Five Adventures to Plan in Borrego Springs Next Season
By: Jacq- The Bubbly Mermaid
Avid traveler and adventurer Jacq- The Bubbly Mermaid here. I have absolutely fallen in love with Borrego Springs and want to share some great adventures to be had in this amazing SoCal location. Join me as we explore the California Desert together:
Borrego Springs is quite unique, located in San Diego County, 78 miles southeast of San Diego and 30 miles east of the Salton Sea. It’s the only town in California that is surrounded by a state park- the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The town and the Park have so much to offer visitors. With the wide variety of hiking trails, the beautiful desert landscape, the seasonal Swainson’s hawk watching, the fields and fields of wildflowers in the spring, and the friendly small-town vibe there is so much adventure to be had here. But be warned this is one of those destinations that once you get it under your skin you just can’t stop thinking about when you’ll return! In this post I will share some of my top suggestions for adventuring in Borrego Springs.
Spotting Wildflowers in the State Park
During the months of February, March, and April, Anza-Borrego State Park is best known for its spring wildflower blooms. Located in Southern California’s Colorado Desert, wildflowers can appear in the spring and delight visitors. Depending on the total rainfall, you might find various areas of the Park beaming with colorful flowers. However, most wildflower enthusiasts spend a great deal of time exploring Henderson Canyon Road as this is one of the main attractions for wildflowers. Here are some of my photos from the most recent spring bloom at Henderson Canyon Road.
Insider Tip: It’s important to note that wildflower blooms change from season to season, as well as during the season itself. It is always best to check at the visitor center or in town at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Store.
Get Artsy with Galleta Meadows
A fan favorite in Borrego Springs, located outside the Park, is tracking down the 130 free-standing sculptures produced by artist Ricardo Breceda. These outdoor art sculptures play with the desert landscape. Visiting at different times of day will give you different perspectives of the surrounding desert landscape. These sculptures are also a favorite for those who enjoy night photography. Since Borrego Springs is a certified Dark Sky Community you can get fantastic photos of the night sky! Here is a helpful map outlining the location of some of the most popular sculptures.
Insider Tip: My favorite sculpture is the desert dragon as it travels across the road. Don’t miss it!
Pamper Yourself with a Stay at the Borrego Valley Inn
Are you looking for a desert escape wrapped in luxury?!? One of my favorite places to stay when visiting Borrego Springs is the Borrego Valley Inn. This adult-only oasis is the place to go for relaxation in the desert. At the Borrego Valley Inn you’re treated like royalty. I love waking up to breakfast being delivered to my door so I can enjoy it on my private patio. With only 15 rooms, the Inn is quiet and peaceful, a bit of a desert sanctuary, but it’s also located very close to town, which is very convenient. With Borrego Springs being a Dark Sky Community, the Borrego Valley Inn provides an excellent space to sit back, relax and watch the night sky dance and come to life.
Insider Tips: From time to time the Borrego Valley Inn will have deals, like a Midweek Getaway: Book 3 Nights, get one free. So, make sure to check out their website for seasonal offers and deals.
Visit the Borrego Spring Public Library
The Borrego Spring Public Library was constructed in 2019 and serves as a central meeting area for the community. There is a lot of pride and honor in the library and its unique architecture was inspired by the desert landscape. The structure itself was designed to be a Zero Net Energy building. The structure is also on stilts to minimize any impact if flooding occurs. Natural light seeps into reading nooks and corners. This is a place to go to feel inspired and connect with others. A visit needs to be on your Borrego Springs adventure. Watch this video to learn more about the thought and care that went into building the library. It’s a fantastic video to learn more about the library and the community of Borrego Springs.
Insider Tip: Check out the re-sell area where you can buy gently used books. Every time I visit Borrego Springs, I stop by the library to pick up a new book. Bring cash, books can be as low as a dollar, but only cash is currently accepted.
Take a Hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Finally, as this is probably the main reason you’re visiting the area in the first place, let’s talk about the hiking! Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers a wide variety of hiking, hundreds of miles of hiking actually! With so many trails it can be difficult to pick just one. I think the best hike for first time visitors is the Palm Canyon Trail. This moderate loop trail covers roughly 2.9 miles. It’s a short drive from the visitor center as well as the town of Borrego Springs. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the desert environment while still being close to civilization! You will be entertained on this hike by getting up close to an oasis deep in the canyon. It’s a real treat to see.
Insider Tip: Always check in at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center before planning out your hikes. A lot of roads in the park required 4-wheel drive. It’s better to be safe than sorry as cell reception can be limited in the park.
Additional Resources to Enhance Your Visit
- After hike lunch of snack, Kendall’s Café is a must.
- Need hiking gear, forgot something at home. Borrego Outfitters is the place to go!
- Traveling in your RV? Here’s the perfect stay for your trip to the desert.
- Check out other adventures from The Bubbly Mermaid.
Now go out there and enjoy the little eclectic town of Borrego Springs!
