Anza-Borrego Desert State Park California
Anza, Coyote Canyon and Vistitor Center area
Overview | Vistor Center | Points of Interest | Where to Stay | Maps
Videos | Things to Do - ABDSP | Park History
The northwest area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is called the Anza Region. It offers some of the most arduous terrain in the park and is dominated by Comb's Peak and San Ysidro Peak, both of which exceed 6,000 feet in elevation.
In this region, Coyote Canyon bisects the Bucksnort and Coyote Mountains, where Juan Bautista de Anza's original route is marked by the First Child Monument, Santa Catarina and El Vado (Anza Camp).
Further up Coyote Canyon, Bighorn Sheep, as well as wild horses and Coyotes, grace the rugged terrain. Roads and trails here follow historic routes of the Native American Cahuilla. Gateways to this arid, rugged wilderness are provided by portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, the California Riding and Hiking Trail and Anza National Historic Trail.
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp is located further down Coyote Creek at the end of Borrego Springs Road. The trail to this camp, along with Desert Gardens Trail, Alcoholic Pass Trail and Desert View Trail, offer some of the less strenuous adventures in this area of the park.
Culp Valley is also located in this sector, in the mountains west of Borrego Springs between the San Ysidro and Pinyon Mountains. It is accessible from County Road S-22 as you enter the park from the west. The California Riding and Hiking Trail can be accessed here as it winds past Pena Spring and follows the rim of Hellhole Canyon descending to the valley floor. Maidenhair Falls, The Thimble, By Jim Springs and Scenic Overlook are all popular spots in the Culp Valley area.
The Visitor center is included in this area. Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail 3.0 miles round trip Begins at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground. Self-guided trail brochure describes plants and geology. Gently climbing trail leads to native palm grove. A self-guided trail map.
As you begin to explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, you will find that it has a rich archeological heritage and that nearly every surface of this arid land yields evidence of past human inhabitants. More...
Panoramic Overlook Trail 1.0 mile round trip Begins at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, near site #71. Steep uphill trail ending with a view of campground and Borrego Valley. Visitor Center /
Campground Trail 1.2 miles round trip Begins at Visitor Center or B.P.C. Campground. Easy, all access trail between the two locations. Typical creosote scrub environment. Dogs on leash are permitted on this trail.
With more than 600,000 acres, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, has 7 unique areas that you can explore.
Anza /Visitor Center Area | Blair Valley Area | Borrego Badlands Area
Bow Willow Area | Fish Creek Area | Santa Rosa Area | Tamarisk Grove Area
Things to Do in the park | Park History
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