Wildflowers at Anza-Borrego

Depending on rainfall in winter, the natural beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring. One of the nation's largest state parks, the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert is within a two-hour scenic drive from downtown San Diego and offers visitors endless opportunities to experience the wonders of the desert.

In addition to the wildflowers, the park features 500 miles of dirt roads, 110 miles of hiking trails, washes, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. You may also be lucky enough to see roadrunners, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep.

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center, located east of Borrego Springs on Palm Canyon Drive, provides brochures, books and other printed information, as well as scientific exhibits and a slideshow about the Park's flora, fauna, geology and human history. Guests may want to ask about Anza-Borrego's self-guided car tours, walking trails, picnic facilities and campgrounds.

Desert Garden

A desert garden just outside the Visitor Center building provides a quick look at some of the vegetation in the park, with the species identified. The garden also includes a pupfish pond.