland vehicles with knowledgeable staff for those not so ambitious to drive amongst the arid landscape. Some options include:
● AK Off-Road Tours
www.sandiego4x4.com
● California Overland
www.californiaoverland.com
Quick Links to Top Attractions
● Borrego Art Institute
● Arroyo Tapiado Carrizo Badlands Mud Caves
● Carlee’s place
● International Dark Sky Association (IDA)
Prints of Jim DeLillo's photographs are available at:
http://jim-delillo.artistwebsites.com/
This story was previously published as a Podcast
by Snowbirds & RV Travelers Magazine
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About the Creator
Jim DeLillo
Jim DeLillo writes about tech, science, and travel. He is also an adventure photographer specializing in transporting imagery and descriptive narrative.
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