It has been a wet winter in California and when that happens the desert in eastern San Diego County changes. We went seeking early spring flowers in the Anza-Borrego desert. In the summer, in the desert, I look past the small patches of dry vegetation surrounded by sand and instead focus on the dramatic views. With enough rain, these patches of what nearly everyone would call weeds, turn into a blanket of flowers. If you catch the bloom right, it is a completely different desert than during the parched summer.
Our vacation cruise
Most people would say with our lifestyle, being on vacation all the time, that we wouldn’t need a vacation. True as stated. With every day being Saturday, we didn’t need a vacation, rather we wanted a vacation. So we left the RV behind and took a luxury cruise to Mexico. Now we are full-time RV travelers again. We are “Glamping” RVers but cruising is way more refined than “glamor camping” Here are links to our two posts about our cruise to Cabo San Lucas. Spoiled Rotten on our Cruise and Cabo San Lucas
Not our first visit to the Anza-Borrego
As full-time RVers, we have crossed the Anza-Borrego desert in California and Arizona several times. Right after we launched our first full-time RVer trip in 2018 we departed San Diego and our first stop east of San Diego was in the Anza-Borrego desert. Here is a link to that story. A Million Dollar View
In 2018 starting from Ocotillo we took the traditional route north along the mountains on Great Southern Overland Stage Route. It is nearly the same route that Juan Bautista de Anza took north. The stage route followed the same route to the north as de Anza took on his exploration in 1774. This road leads to the present Anza-Borrego Desert State Park named partially for de Anza and partially named by Anza. One of the first stops is Agua Caliente which I reported on in 2018.
When Juan Bautista de Anza took the route northbound he crossed into the California desert south of present-day Yuma in 1774. Of course, Yuma didn’t exist but de Anza documents going south of the large impassable area of the Algodones Dunes. We know these sand dunes as the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Salton Sea
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is to the west of the Salton Sea and the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. When de Anza first explored the area, the Salton Sea was a large below-sea-level depression much like Death Valley. It wasn’t until 1905 that the irrigation projects along the Colorado River mistakenly created the Salton Sea. The depression that makes up the Salton Sea had flooded many times in history before 1905 and included the Coachella Valley to the north and the Imperial Valley to the south.
Our Route
Our route this time was southbound traveling along the west shore of the Salton Sea and then turning west on State Route 22. This road connects Borrego Springs to the Salton Sea. The eastern portion of this road, while in Imperial County was horrible. Upkeep was much better once in San Diego County. A much better westbound road to Borrego Springs westbound is California Highway 78.
Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is either surrounded by the state park or inside the state park depending on how and who describes it. The name Borrego is the name given to the area by de Anza. The name describes the Desert Big Horn sheep that still occupy the area.
The sheep need water and the springs in the Borrego area provide this much-needed water. In the hotter months when nearly all water sources dry up, the sheep are often found near Palm Canyon to the west of Borrego Springs. Since it was winter during our visit and there was plenty of water, we didn’t see any sheep.
Homesteaders arrived in Borrego Springs around 1910. They were drawn to the area because unlike most of the desert in every direction, there was some water. After some growth, Borrego Springs was nearly deserted during the Great Depression. In 1940, the post office that was open twice a week closed.
The military did some training there during World War II. After the war, the town center was moved north and the layout for the huge roundabout was founded and called Christmas Circle. The park in the middle of the roundabout is the center of the town. Most of the roads in Borrego Springs radiate from the roundabout.
After passing through the roundabout we continued west and camped at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. It is in the state park at the foot of Palm Canyon, a little north of town. I had known about the campground for years but never scored a campsite there mostly because it wasn’t along my route. Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is in Anza-Borrego California State Park campground and it is popular in the winter. It is especially popular in early spring when there is a chance to see the wildflowers.
Hidden Borrego Springs
Given the lack of substantial trees due to the lack of water, most of Borrego Springs is wide open for viewing. Lot sizes are large with most homes only changing a small portion of the lot with the house and driveway. The remaining of the lot is left as desert. A few of the neighborhoods however are focused on golf courses and these locations give the feeling that they are hidden from view with lots of trees and closely spaced homes.
Desert Art
Obviously, by the pictures, you can tell we may have been a little early in the spring to see the super-bloom that winter rains can bring to the desert. Borrego Springs however has a creative side and the Under the Sun Foundation has supported the creation of about one hundred and thirty sculptures scattered throughout the valley. The sculptures are on private land and the public is invited to view them, by visiting each while driving around the valley. The sculptures were created by artist Ricardo Breceda.
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Links on our website are freely provided. We do not get income or commissions. No, we don’t make paid endorsements. We don’t make recommendations but instead, we will tell you what we like (or dislike). Just like the rest of the stuff on our blog, we hope that it helps you. We are so happy you find these articles worth your time.
Links
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
Hi, from the Indian Ocean. Great pictures!
The superblooms are always so amazing. We were never in the right place at the right time, but when you do time it right, it’s just incredible. In the meantime though, those sculptures are always worth a visit. Such unique, fun pieces of art in the middle of the desert.
What adventurers you are… I have gone through your journey with you and have more knowledge of what the United States has to offer!! Stay warm and drive careful
Thanks for sharing!
So the drought is over?
Love this!
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