California's Secret Desert™ – Borrego Springs

Tamarisk Grove Campground is shady under the tall Tamarisk trees. This area offers short and long hiking opportunities and birding, and includes Yaqui Well. Long-Eared Owls and other interesting species frequent this grove in many years. The campground is open fall through spring, closed in summer.

To the east along CA 78 lie Mine Canyon, Quartz Vein Wash and a variety of interesting drainages from the Pinyon Mountains to the south. This area provides rich opportunities for artists and photographers, and attracts quite a few campers and hikers who want be out and away from town. Now, just how did Nude Wash get its name, anyway?

To the west, south of CA 78, lie Plum Canyon and Lizard Canyon. The road into Lizard Canyon is an interesting drive, with lots of places to stop and enjoy. A lovely hike in Plum Canyon begins at the end of the dirt road and meanders up to a hilltop saddle overlooking Shelter Valley. Each bend in the canyon reveals a different scene, as varying sunlight and soil conditions combine to create a series of micro-environments, each with its own happy family of plants. Look for owl pellets, and see if you can spot their nighttime hunting perches.

Also in this northern part of the area, Grapevine Canyon Road wanders off to the northwest, a dirt road that ultimately joins S-22 west of Ranchita outside the western boundary of the park. The journey along this sometimes challenging road traverses from desert ecosystem to coastal oak / scrub.

Moving south along S-2, pass through the settlement of Shelter Valley on the way to the southern portion of the park. The four-wheel crowd won't want to miss the drive up Pinyon Mountain Road to the east for beautiful western views back toward the coastal mountain range. This is a great place to visit some snow after a winter storm sweeps through, and a cooler, higher spot during August afternoons. If you make it past the pile of boulders at one point in the road, a high and beautiful plateau area awaits you – perfect for picnics and a day of snoozing on the rocks. You can continue to explore to the east, but if you start feeling the road narrowing in on you, it's time to turn around, as the fearsome Squeeze and Pinyon Drop-Off (one way – forward!) lie before you. Wide enough for a Jeep® or similar, but don't try to cram the Hummer through!

Blair Valley is mostly accessible for two-wheel drive vehicles and even motor homes. It is a primitive camping area with restrooms and great hikes, including the Pictograph Trail and Marshal South home site. You'll also find the Historic Box Canyon and the California Riding and Hiking trail in this area. Beauty and a long history combine here.