Natural History Wanderings

Do not wait any longer to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for flowers!

Desert sunflowers fill the “wildflower fields” along Henderson Canyon Road, but higher daytime temperatures and drying spring winds mean they may not last much longer.

The Visitor Center remains one of the best places to see a variety of things in bloom. Indigo bushes are bursting with fragrant purple blossoms, and all species of cacti are beginning to bloom, along with ocotillo. There are still many annuals to be found, also.

Caterpillars are devouring annual wildflowers along the Coyote Canyon Road, though it might still be worthwhile to check there for some sand verbena.

A few desert lilies have been spotted still blooming on DiGiorgio Road near Bighorn Road, and along Highway S-22 between Fonts and Inspiration Washes.

Hikers will enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers in Borrego Palm Canyon—cacti, ocotillo, indigo and other shrubs, as well as annuals.