Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provides a stark contrast to San Diego's luxurious coastline. At 2 hours' drive from the city, this vast desert landscape is California's largest state park, spanning a remarkable 600,000 acres. This massive expanse offers some incredible sightseeing opportunities as the diverse scenery ranges from arid badlands and lakebeds to soaring mountaintops.

While the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is definitely a wild place, there are plenty of reasons to make the trip. This evolving landscape is constantly evolving as harsh rain, snow and wind continue to erode and reshape it. It even changes radically in the short term, as desert rain brings about an incredibly vibrant explosion of desert wildflowers.

With over 100 miles of top-notch hiking trails heading in every direction throughout the park, outdoorsy people will love the chance to explore the unique geological features that make up this alluring part of the world.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near San Diego - one of the highlights of 10 Best Road Trips near San Diego (Read all about San Diego here)

What are the highlights of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

The array of hiking trails is often the main draw for visitors making their way to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The most popular hike in the area leads to the Borrego Palm Canyon – a hidden oasis that's brimming with plant life. At about 3 miles long, this relatively easy trek is well worth your time. Also, be sure to take a wander into 'The Slot'. This narrow siltstone canyon is a fascinating landmark that lets you delve slightly beneath the desert surface and roam a twisting path.

Southern California’s barren desert can be a tough place during the middle of summer as temperatures soar to unbearable levels. Fortunately, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park looks at its most impressive come the rainy wintertime, when colourful species such as dune verbena, woolly Indian paintbrush, yellow desert sunflowers and Parish’s poppy spring into life.

Where to stay near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

It'll probably come as no surprise to learn that there aren't too many bustling towns to be found immediately around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. However, the community of Borrego Springs is where you can head when you want to find something delicious to eat and a place to rest your head for the night. With more than 3,000 permanent residents calling this charming place home, there's an assortment of laidback restaurants ranging from burger joints and Mexican grills to steakhouses.

When visiting Borrego Springs, keep your eyes out for a series of towering sculptures that adorn the landscape. Created by Mexican artist Ricardo Breceda, these enormous works depicting prehistoric creatures include a giant T-Rex, a sabre-toothed cat, and a 330-ft-long serpent. If you'd prefer to spend your time relaxing, La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa features a striking cocktail bar, several pools and tennis courts, so you won't have to totally forgo city comforts.

Good to know about the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

To make sure you have the best chance of seeing all the highlights at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, consider renting a 4WD for your visit if you don’t already own one. While many of the park’s most popular highlights are surrounded by paved roads, there are also 500 miles of dirt roads that delve into the stunning desert hinterland.

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is completely free to enter, but you might encounter some small fees if you visit the area’s major landmarks such as Borrego Palm Canyon or Tamarisk Grove. With camping underneath the stars being one of the most popular things to do here, make sure you reserve a camping spot with plenty of time to spare. Backcountry camping is also possible and is free, but check the rules before deciding to do so.