How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Shandel Sutherland • March 16, 2024

An Adventure in Anza-Borrego: The Bourbon Van

The Bourbon Van's Journey Through Desert and Sculpture

Nestled within the vast expanse of California's landscape lies the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, a treasure trove of natural wonders that remains relatively undiscovered by many. Recently, Phil and Julie of The Bourbon Van embarked on a road trip that led them to this hidden gem, and what they found was nothing short of spectacular. From rugged trails to gigantic metal sculptures, their journey through Borrego Springs was an adventure filled with unexpected delights and the comforting warmth of whiskey.

The Julie Cam Chronicles: Trail Tales and Desert Dangers

While Phil recuperated in the van, Julie took to the trails, her eyes and camera capturing the stark beauty of the desert. The Cactus Loop Trail, true to its name, was a thorny path lined with various cacti, each more imposing than the last. Julie's decision to hike rather than run was wise, considering the lurking dangers of the wild, from hidden rattlesnakes to the unforgiving spines of desert flora. Her exploration highlighted the raw beauty of Anza-Borrego, a reminder of the desert's untamed nature.

A Whiskey Worth the Wander: Courage & Conviction

In the spirit of discovery, Phil and Julie sampled a unique offering from Virginia Distillery Company: the Courage & Conviction American Single Malt Whiskey. Aged for three years and nurtured in a blend of sherry, cuvée, and bourbon casks, this whiskey promised a complexity that intrigued the palate. The golden hue, the aroma of honey and apple cider, and the unexpected meatiness of its flavor profile made it a whiskey that demanded attention. Despite its short aging period, the whiskey presented a layered tasting experience, with notes of vanilla, malt, and a refreshing citrus zest, proving to be a thinker's drink, as intricate as the desert itself.

Rust-colored metal sculpture with spiky face in a desert landscape at sunset

Galleta Meadows: The Metal Sculptures of Borrego Springs

The climax of their journey was the encounter with the colossal metal sculptures scattered across Borrego Springs, creations of artist Ricardo Breceda, commissioned by Dennis Avery. These artistic behemoths, ranging from prehistoric beasts to mythical serpents, stood as silent guardians of the desert, their detailed craftsmanship a testament to human creativity. Driving up to these sculptures, Phil and Julie were dwarfed by their magnitude, a humbling experience that underscored the unexpected wonders of Borrego Springs.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Explore

The Bourbon Van's journey through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a vivid reminder of the adventures that lie in wait, hidden in plain sight. For those yearning for a taste of the wild, the rugged beauty of Borrego Springs, coupled with the intricate flavors of a good whiskey, offers an escape into the heart of the desert. As Phil and Julie continue their exploration, their channel, The Bourbon Van, stands as an invitation to all: to seek adventure, to savor the journey, and to discover the stories etched in the landscapes we often overlook.

Subscribe to their YouTube channel and join them as they traverse the vast, open roads, from the Anza-Borrego Desert to the shores of the Salton Sea, and beyond.