One of the joys of being surrounded by so much wild beauty is the ability to hobble off on two legs and see the sights. Whether you're looking for a 10-minute walk, or a challenging all-day hike, our town and park provide you with lots of routes and choices. And it's always best to be prepared, even for a short trip.

Routes

Your first job is to choose a hike. Each section of the park is full of candidates, so it may not be as easy as it sounds. Some trailheads lie off unpaved park roads away from the highways. Many of these roads are fine for cars, though some trailheads can only be reached on foot, horse, or in 4-wheel drive vehicles. So your choice of vehicle will affect your choice of trails.

And while there are a lot of nice hikes close to Borrego Springs, you'll want to explore outside the valley. Some great hikes await to the south, in the Blair Valley and Carrizo Badlands areas. Don't miss out on seeing this part of the park.

Many of the hikes in our area do not follow obvious "trails", and are not marked with much signage. This is because they follow washes or cross rocky areas that don't lend themselves to "traditional" trail management.

Our many excellent guidebooks will help you to locate and follow these routes. Be sure to pick up a guidebook and suitable map for your hikes. A stop at the park visitor center will update you on current conditions, and on what you may see along your intended route.

Safety

First and foremost, the goal of any hike is to return safely. The desert presents some unique challenges that you probably won't encounter walking around your neighborhood at home. We want you to be prepared for them, so you can focus on having a good time while you're out there.

First topic is water, especially from late March through mid-November, our hottest and driest period. Drink up before setting off, and carry enough water for your entire hike. Don't start off 'dry'. The rule of thumb is a minimum of a gallon per person per day, with more in summer. It's best to drink steadily in small amounts while hiking, rather than wait until you become thirsty. Bring your own water to the trailhead - don't expect to find any out on the trail. The best way to carry water is not in your hands - a good pack with a hydration system will leave your hands free, and will encourage you to carry enough water. More fun, and safer too.

Second topic is sunlight. Bring sunglasses and sunblock you know you like wearing. The best sunglasses for being out during the day are 'glacier glasses', which fully shield your eyes from UV exposure and allow them to relax. Sunblock should be 30+, and applied to all skin that may be exposed. The best time to apply sunblock is before you dress, not after you've started your hike.

And let's not forget heat and cold - both from the air and from sunlight. The key concept is to shield yourself, and regulate your body heat. The first essential is a hat - the best will have a broad brim to shield your face, head, and neck. Some models sport a cloth neck flap to keep the back of your neck cool and covered. Layered clothing with a long-sleeve shirt is the way to go. It may seem funny to put on a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to go out in the desert, but that's often more safe and comfortable than shorts and a tee shirt. And when the sun goes down and the wind picks up, temperatures can drop very quickly; be prepared with a windbreak layer to conserve heat.

Planning & Information

Drop by one of our visitor centers. Beside the information available on this website, there a number of great sources for choosing routes for hikes and walks. Check out the many options below for resources to help you plan your trip.