7 Things to Do in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Being the largest state park in California, Anza Borrego Desert State Park is surprisingly underrated. There are so many things to do here from giant metal sculptures, breathtaking landscapes and awesome hikes to off-roading through the rugged badlands. Being San Diegans, this is one of our goto places if we need some adventure time. Below is the list of our favorite things to do and see in this awesome place, starting from Borrego Springs.

(Note: OHVs are NOT allowed in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Don’t mistake dirt washes for OHV areas. You need to go to the neighboring Ocotillo Wells for OHV areas.)

Galleta Meadows Sculptures

Galleta Meadows Sculptures are the work of artist/welder Ricardo Breceda. He was commissioned to build these giant metal sculptures all over the town of Borrego Springs. These sculptures are quite amazing to admire from far away and up close. One of the famous pieces is the giant serpent that weaves his way in and out of the ground from one side of the road to the other at a whopping 350 feet long. Other ones include giant scorpion fight a giant cricket, and a giant bird carrying a snake. Some of them are quite hidden unless you know where to look and are willing to explore.

Slot Canyon Hike

This Slot Canyon Hike, known simply as “The Slot,” is one of the few slot canyon hikes in California. It is also a shorter and easy hike to do if you decide to bring your kids with you. This unique place was created by flash floods, which formed a breathtaking slot canyon. In certain areas, the canyon walls reach as high as 40-feet high as it towers over a foot-wide canyon floor. This makes it a super cool hike.

Wind Caves trail

If you’re looking for some off the beaten path adventures in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, this is one of them. Wind Caves trail is a hidden gem that takes you to an awesome sandstone formation full of wind-eroded pockets. Wind Caves trailhead located off U.S. Route 78, near Ocotillo Wells. We recommend bringing your 4WD or at least high clearance vehicles for this. It is a short hike, less than a mile round trip from the trailhead. However, if you don’t have 4WD or high clearance vehicles, you can park at the Fish Creek Campground and hike in. It is 2.5 miles each way from the Campground to the trailhead.

Wind Cave trail in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Fonts Point

It is surprising that not too many people know about Fonts Point. This place is arguably the most beautiful place in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Fonts Point is an overlook into the Borrego Badlands where you look upon corrugated ridgelines that stretch out for miles. This is the best place to watch the sunset in the park. It is not that far from Borrego Springs and is quite easy to get to if you have a capable vehicle. If you have 4WD vehicles, the bumpy dirt road will take you right over to the parking. If you don’t, you can always hike in. It is about 8 miles R.T. if you want to hike in from the main road.

Pumpkin Patch

The Pumpkin Patch is a very unique area in Anza Borrego Desert State Park. It is full of these big round rocks that are all about the same size as an average pumpkin. This spot is definitely one of the hidden gems here. The Pumpkin Patch is not easy to find as it is not well marked and you need 4WD vehicles to get here. However, it is definitely a unique addition to your itinerary. Depending on which route you take, you can also visit a couple of famous palm oases in the middle of the desert.

Vista del Malpais

Vista del Malpais is one of the two designated areas, the other one being Fonts Point, with breathtaking views of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Badlands. You can either hike or drive to the parking in front of the viewpoint. It is about 6 miles R.T. if you want to hike from the main road. If you decide to drive in, you’ll need high clearance or 4WD vehicles.

Vista del Mapais in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, CA

Calcite Mine Slot Canyon Hike

Calcite Mine Slot Canyon Hike is a 4-miles hike that is located off S-22, Borrego Salton Seaway. It takes you down a rough jeep trail to a wash where you have the option of exploring a slot canyon as well as the mine area. The hike up to the tiptop has a gorgeous expansive view of the Salton Sea and the surrounding badlands.