Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has quickly become one of my favorite state parks in California. It is an absolute haven for all desert and nature lovers. The park spans over 600,000 acres and is California’s largest state park. Anza offers over 110 miles of hiking trails, which is one of my favorite things. There is always something new to explore when you go and you can never run out of things to do. It’s also one of the only parks in California where you can free camp without a permit so if you want to take a spontaneous camping trip, this is the spot.
Essential Tips for Visiting Anza-Borrego State Park
Anza-Borrego is one of my favorite weekend getaways. It’s only an hour and a half east of San Diego, and offers a beautiful arid environment with unique canyon formations. Anza-Borrego is a more rugged spot with a lot of unpaved roads. You’ll need a 4×4 or AWD vehicle to access a lot of the trailheads, although there are plenty of areas where you can get away with a FWD. If you don’t have a 4×4 or AWD, I would highly recommend doing your research first about the part of the park you want to visit. A friend of mine got stranded out there waiting for a tow truck when their car got stuck. I also recommend packing a shovel in case you need to dig your tires out of the sand. It’s also important to bring plenty of water, snacks, and toilet paper as only certain entrances and campgrounds have restrooms. (I recommend compostable TP).
I have a love the solitude and the free feeling of being away from civilization, and this park is so vast with so many camping opportunities its a great spot to try to get some peace and clear your head. Plus, the lack of accommodation means you can enter and camp in Anza-Borrego free of charge. There is less ranger oversight, so its important to remember that the park’s arid environment is a delicate ecosystem that must be respected. Remember to stay on trails and always pack out what you pack in. My favorite time to visit Anza is in the winter. The warm desert is great for escaping winter gloom, with average winter temperatures around 60-70°F. I don’t recommend hiking or camping in Anza-Borrego during the summer months. Unless you are incredibly prepared, it can be dangerously hot with summer temperatures averaging over 100°F.
Trails and Hikes in Anza Borrego
One of the best things about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is how many trails there are to explore whether you’re just looking to hike or planning on camping, it’s always a good adventure. There are 176 trails in the park all together. Here are a few:
🌵 Easy Hikes
1. Borrego Palm Canyon Loop (2.8 miles round-trip – 456 ft Elevation Gain)
This is probably the most popular well known trails in the park. This hike takes you through a rocky desert wash into a lush oasis of California fan palms. The trail gradually gains elevation, offering scenic views of the canyon walls and desert terrain before leading you into the shaded palm grove. A small stream often flows through the canyon in spring, depending on recent rainfall.
2. Pictograph Trail (2.6 miles – 462ft Elevation Gain)
A short, easy hike that leads to a remarkable display of ancient Kumeyaay rock art painted on a large boulder. The trail starts in the quiet Blair Valley, following a sandy path lined with desert flora and scattered granite boulders. After about half a mile, you’ll reach the pictographs — a series of red geometric designs that are thousands of years old.
If you have time, it’s worth continuing another ~1 mile to Smuggler Canyon Overlook, where you’ll get sweeping views of the valley below — a great spot for a snack or a quick break before heading back.
3. Slot Canyon Trail (2.2 miles – 298 ft Elevation Gain)
One of my favorite parts of the park. This narrow slot canyon is short but super scenic — you’re weaving through rock walls that are barely shoulder-width in places. It does get busy over there so it is important to arrive early to secure parking.
3. Wind Caves Trail (0.9 miles – 259 ft Elevation Gain)
This is another really cool trail in the park. It’s a very short hike and you get to see some really interesting rock formations. I would recommend a 4×4 high clearance vehicle to get to the trail head for this one.
🏜️ Moderate Hikes
4. The Slot, West Butte Loop (4.6 miles – 698 ft Elevation Gain)
This is an extended loop that includes The Slot but takes you up and around to some incredible views. If you want a longer more scenic hike to add onto The Slot, this is the way to go.
5. Fonts Point Overlook (Drive + Short Walk OR 8.4-mile hike round-trip)
Fonts Point is known as the “Grand Canyon of California”, and it seriously lives up to the name. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can drive up and walk just a few minutes to the overlook. Otherwise, you can hike the sandy road. The view over the Badlands at sunrise or sunset is one of the best in the park.
🌄 Harder Hikes
6. Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon Trail (5 miles – 961 ft Elevation Gain)
The first stretch of the trail is fairly flat and easy to follow, winding through a wide, sandy wash with beautiful desert views. But as you get deeper into the canyon, the path becomes rockier, less defined, and can be more challenging to navigate. But this rugged desert hike takes you through the rocky Hellhole Canyon to a hidden oasis and seasonal waterfall known as Maidenhair Falls, which is totally worth it.
