Overview
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California is the largest state park in the state and the second largest in the United States (after Adirondack State Park in New York). The park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside and Palm Springs. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word borrego, or bighorn sheep.
1 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Yaqui Well Trail
A 1.64-mile (2.64-km) round-trip trail leads to Yaqui Well, a historic desert watering place. The relatively flat, gentle hike takes about one hour. The well is actually a seep that supports a small riparian area with de…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Nov–Apr. Summer highs reach about 107°F; winter lows dip to about 41°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jan and Feb. (climate data from nearby Salton Sea)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PSP Palm Springs International Airport, Palm Springs — 40 mi away (major hub). Directions
- CLD McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad — 52 mi away. Directions
California State Route 78
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Map of Henry W. Coe State ParkThe park consists of 500 mi of dirt roads, and miles and miles of hiking trails. Additionally, the park features views, washes, cacti, wildflowers, and palm groves. Animal lovers will also enjoy the wildlife scene in the park—everything from chuckwallas and iguanas to roadrunners and red diamond rattlesnakes have been spotted here.
The park has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
A number of species typical of the Sonoran and Colorado deserts can be seen in the park, as well as a few endangered ones, like the Desert Bighorn sheep or the Californian palm tree (Washingtonia filifera).
Climate
Winter lasts from November to the beginning of April, with temperatures often in the 70s and 80s F during daytime. The higher chance of rainfall during that season makes it possible to see the desert in bloom.
Get in
By car
California State Route 78
By foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.
Do
- There are miles and miles and scenic and historic trails.... You couldn't see it all in a day if you tried!
- Hike along Palm Canyon Trail, in the vicinity of the visitor center
Do Yaqui Well Trail (Yaqui Well)
A 1.64-mile (2.64-km) round-trip trail leads to Yaqui Well, a historic desert watering place. The relatively flat, gentle hike takes about one hour. The well is actually a seep that supports a small riparian area with desert ironwood, mesquite and other vegetation, making it a particularly good birdwatching spot, especially during spring migration in late April and early May. More than 140 bird species have been recorded here.
Drink
Make sure you drink lots of water. High winds and a hot sun can prove dangerous.
Sleep
Lodging
The small town of Borrego Springs, surrounded by the massive state park, has lodging ranging from small motels to upscale resorts.
Camping
Camp sites are available for $20 per night in most locations or you can camp for free in the primitive camping areas and really get in touch with nature! However, make sure you bring your own fire-ring (or something like it- a metal garbage can lid works great) as it's illegal to make fire upon the ground. It causes great damage to the eco-system. Pack everything (including ashes from the fire) out with you. Leave the place like you found it, or do a good deed and scout out old trash left by others that can be dangerous to the natural habitat.
Backcountry
There's plenty of room to get lost so make sure you have a map, water, and tell people ahead of time so they know to worry if you don't show up when you're supposed to.
Stay safe
Watch out for rattle snakes and scorpions... but most of all, the sun. Drink lots of water.
Nearby
Borrego Springs
City / town · 18 listings · 2 mi away
Julian
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Salton City
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La Quinta
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Ramona
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Indian Wells
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Coachella
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My experience
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