Natural History Wanderings

Heading east on S-22 look for early blooms along the roadside and in the washes & canyons between mile 33 and 35. There is a large pullout between miles 30 and 31 with room for parking near a field of purple sand verbena.

If you park and walk into Arroyo Salado, Coachwhip Canyon, or Ella Wash, you’llfind a wide variety of flowers, including desert lilies in Arroyo Salado primitive camp.

CAUTION: Most roads into the Borrego Badlands require four-wheel-drive!

Don’t miss the mouth of Coyote Canyon at the end of DiGiorgio Road, north ofBorrego Springs. Continue into Coyote Canyon about a half mile, and you’ll seeverbena, brittlebush, and ocotillo. Two-wheel-drive vehicles should be able to travel as far as Desert Gardens: use 4WD beyond.

For maps and directions, call the Visitor Center at 760-767-4205.

For guided flower walks on Fridays, reserve your spot with the Anza-Borrego Foundation at 760-767-0446.