7. Villager Peak Trail (13.4 miles – 4,934 ft Elevation Gain)
This is one of Anza-Borrego’s most strenuous hikes but can be very rewarding if you are up for the challenge. The Villager Peak Trail climbs relentlessly from the desert floor up a long, exposed ridge to the summit of Villager Peak, with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain. From the summit, you’ll get 360° panoramic views of: Vast stretches of untouched desert wilderness, the Salton Sea, and the Borrego Badlands and Santa Rosa Mountains.
The trail isn’t officially maintained, and there’s no shade along the way, so it’s critical to start early and carry plenty of water (think: at least 4–5 liters per person). The views, though, are nothing short of epic — wide-open panoramas of the Borrego Badlands, Salton Sea, and surrounding desert ranges unfold the higher you go.
Accessible Trails
Unfortunately, this park is not easily accessible for folks needing mobility aids. Most roads and trails are unpaved, the desert terrain is primarily made up of sandy rock filled soil, and some gravel. There are three accessible trails that are paved or aggregated. Two of the three are loops near the visitor center where you will find accessible parking. Campground Visitor Center Trail and Visitor Center Loop Trail both paved concrete trails under a mile each with a 2% maximum slope. Culp Valley Trail is a half mile out and back trail composed of aggregated sand and gravel. This trail is a bit more challenging with a 10% maximum slope but offers a stunning view of Borrego Valley.
Accessible Campgrounds
If you’re looking to campout, four of the park’s developed campgrounds have accessible sites with parking. The most accessible place to camp at Anza-Borrego is Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, consisting of five accessible sites and five accessible restrooms. Other campsites with accessible features are available at Bow Willow Campground, Tamarisk Grove Campground, and Vern Whitaker Horse Camp. Due to the limited sites, I recommend reserving your spot at one of these campgrounds a few months in advance.
**Natural Wonders**
Anza-Borrego is home to several natural wonders that captivate visitors year-round. The slot canyons of the Wind Caves Trail beckon explorers to wander through narrow passages carved by wind and water, offering a glimpse into the geological history of the region. The Borrego Badlands, with their labyrinthine formations and vibrant hues, present a photographer’s paradise during sunrise and sunset. Anza Borrego is a unique experience for any traveler. Entering this diverse park is like teleporting to another planet. The solitude and uniqueness of Anza Borrego is the perfect weekend escape.
**Flora and Fauna**
Despite its arid reputation, the park boasts a surprising diversity of plant and animal life. Springtime transforms Anza-Borrego into a floral wonderland, as desert wildflowers burst into bloom after winter rains. Bighorn sheep, elusive yet iconic inhabitants of the desert, can sometimes be spotted navigating the rocky terrain. The desert environment is home to various drought resistant plants such as cacti, indigo bush, and other low growing perennial. You’ll find more wildflowers during spring months following wetter winters. The lack of high growing trees inhibits the growth of wildflowers when winters are dry due to the intense year round sunshine.
**Preserving the Wilderness**
As you navigate Anza-Borrego, it’s clear why conservation efforts are crucial. Even though Anza-Borrego is California’s largest state park, it is one of the least regulated. The lack of regulation makes this park less accessible with dirt roads and minimal facilities. Most entry points are free to enter and overnight camping is free on a first come service. You won’t find many signs throughout the park with rules or directions, so it is important to understand permitted areas before arriving. Park rangers are not as common inside this park which has caused some issues with visitors littering and defecating illegally. I like to keep my car organized with everything I need to responsibly enjoy the outdoors. Some essentials I would recommend is a stanley water container, a lot of extra drinkable water (especially for the summer months), reusable travel silverware, solar charging power bank, multitool, stainless steel trowel and a garbage bag.
Anza-Borrego’s fragile desert ecosystem is both resilient and delicate, making responsible tourism essential. Anytime you’re enjoying nature it is important to stay on marked trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife habitats. Everyone is responsible for conserving this beautiful planet to ensure future generations can continue to experience its natural beauty.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a testament to the raw beauty and resilience of California’s desert landscapes. Whether you come for the challenging hikes, the stunning vistas, or simply to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the desert, this park promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and discover the hidden gems of Anza-Borrego for yourself.
-Emily