Borrego Sun - Since 1949

The Borrego Wildflower Bloom has brought beautiful colors with a variety of flowers. The cool and warm temperatures have made it an environment for the flowers to thrive in. But it may seem that the bloom may not last much longer, so enjoy them while you can.

Just a reminder, follow these tips if you have not stopped by to see this years bloom:

Wildflower Etiquette:

Don't Doom the Bloom: Stay on designated trails and avoid trampling on delicate wildflowers. The beauty of the bloom is best appreciated from a respectful distance.

Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural habitat by refraining from picking flowers or disturbing plants and wildlife. Leave the desert as you found it and please carry out your trash.

Follow Park Rules: Drone use is prohibited, and dogs must be on a 6' leash at all times and are only allowed on roads.

Desert Safety Tips:

Check the Weather: Temperatures can vary drastically during the day. Avoid canyons if there is a chance of rain; flash flooding can happen rapidly.

Stay Hydrated: Carry ample water, especially during warmer weather. Dehydration can occur quickly in the dry desert environment.

Protect Yourself: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing to shield yourself from the sun's intense rays.

Watch for Wildlife: Including snakes and insects, while exploring the desert landscape. Give animals plenty of space and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

Know Your Vehicle: Most dirt roads in the park require high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check road conditions here. We encourage you to travel with a second vehicle when driving on dirt roads.

Safety: Cell phone coverage is spotty or nonexistent. Bring a first aid kit and become familiar with it. Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend and expected return date.

Where to go for Information:

For up-to-date information on the spring wildflower bloom and park updates, visit the official websites of Anza-Borrego Foundation (www.anzaborrego.org) and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (parks.ca.gov/anzaborrego).

Additionally, visitors can call the Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684 for the latest bloom reports and recommendations. To learn about wildflower centric events and programs, including plant walks every Friday, a wildflower retreat, and wildflower driving tours, visit https://theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/events/.

Prepare for Crowds:

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare for increased traffic and limited parking. To support decreased traffic congestion, please consider using the downloadable map on ABF website and go directly to bloom areas. Consider visiting during the week and exploring the Southern end of the Park and other lesser-known areas. Check the Department of Transportation for any road closures here.

For more information about the spring wildflower bloom and visiting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, please visit the official websites or contact the provided hotline.

Here are a few tips to enjoy your wildflower visit. (From Ernie Cowan back in 2019, prior to the last Super Bloom Borrego had).

Come early and consider bringing a picnic. Local restaurants will be swamped on weekends, and what could be more enjoyable than lunch in a field of flowers?

Carry a comb. It's not just to look pretty but serves a far more important task if you happen to encounter the prickly ball of a cholla cactus.

The barbed spines are difficult to remove, and if you try to flick the cactus ball off or remove it with gloves or your fingers, you will only spread misery. A comb does a great job of removing the cactus ball and many of the spines. It's then easier to get the last few spines with tweezers or pliers.

Be adventurous, but not thoughtless. A road that looks good for your sports car won't be if you need to pull over for other traffic. Cars will quickly sink in Soft sand and towing from remote places gets really expensive. Check at wildflower information booths for road conditions. Better yet, hike.

Getting away from the crowds is easy with even just a short hike. You also move much slower and will discover so many more flower species and perhaps some of the unique and interesting creatures of the desert.

Beware of snakes. Snake encounters are rare, but spring is a time when temperatures are moderate, and snakes can be active.

Avoid putting your hands into places you can't see. If you do encounter a snake, let everyone around you know, especially if you think it could be a rattlesnake. Simply back away, and the snake will leave you alone.