Anza Borrego is kind of like Joshua Tree’s lost cousin. It’s whopping 600,000 acres of desert is covered with wonderfully weird landscapes like Joshua Tree, but it’s still commonly forgotten. However, this is what makes Anza-Borrego so amazing to visit. It’s lack of visitors makes it perfect for that off the grid weekend that you were hoping for when you arrived at a crowded campsite in J Tree. Here are 8 things to do in Anza Borrego during your first visit (and before it attracts the masses).
Squeeze through the SLOT
Anza Borrego has it’s own version of Arizona’s much photographed Antelope Canyon, except you can enjoy this one without a tour and 25 other people. The hike is only .8 miles, but gets narrow enough where you will have to squeeze through shoulder width passages. The slot is definitely on everyone’s list of things to do in Anza Borrego.
Trailhead address: Borrego Mountain Wash, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Set up Camp ANYWHERE
Unlike many other parks, Anza-Borrego allows you to camp ANYWHERE in the park, as long as you don’t mind peeing in a bush or two. If you take this option, make sure to bring a bucket to contain a fire for your camp.
If you do want to camp in a campsite instead, you can book those here.
Go OFFROADING
Anza-Borrego brings a ton of the off roading crowd to the desert, which explains all of the high lifted jeeps and tire tracks all over. Don’t have the required vehicle? Head to Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (a park just for off-roading) and rent an ATV.
Chill Out at the WIND CAVES
The wind caves may be some of the coolest or weirdest formations I’ve seen in Nature. If you think Joshua Trees look like their out of a Dr. Suess book, just wait until you see these funky rock creations.
Hunt Down Some Massive ART INSTALLATIONS
It would be hard not to notice some of the massive metal sculptures on your drive through the park. Thanks to the owner of the Galleta Meadows Estate, Dennis Avery, we can pretend we are on the grounds of a Burning Man art exhibit anytime we please.
Find a HIDDEN OASIS
Just because Anza-Borrego is in the desert doesn’t mean you can’t find a fluorishing palm oasis. The Palm Canyon trail is a moderate 3-mile hike leading to hidden gathering of palm trees and cold water.
Catch Sunset at FONTS POINT
Drive to Fonts Point at the end of the day for an incredible view of sunset. Then, wait for the crowd to leave to get even better pictures after dusk.
Find Your Way to Goat Canyon Trestle
If you’re looking for a challenge, you can attempt the hike to Goat Canyon Trestle. You can read more about that here, but I recommend allowing a whole day for this hike.
Stargaze
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has recently been named an International Dark Sky Park by the IDA, which means stargazing and astrophotography will be over the top here. Grab your best lens and head to Borrego to take your shot at a picture of the Milky Way.
Have any questions about things to do in Anza Borrego or think I should add something to this list? Please comment below!
