Experience the Best of Anza-Borrego: Drive the Uni-Directional Anza-Borrego Discovery Route

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells SVRA offer over 500 miles of roads and trails for visitors to explore. Covering over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in California, boasting stunning badlands, slot canyons, palm oases, rugged mountains, and buttes. To the north lies the Sonoran desert, transitioning into the Mojave desert. The western Peninsular mountain ranges drain cloud systems of precious precipitation before making their way towards the inland deserts of Southern California.

Anza-Borrego is surrounded by mountain ranges, with the Salton Sink to the east. Visitors can enjoy stargazing, hiking, mountain biking, and flora and fauna viewing. Late February through March is the best time to view wildflowers in the desert, with above-average rainfall years featuring superblooms.

From Marine Environment to Desert Landscape

Anza-Borrego and Ocotillo Wells have a marine past that is visible in the washes and canyons within the parks. The Anza-Borrego Discovery Route is a 200-mile journey that takes visitors through the park’s most beautiful and intriguing natural features. The route is designed to be driven from south to north, with mild to moderately technical sections that are easily handled by a 4×4 vehicle with a 2″ lift and 32″ tires.

The route starts outside the small town of Ocotillo, heading up Carrizo Mountain for stunning 360-degree views of the desert and Salton Sea. Mortero Palms is the next stop, where visitors can take a short hike up the canyon to see endemic California fan palms. Dos Cabezas Water Tower is next on the route. From there, visitors can follow the railroad tracks to Goat Canyon, home to the world’s largest wooden trestle, or take the quicker and easier route along Sweeny Pass Road.

Here are some additional details and stops on the Anza-Borrego Discovery Route:

1. Wind Caves: This is a popular stop where visitors can explore unique sandstone formations and wind caves.
2. Calcite Mine: This abandoned mine is located in the Coyote Mountains and offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history.
3. Arroyo Salado Campground: This campground is situated in a scenic location and offers a peaceful place to rest and recharge.
4. Fonts Point: This viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic views of the badlands and surrounding areas.
5. Slot Canyon: This narrow and winding canyon offers a fun and adventurous hiking experience.
6. Coyote Canyon: This area is home to a beautiful waterfall and a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep.
7. Pinyon Mountain Trail: This trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that leads to the top of Pinyon Mountain, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area.

Overall, the Anza-Borrego Discovery Route is a great way to explore the natural beauty and rich history of this area. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just looking for a scenic drive, there’s something for everyone along this 200-mile route.

Visit Mud Caves and Slot Canyons

Canyon Sin Nombre is a mildly technical trail that is a favorite among overlanding and off-road enthusiasts, featuring rock formations estimated to be 500 million years old. The trail continues to Arroyo Tapiado, where visitors can explore mud caves with ceilings up to 80 feet high. The Diablo Drop Off is a thrilling experience for drivers, although novices may need help from experienced drivers. The route also takes visitors through Fish Creek Wash and Sandstone Canyon.

• The Canyon Sin Nombre trail is a 17-mile long dirt road that winds through a rugged canyon with steep walls and interesting rock formations. Along the way, visitors can see volcanic dikes, boulder fields, and evidence of ancient lava flows. The trail is considered mildly technical, with a few rocky sections and tight turns that require some skill and a high-clearance vehicle.
• Arroyo Tapiado is a nearby area that features several narrow canyons filled with mud caves, also known as slot canyons. The caves were formed by erosion and offer a unique underground experience for visitors. Some of the caves have multiple chambers, skylights, and intricate mud formations, making them a popular spot for photography. Visitors should bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some of the caves are pitch dark.
• The Diablo Drop Off is a steep descent into a narrow canyon that requires some nerve and driving experience. The drop is about 15 feet high and has a rocky landing, so drivers should approach it with caution and a spotter if possible. The drop is optional and there is a bypass route for those who prefer a less challenging route.
• Fish Creek Wash is a wide sandy valley that is home to several species of desert plants and animals. The wash is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and off-roading. The sand can be deep in some areas, so visitors should be prepared with recovery gear in case of getting stuck. The wash leads to Split Mountain, a colorful geological feature with layers of sedimentary rock.
• Sandstone Canyon is another scenic canyon that offers a mix of sandy and rocky terrain. The canyon walls are made of colorful sandstone and provide a picturesque backdrop for photography. The canyon can be explored on foot or by vehicle, but visitors should be aware of the narrow sections and possible obstacles.

Anza-Borrego is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the beauty of California’s deserts.

Anza Borrego Park Information

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park®
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Park Headquarters (760) 767-5311

Visitor Center (760) 767-4205

http://www.parks.ca.gov

Anza-Borrego Foundation
(760) 767-0446

http://www.theabf.org

Anza Borrego State Park Map

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Palm Canyon Map

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Coyote Canyon Map

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Guide Map – Popular Hikes

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