When you think of camping, do you typically envision tents, grass, oak trees and bears (oh my!)? After spending the weekend camping in the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, my notion of camping expanded tremendously. Let me set the stage by laying out just a few of the splendors you’re likely to encounter on the trail: sand, wild flowers, palm trees, and, if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep! If you stay the night, you’re sure to see some tents and campfires too, so no need to reframe your entire perception of camping. For a detailed account of this non-traditional campers’ wonderland, read on!
Explore infinite hiking trails
With over 1,000 miles of land to explore, there is no shortage of hiking adventures to embark on! Swing by the Visitor’s Center before hitting the sandy trail to get all the information you need in terms of hike recommendations, recent wildlife sightings, and current happenings/events in the quaint town of Borrego Springs. The friendly staff will leave you feeling informed and excited about your upcoming adventure. Among the wild, open terrain, you’ll quickly discover that Anza-Borrego is home to many marked trails of varying distances. Therefore, you can spend an hour exploring the beaten path or veer off course and trail blaze for miles. With land seemingly spreading as far as the eye can see, this year round accessible desert state park truly epitomizes the notion of nature’s playground.
Enjoy nature and wildlife
With plentiful wildflowers and wild animals in the vicinity, you’ll want to have a camera on hand to capture the overflowing beauty. While making your way through the desert you’re likely to catch a glimpse of some bighorn sheep. These unique creatures can often be spotted along the mountainsides, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled toward the rocks. Among the many visual splendors are the pockets of lush palm trees speckled throughout the desert. I know what you’re thinking … you’ve seen one palm tree, you’ve seen them all! Believe me when I say, these palm trees are worth the trip! While palms thrive in the Southern California climate, the ones found at Anza Borrego, fan palms, are the only type that are native to California. If you get the chance, check out the Palm Canyon Trail, which concludes with an enchanting oasis of these naturally occurring trees!
Spend the evenings stargazing
The setting at night in Anza-Borrego is a stargazer’s dream! With miles and miles of open land, there’s nothing but small campfires to drown out the twinkling stars. Even the small town of Borrego Springs upholds a low lighting policy in the evenings to allow for optimal night sky admiration. With pure nightfall on it’s side, Anza-Borrego is the perfect backdrop for shooting stars and constellations. You’ll want to bring a warm blanket for optimal comfort during nighttime stargazing. While the evenings get a tad chilly, you’ll find that Winter is Anza-Borrego’s busiest season due to the milder daytime temperatures.
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Calling all backpackers and campers!
Whether you choose to purchase a campsite or backpack into the wilderness, there are ample tent-pitching options. If you’re a first-timer at Anza-Borrego, or a first time camper in general, it might be wise to purchase a site. For approximately 25 USD a night, you can set up shop at your very own designated spot, equipped with a picnic table, pergola, fire pit and nearby bathrooms/showers. Pretty luxurious, huh? Ease into camping with the convenience of running water! For any seasoned campers who are looking to veer off into nature and solitude, you’ll find copious amounts of majestic tent space amidst the wild.
Grab your backpack, camera & hiking boots!
Ready to throw on your boots, fill your pack and head into the desert? Expand your mind and explore the possibilities of camping outside the box at Anza-Borrego. Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to document the sandscape along this edgy journey.
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