Day One

Afternoon

Arrive Borrego Springs

Come early and get settled in. We know it can take a while, so we’re not going to rush you.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park® Visitor Center

Follow Palm Canyon Drive west from Christmas Circle (1.5 mi.) until it ends in a parking lot - you're there! The Visitors Center caters to a wide range of interests. Walk the short nature loop, a nice walk for all ages, to the pupfish pond. The energetic teenagers may want to walk to Palm Canyon Campground and back while you’re lingering here.

The book and map selection is great for group browsing and learning. Explore the many exhibits and learn about the area as it is today and was years before. There are interesting video presentations in the auditorium on a variety of subjects.

Visit Christmas Circle

Truly the center of town, this traffic circle doubles as a very nice community park, with benches, picnic tables, and restrooms. It’s our patch of green and shade. Bring a good book and a camp chair, and let the kid’s wear themselves out on the lawn. A perfect place to watch the afternoon shadows play over the surrounding mountains.

Evening

Dine in Town

For basic, kid-proof dining, Kendall’s Cafe is an easy pick, with something for every picky palate (think plain burger or grilled cheese...), and an excellent Mexican menu, too. Further up the food chain you might try Pablito’s, especially on the patio in good weather, where the kiddies can chase birds around the fountain while you get a chance to actually sip that margarita!

Stargazing

Good, they’re tired, and you’ve managed to get everyone into a mellow mood. Make sure you allow some time to share the dark night sky together. Almost anywhere in town will do, though close to your bed is best...

Day Two

Morning

Explore Carrizo Badlands

Allow for an hour’s ride each way to this southern section of the park. Morning light reveals a range of visual features and colors to savor. Each mile takes you back in geological time, until you reach the ancient mountains and territory of the Carrizo Badlands.

Mountain Palm Springs & Torote Bowl

Explore an area very different from the Borrego Valley. The trailhead is one mile off S-2 on a dirt road, where you’ll find parking and a porta-toilet. The native palm grove offers some shade and interest as you start out. Don’t forget your water.

After the loop, find the faint trail that zig-zags up the hill from the palm grove to the lip of Torote Bowl, where you’ll find an Elephant Tree. Sit and marvel. Is it time for lunch yet?

Afternoon

Visit Dennis Avery’s Sculptures

On your way back from the south end of the part, along both sides of Borrego Springs road, take time to stop and experience sculptor Riccardo Breceda’s whimsical and impressive metal artwork. Kids of all ages can relate, and will want to play. Patron Dennis Avery is responsible for this unique installation on conservation land he has set aside from development. Thanks, Dennis!

And make sure you travel north of Christmas Circle on Borrego Springs road too, so you see the rest of the pieces out toward where the road becomes Henderson Canyon Road.

Relax in Borrego Springs

Time to make the drive back, and maybe put in some snoozing or pool time before dinner. You’ve earned it. Maybe the kiddies will even let you...

Evening

Dine in Town

A salad at the Red Ocotillo? Maybe a nice NY strip steak at Krazy Coyote? Or a burger and a round of neighborly karaoke at Carlee’s? This is the night to relax and enjoy. Tomorrow, you’re leaving – with a happy family and lots of new secrets!

Day Three

Morning

Hike Borrego Palm Canyon

In Borrego Springs, at the headquarters of the park, off the main campground, is one of the most interesting hikes in the park. Complete your stay with a visit to this mountain and desert canyon.

This trail is a favorite, and for good reason – children able to hike the three-mile roundtrip are rewarded with a palm oasis complete with running water! Plan some play time for them here. And while you walk, be on the lookout for lizards, and listen for cactus wrens... Many visitors will spot bighorn sheep! To make a loop hike, try going up on the Alternate Trail (it begins near the campfire center) and coming back down the main trail. Truly a ‘not to miss’ activity.