My Top Ten San Diego Hikes, #7 - Anza Borrego Desert State Park

" The first time I knew you 
Tears ran down my face 
you taught me how to look at Earth's geologic past 
that will prepare us for what is to come....."  

Those were the words that spoke to me the first time I saw Borrego badlands, remnants of what was once underneath the sea. If this desert state park were any closer to San Diego proper, this place would move up in the list of My Top Ten San Diego hikes. Sadly however, this desert State Park is the farthest among the places in My Top Ten list, being in the northeasternmost of San Diego County.

Me on the Snowy Slopes of Cuyamaca that Borders The Dry Anza Borrego Desert

In my previous post, I mentioned that what is unique with Cuyamaca Rancho State Park ( #8 in my top ten list ) is that it borders the desert. The beauty of San Diego could not be described by one overpowering symbol since there is none. Instead, San Diego revels in its geologic diversity. The drive from main town San Diego to Anza Borrego would make one experience the beautiful contrasts of the huge and majestic waves of the ocean, the tranquil water in the bay, boulder-strewn foothills, oak and pine-clad mountains to the vast rain shadow desert. 

@ Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, West border of Anza Borrego Desert State Park

The rain shadow desert is produced by the high mountains on the West that blocks movement of winter storms pouring most of the rain on the west side of the mountains. The result....the lush Cuyamaca Forest on the West and the bone dry arid Anza Borrego Desert in the East. Bone dry- which others call a wasteland. But is the desert really a wasteland? Let us take a closer look.......

2009 Spring Wildflowers @ Anza Borrego Desert State Park

From afar, the desert looks too dry and unforgiving. Others dismiss the desert as a waste land because it is a place devoid of lushness and foliage. However, the desert whispers: "have patience to wait...for God transforms this dirt into a wonderland!". 

Me Amongst Desert  Spring Blooms ( Spring 2009 )

The desert spring blooms is not a guarantee every spring, because it depends on the amount and timing of precipitation. However, seeing a barren land transform into a paradise of color, is like seeing some of the greatest miracles of life. Like, the miracle of a drop of water. 

White Evening Primrose and Desert Sand Verbena

Because Anza Borrego is quite a long drive for us, whenever we go here, we combine several hiking trails and take some time to simply stop at some of our favorite places. We leave San Diego early morning, and usually get back home at night. Despite the long drive and combination of different hikes, we go home feeling energized, inspired by the miracles in the desert that we see that is shaped by water and tectonics.

Here are some of our favorite hiking trails in Anza Borrego Desert State Park (best time to hike: winter to early spring ):

1. Borrego Palm Canyon Trail -  5.5 miles round trip hike, 600 ft elevation gain from the Park Visitor Center; or 3 miles round trip hike, 450 ft elevation gain from Borrego Palm Canyon Crampground.

Images from Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

This is probably my most favorite trail at Anza Borrego. It starts out flat with thorny vegetation adorned by wildflowers during spring. Then it gradually climbs with some fun rock scrambling once inside the canyon. Inside the canyon, it's like a different world, not a desert. Water runs through the creek, a lot of minI-waterfalls, and the biggest surprise of them all, desert bighorn sheep enjoying the water creek that runs through the palm oasis. 

Desert's Surprises @ Borrego Palm Canyon

Nature's Desert Garden

In the desert
I see the promise 
Of a hidden and peaceful oasis 
That supports a very diverse life 

2. Font's Point - 1.0 mile round trip, 200 ft elevation gain. Actually, anyone could enjoy the beauty at Font's Point without a hike, but anyone could go further East and walk around Font's Point to see more of the beauty that is created by water. Millions of years ago, Anza Borrego was underneath the sea. Forsaken by the sea, a maze of hills and washes came out revealing our geologic past.

The Sea of Badlands @ Font's Point

3. Palm Slot Canyon ( near the trailhead of Calcite Mine ) - 

Goofing Off @ Palm Slot Canyon with Cousin and Friend

this is a fun hike that can be short or long depending on how much one wants to get deeper into the slot canyon. The trailhead is close enough to S-22 highway, further East of the Fon'ts point turn-out.

Having Fun @ the Palm Slot Canyon (me and hubby)

Hiking @ palm Slot Canyon

4. Cactus Loop Trail - this is a short 1 mile hike with 200 ft change in elevation, however, one could extend the hike if not taking other trails because there are interconnecting trails here. This is like nature's cactus garden with ocotillo, barrel cactus, cholla cactus, among others.

Hubby (top left) standing next to ocotillo, younger brother (top right) amidst cholla cactus

Palm trees beautifully swaying hidden in canyons.....

Intriguing thorny vegetation that gives some of the world's most beautiful blossoms....

Convoluted maze of hills and washes....

Desert calling you into preserving and conserving its mind boggling natural landscapes of unique geologic and biologic origins.  

The beauty and magnificence of the desert 
Reminds us not to look on skin alone 
For deeper beauty is not on what is obvious 
But what lies inside!

♥♥