Two Fools in the Desert

Mud and wind caves. Indian pictographs. Desert wildflowers. Anza Borrego Desert California State Park offers approximately 1,000 square miles of caves, cliffs, and desert landscapes. It is the largest California state park and has much to offer if you don’t mind the extreme weather and have 4WD. Well, Jose and I are no desert rats and really didn’t understand the unpredictable weather or the vastness of space. As a result, we didn’t get to see what we had originally planned. However, we did discover some hidden gems. This is a list of some lessons learned.

Bring the correct vehicle. Despite the fact that my silver VW Jetta looks great against the desert backdrop, my poor car was not made for desert trails. While many major roads and highways cross through Anza, some of the attractions are only accessible through “primitive roads.”

Check the weather. We were prepared for the heat. My car’s air conditioning was functioning. We purchased two gallons of water and nonperishable foods (Chip Ahoy Cookies) in case “something” happened. I even called my mother to tell her we were going and to expect to hear from us by 10 pm that night.

Apparently, deserts have thunder storms and flash flooding in summer. Upon visiting the visitor center to get directions to the mud caves, a park ranger told us that one park patron spent a few days trapped and was barely rescued earlier that day. So, we were unable to access the mud caves as well as the Indian pictographs- our primary reason for going to Anza Borrego. Pretty devastating.

Bring a map. Anza Borrego’s signage is not very clear. Major roads are marked, however, the dirt roads in the desert are just as important but often unclear. We picked up a map at the visitor center; however, it isn’t always easy to decipher major desert roads from small turn-offs. Jose and I spent a good hour trying to get to one location driving my two-wheel drive onto dirt roads made for Jeep Wranglers.

We did come across some amazing desert surprises. Artist Ricardo Breceda created an eerily beautiful sculpture garden which can be seen from Borrego Springs Rosd. As you head south from Borrego Springs, giant horses and dinosaurs made from scrap metal scatter the landscape.

The Anza Borrego State Park Visitor Center is a pretty impressive facility, especially compared to other California State Parks. The air-conditioned building complements well with the backdrop. We even stopped to watch a short film, “A Year in the Desert,” and peruse the mini-museum.

After chatting with the park rangers in the visitor center, we received some recommendations on flood free sights. We settled on visiting an Indian archaeological site. Off of the 78 State Highway, a tiny sign led us to the dirt road called “Mine Wash.” This area is deemed “Kumeyaay Village” where California Indians made their home here seasonally.

Anza Borrego State Park is located within the Colorado Desert of Southern California. Bring a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle.

-N