Sheri McGregor - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

W ITH MORE THAN 600,000 ACRES OF OPEN SPACE, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a world of wonders. While mostly within San Diego County, California, the park also stretches north into Riverside County, east into Imperial County, and nearly into Mexico at its southernmost point. Many consider the desert dry and desolate, but secret oases, cool waterfalls, interesting animals, and a wide array of adaptive vegetation wait quietly to refresh adventurous souls.

Those seeking solitude can find it here in the largest desert state park in the contiguous United States. More-sociable types also enjoy this recreational mecca, which includes ample four-wheel-drive and off-road access areas, equestrian and hiking trails, and plentiful camping opportunities.

One developed campground, Tamarisk Grove, offers full hookups, tent sites, restrooms and showers, and a variety of activities. Similar facilities are available on the grounds of Agua Caliente, a full-service county park within the state park.

Other established sites feature a more primitive camping experience. Popular dry camps include Blair Valley, Bow Willow, Culp Valley, Fish Creek, Mountain Palm Springs, and Sheep Canyon. Some of these sites do have chemical toilets, shade ramadas, and picnic tables. Note that only Bow Willow has trashcans.

Besides the officially established sites, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has an open camping policymeaning you can pack in supplies and camp almost anywhere, taking care to obey closure signs and keep off any private property. Bring your own firewood, pack in a fireproof metal container to completely contain your fire, and be sure to keep flames and smoke to a minimum so you dont damage or discolor anything in the park. To cook, you must use a portable stove. And dont forget to pack out anything you bring in or create on site. Leave no trash, ashes, or debris of any kind behind.

Some sites in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park require fees for day or overnight use. Ive noted this at individual trails, but rules and requirements change. Youll see posted signs indicating that visitors are expected to know the rules, so get them at the Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, or phone the park for information, (760) 767-5311.

Whether you day-hike or you like to get closer to the desert by backpacking and camping in the park, leave your worries at the gate and allow the deserts natural features to serenade you. Natures melody may come to you in a classic call of the wild, like the haunting cries of coyotes yipping in the night, or it may be even more forceful, like the buffeting rhythm of strong desert wind whistling through boulder stands, up over hills, into valleys, and whipping at your hair and clothes. But nature also sings more-subtle songslike the melody found in the gentle swish of an ocotillos spindly bloom-tipped arms, the promised explosion of color resting within a cactus blooms curled bud, or the whisper-soft caress of an arid desert breeze.

As scorching heat is swallowed in a twilight-pink sky, hungry bats awaken and emerge on nimble wings, a restless predator rises to prowl, and stars grow bright. At dawn, the powdery sand is moist with dew, holding the scuttling imprints of tiny insects that scurried in the night. A tarantula hawk flits about on transparent red wings. A dragonfly hovers, beckoning you to a streams edge where water splashes, sprays, and tumbles, reflecting the lilting dance of your soul awakened by the desert.