Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state park, offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching. Located in eastern San Diego County, the park features 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas, and numerous hiking trails. The park is home to a diverse range of geology and plant and animal life, making it a popular destination for photography and exploration.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, visitors are encouraged to follow the following tips:
- Have the proper vehicle and equipment for your outdoor activities, including a GPS unit or hard-copy map.
- Make sure to fill up your car’s gas tank, as the nearest town with amenities may be distant.
- Bring a first aid kit and become familiar with its contents. Pack any prescription medications you may need.
- Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend, including information about your hiking or camping group, level of outdoors experience, intended route and campsite, and the make, model, and license plate of your vehicle.
- Bring plenty of water and food, and check the weather before setting out. Wear sunscreen and dress appropriately in layers.
- Stay on designated trails, view wildlife from a respectful distance, and never feed or touch wild animals. Be aware of rattlesnakes and other potentially dangerous wildlife, and leave them be.
- When camping, make sure to have enough water and food for the duration of your trip, and check your campsite for hazards. Keep your campsite clean and follow all fire regulations.
- Respect the park’s plant life and do not pick or damage plants.
In case of an emergency, visitors are advised to call the California State Parks emergency dispatch center at (800) 952-5427 or the California Highway Patrol at (800) 835-5247. Cell phone coverage in the park may be spotty or nonexistent, so it is important to have a backup plan for communication.
