June 10, 2024
The Montezuma Grade: Anza Borrego State Park
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Quick Facts about Montezuma Grade (The Glass Elevator)
Scenic Route
Montezuma Grade (Montezuma Valley Rd - S22), also known as the "Glass Elevator," is a scenic road in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County, California, starting in Borrego Springs and ascending nearly 4,000 feet over 31.6 miles.
Historical Significance
- Original Use: The route dates back to the early 20th century, originally serving as a stagecoach route.
- World War II: Utilized by the U.S. military for training during World War II.
Scenic Lookouts
- Montezuma Valley Road Lookout: Located at 2,300 feet, offers panoramic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert and the Salton Sea.
- Wildlife: Home to wildlife like deer, rabbits, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.
The "Glass Elevator" Experience
- Nickname Origin: The steep ascent and descent provide expansive views reminiscent of a glass elevator in a skyscraper.
- Route Features: Includes sharp corners and blind turns.
Popular with Motorcyclists and Cyclists
- Challenging Climb: Known for its challenging 3,300-foot climb in ten miles and thrilling descent.
- Cycling Conditions: Cyclists enjoy minimal traffic and expansive views but must be prepared for physical demands and weather changes.
Take a glance at Montezuma Grade in Anza Borrego State Park
Natural Beauty and Attractions
- Notable Destinations: Passes through notable destinations in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including Palm Canyon and Hellhole Canyon.
- Culp Valley: Offers primitive camping at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, with stunning views and cooler temperatures compared to the desert floor. It’s a popular spot for hiking, including trails that connect to Hellhole Canyon and the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
Learn more about hiking around Montezuma Grade.
2024 Film Location
Paul Thomas Anderson's new untitled film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn, was partially filmed in and around Montezuma Grade. The film is set to hit theaters on August 8, 2025, bringing additional attention to this already stunning location.
Montezuma Grade: Construction and Planning
- Montezuma Valley Road: Connects Borrego Springs to Ranchita, constructed by San Diego County’s Road Department.
- Labor Source: Built using labor from prison camps in the backcountry during the first half of the 20th century.
- Construction Timeline: Began in 1954 and took nearly 10 years to complete.
- Construction Details: Supervised by foremen Ben McManama and Carl Randall with prisoners from Montezuma Honor Camp; utilized 160,000 tons of dynamite.
- Completion: Road completion celebrated on June 24, 1964, declared a holiday by Gale Gordon. (Actor and Borrego Springs resident)
- Early Access: Until the grade into Borrego Valley was completed, Montezuma Valley Road stopped at "Verruga," later renamed Ranchita. Anyone wanting access to the valley had to use Yaqui Pass Road.
Visit Montezuma Grade in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Discover Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Located in San Diego County, California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers visitors a stunning natural oasis with breathtaking scenic drives, including the renowned Montezuma Grade. Also known as the "Glass Elevator," this scenic road starts in Borrego Springs and ascends nearly 4,000 feet over 31.6 miles, providing a unique driving experience with spectacular views of rocky cliffs, canyons, and the expansive desert landscape. This picturesque location was recently featured in Paul Thomas Anderson's new film, adding to its allure.
Montezuma Grade: Scenic and Serene
Montezuma Grade is a notable route within the park, offering encounters with local wildlife such as deer, rabbits, coyotes, and bighorn sheep. Drivers are advised to navigate carefully to preserve the natural habitat and ensure safety.
Historical Significance
Montezuma Grade has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when it served as a stagecoach route. During World War II, the U.S. military utilized the area for training, leveraging its challenging terrain. Today, Montezuma Grade remains a vital connection between Julian and Borrego Springs, reflecting the region's historical significance. Until the grade into Borrego Valley was completed, Montezuma Valley Road stopped at "Verruga," later renamed Ranchita. Anyone wanting access to the valley had to use Yaqui Pass Road many miles away.
Montezuma Valley Road Lookout
At an elevation of 2,300 feet (701 meters), the Montezuma Valley Road lookout provides panoramic views of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Visitors can see the Salton Sea and enjoy spectacular sunsets. This spot is ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Preparation Tips
Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions at the lookout. High elevation can cause temperature drops, especially in the evening. It's recommended to bring water, sun protection, and a jacket.
Exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Diverse Hiking Trails
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, featuring landscapes such as slot canyons and palm oases. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect destination for stargazing, with ranger-led programs available to enhance the experience.
Hikes Along S22 (Montezuma Valley Road)
Starting from Palm Canyon and continuing up to the end of S22, this route includes some of the park's most popular destinations, such as Palm Canyon and Hellhole Canyon. The Montezuma Grade winds up to Culp Valley and ends just beyond Ranchita.
Culp Valley
Culp Valley offers primitive camping at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, providing stunning views and cooler temperatures compared to the desert floor. This area is a popular spot for hiking, with trails connecting to Hellhole Canyon and the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Despite being affected by a fire in 2012, the area is slowly regenerating, especially around springs.
Key Hiking Destinations
- Palm Canyon: One of the most popular spots in the park.
- Hellhole Canyon: A challenging hike leading to a beautiful waterfall.
- Culp Valley: Includes multiple springs such as Barrel Spring, Big Spring, and Pena Spring.
- California Riding and Hiking Trail: Offers extensive hiking opportunities.
- Other Notable Trails: Buck Canyon, Chief Rain In The Face, Chimney Rock, Dry Canyon, Eagle Rock, Indian Head, Jasper Trail, Little Surprise Canyon, Middle Spring, Montezuma Mine, Pinyon Spring, The Slab, Thimble Peak, Tubb Canyon, Wilson Trail, and Ysidrio Peak.
Learn More About Hiking Near Montezuma Grade
With its diverse landscapes and rich history, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provides an unforgettable outdoor experience for visitors.
Lodging in Borrego Springs
Several lodging options are available in Borrego Springs for visitors seeking a comfortable stay:
- Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort: Offers scenic views and comfortable accommodations.
- La Casa Del Zorro Resort & Spa: A luxury resort with gardens, spa treatments, and elegant rooms.
- Borrego Springs Resort: Ideal for a luxury getaway with top-notch amenities.
- Palms At Indian Head: A budget-friendly hotel with a peaceful setting.
- Stanlunds Inn & Suites: Affordable and cozy rooms.
Here are more lodging options in Borrego Springs
Directions to Montezuma Grade
- From San Diego: Take I-8 East, exit on State Route 79 North, continue to State Route 78 East, and follow signs to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- From Temecula: Take I-15 South, exit on State Route 79 South, continue to State Route 371 East, then to State Route 78 East, and follow signs to the park.
Maps and Guides
For a comprehensive exploration, downloadable maps and guides are available, including the Anza Borrego State Park Map, Palm Canyon Map, Coyote Canyon Map, and a Guide Map for Popular Hikes. These resources can enhance your visit by helping you discover the park’s many hidden gems.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004
A reflection on Advent’s meaning and the saints who show us how to wait with purpose.
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Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs
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See alt-country star Sara Petite live at The Springs RV Resort on Nov. 29 at 3 PM. Free outdoor concert with wine, beer, and great desert vibes!
Support Women and Girls in Borrego Springs Raise your glass for a good cause at the 4th Annual Toast to Borrego , happening Saturday, December 13, 2025 , from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. Get Tickets! Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, food, and music—all while supporting programs that empower women and girls in Borrego Springs. Event Highlights Six wines selected and introduced by Kimberly Jones Selections Catering by Carlee’s – delicious food and appetizers Live piano music by Steve Hunter Mocktails for non-drinkers One gift basket drawing ticket included Free parking Experiences and Auctions Shop creative themed gift baskets and bid on one-of-a-kind local experiences, including: Coffee Lovers New Grandparents Gourmet Foods Wine Lovers Tea Party And more to come Silent Auction Experiences: Pizza party for six with Wade of the Borrego Art Institute Olive oil tasting for five with Ingrid Tuxhorn of Borrego Olive Oil Co. Bike ride with Sylvia Maas, Kristi Sisson, and Peanut Paint Party for six with Cody from the Borrego Art Institute Tickets $75 Pre-sale until December 5 $100 General Admission Get your tickets early—attendance is limited. Cancellation Policy: All ticket sales are final. Rain or shine event. Details Location: UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center 401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Time: 1:00–5:00 PM (Pouring 1:00–3:30 PM) Note: Guests must be 21 or older. Children and pets cannot be accommodated (service animals welcome). Learn More About Borrego Springs
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