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 • February 17, 2024

The South Family of Ghost Mountain: Sidetrack Adventures

A YouTuber's Trek to Ghost Mountain Reveals the Stark Beauty of Marshal South's Primitive Paradise

In the sprawling Anza-Borrego Desert, Sidetrack Adventure embarks on an evocative expedition to Ghost Mountain, revealing the vestiges of Marshal South's unique desert homestead. Far from the dazzle of today's reality TV, this narrative delves into the essence of a family's quest for solitude and simplicity amidst the wilderness.

The Yakitepec Odyssey

Sidetrack Adventure's quest transports us back to the 1930s, where Marshal South, an esteemed author, and his family initiated their "great experiment" in primitive living. Their dwelling, Yaquitepec, perched on Ghost Mountain, symbolizes their commitment to a life liberated from societal constraints and materialism. This journey to the remnants of Yaquitepec is not merely a physical trek but a contemplation of a life markedly distinct from contemporary societal norms.

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Echoes from the Past

Ascending Ghost Mountain, Sidetrack Adventure enriches our understanding of Marshal South's life—from his Australian roots to his prolific contributions to Desert Magazine. Each step up the mountain, interspersed with panoramic views of the desert, encapsulates the daily challenges faced by the South family in their desert abode.

Whispers of a Bygone Era

Reaching the summit unveils the skeletal remains of Yaquitepec, whispering tales of a life intertwined with the desert's raw elements. Relics like a hefty metal bed frame and adobe walls, though worn by time, narrate the family's resilience and adaptability. The presence of cisterns and a sundial underscores their ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for survival.

Contemplating a Simpler Existence

This exploration into the South family's legacy prompts reflections on the allure of a simpler life, removed from modernity's clamor. Sidetrack Adventure's pilgrimage to Yaquitepec not only illuminates the physical traces of the Souths' experiment but also encourages a deeper introspection on our lifestyle choices and the pursuit of personal freedom.

For an immersive experience and to witness the remnants of the South family's desert saga, watch Sidetrack Adventure's full video. This adventure offers a unique glimpse into a chapter of Anza-Borrego's history, reminding us of the human spirit's eternal quest for simplicity and unity with nature.

Dive into this captivating journey with Sidetrack Adventure on their YouTube channel, and discover the legacy of Marshal South and his family's life on Ghost Mountain, located at coordinates 33.00185075824831, -116.38600190377677.

Explore more adventures with Sidetrack Adventure.