Things to do in Anza Borrego Desert
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Font's Point
Font's Point offers a spectacular panorama over the Borrego Valley to the west and the Borrego Badlands to the south. Walking the 4 miles to the point is a good way to really be amazed when the desert seemingly drops from beneath your feet.
reviewed
-
Ranger Station
There's a ranger station south of Hwy 78 in Ocotillo Wells. From here, paved Split Mountain Rd takes you past the Elephant Trees Discovery Trail, one of the few places to see a 'herd' of the unusual elephant, trees named for their resemblance to an elephant's leg. Related to myrrh, they have a fragrance not unlike department stores around the holidays. The trees were thought not to exist in the Colorado Desert until a full-fledged hunt was launched in 1937.
reviewed
-
A
Peg Leg Smith Monument
The Peg Leg Smith Monument This a monument to Thomas Long 'Peg Leg' Smith: mountain man, fur trapper, horse thief and liar. Around 1829, Peg Leg passed through on his way to LA and supposedly picked up some rocks that were later found to be pure gold. Strangely, he didn't return to the area until the 1850s, when he was unable to find the lode. Nevertheless, he told lots of people about it, and many came to search for the gold and add to the myths.
reviewed
-
B
Butterfield Room
The fine dining restaurant at La Casa del Zorro is very fine indeed. A changing menu provides fresh takes on standards, plus plenty of local ingredients (the kit fox salad combines lettuce, citrus, walnuts and dates), and there's an enviable if pricey wine list. Desserts are off the wall. Dress code is collared shirt, dress pants and shoes for men, 'appropriate attire' for women.
reviewed
-
Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail
There is a wide variety of hiking trails ( M0383) on offer. Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, a popular self-guided loop trail that goes northeast from the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground (), climbs 350ft in 3 miles past a palm grove and waterfall, a delightful oasis in the dry, rocky countryside.
reviewed
-
C
Carlee's Place
Even if the decor feels like it hasn't been updated since the seventies, locals pick Carlee's, near Christmas Circle, for its burgers, pastas and steak dinners - the pool table is a big draw too. There's live music on Friday and karaoke on Thursday and Saturday.
reviewed
-
Blair Valley
Around 5 miles southeast of Scissors Crossing (where S2 crosses Hwy 78) is Blair Valley, known for its Native American pictographs and morteros (hollows in rocks used for grinding seeds). The area also offers nice campgrounds and hiking trails.
reviewed
-
Hellhole Canyon/Maidenhair Falls Trail
Hellhole Canyon/Maidenhair Falls Trail starts from the Hellhole Canyon Trailhead, 2 miles west of the visitor center on S22, and climbs past several palm oases to a seasonal waterfall that supports bird life and a variety of plants.
reviewed
-
D
Krazy Coyote Saloon & Grill
The bar and grill at the Palms at Indian Head serves famous martinis and classics like chicken cordon bleu, alongside newer fare like sesame garlic pork tenderloin. The atmosphere is fun and the views terrific.
reviewed
-
E
Kendall's Cafe
This coffee shop is a hometown favorite for blueberry pancakes at breakfast and a combination of Mexican (enchiladas, fajitas, etc) and straight-down-the-middle American standards the rest of the day.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Anza Borrego Foundation
The Anza Borrego Foundation has an impressive lineup of interpretive programs from stargazing to three-day hikes for the fittest outdoorsfolk. Phone or check online for upcoming events.
reviewed
-
Pictograph/Smuggler's Canyon Trail
In a 3-mile round-trip you can see pictographs and a view of the Vallecito Valley from Pictograph/Smuggler's Canyon Trail , which starts 3.5 miles from S2 in Blair Valley.
reviewed
-
Red Ocotillo
This rather stylish Quonset hut (no, really) serves breakfast all day (think Benedicts and skillet omelettes) as well as hulking sandwiches and cold beer. Pet friendly.
reviewed
