disclaimer: Many months ago, I wrote this review on Anza Borrego, but there was no category for it. Now there is a special category, so I have moved it.I asked Epinions to move it for me, but I got no response and it has been 2 weeks. So it is possible that you have read this before.

Cactus? Sand? Lizards? You will find those in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, located Northeast of San Diego.

Waterfalls? Streams? Palm Trees? Oases? Bighorn Sheep? Yes! You will find all of these in Anza Borrego also!!

I discovered Anza Borrego while a student at UC San Diego. I went on a backpacking trip in the backcountry of this state park, the largest in the United States. Our trip to Cougar and Sheep Canyons was accomplished by foot, but these two remote canyons can also be reached by horseback and 4WD. Both canyons offer lush vegetation and streams in all seasons except late summer and early fall. Remember that temperatures in the desert can reach the 120's in the summer. I recommend that you go in the Spring to take advantage of the abundance of water and wildflowers! There is even a wildflower watch website (I don't know the URL, sorry) so you can find the best time to go to see the wildflowers!

More popular and more accessible is Borrego Palm Canyon, also the location of the park's visitors' center. You will find a full campground here with tent sites and RV hookups. There is a nature program and an amphitheater. The campsite is also the location of the trailhead to the popular Palm Canyon Trail. This 1 1/2 mile hike leads gently up the canyon. Along the trail are markers. Be sure to pick up a trail guide so you can identify the vegetation. Bring plenty of water also!! Even though the trail follows a stream, you do not want to drink the water. Beware of giardia!!

At the end of the trail, you will be greeted by a wonderful palm oasis and
the sight of a beautiful waterfall. In the spring, the stream is deep enough that you can swim/dip in various pools. Beware of crowds on Spring weekends. This is a VERY popular place!! I recommend that you go during the week-but not during Spring break!

If you want solitude, you will need to scramble past the oasis and past the crowds of people. Boulder hopping is very fun, but be careful! 20 years ago, I used to be able to make camp in Palm Canyon above the falls, but I don't know if that is possible/legal anymore. Check with the Ranger Station. If you really want solitude, consider going to one of the primitive campgrounds like Fish Creek, or into the backcountry canyons.

Wherever you go in Anza Borrego, you will not be disappointed. This is one of the most awesome places on Earth!







Recommended: Yes