Natural History Wanderings

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association reports

Our flower report: There is still a beautiful bloom taking place east of Borrego Springs, in the Borrego Badlands, where December rain has given us an unusual winter bloom.  The easiest place to see the flowers is along S22, roughly between mile marker 31 and 38.  The road is paved and there are pull-offs for parking and nearby washes to explore. There is also a fantastic display of dune evening primrose and other species not far from the Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center, along Shell Reef.  The trail around the Discovery Center also has many different desert species in bloom.  See our Borrego Badlands map for the best places to go. Meanwhile, around the Borrego Valley, a major bloom has not yet started but flowers have started about one half mile into Coyote Canyon.  See the Borrego Valley map for detals.

Our most recent reports. February 15: Heavy rain in Borrego Springs today This video of lower Coyote Canyon tells the story of our rain today.  We took photos of this same area just yesterday to illustrate the excellent condition of the Coyote Canyon Road, but it became evident today that things had changed.  The NWS reported 2.68 inches in Borrego Springs. Due to flood damage on Feb. 14 Coyote Canyon Road has been closed to all vehicle traffic and the repair work is expected to keep it closed until early-mid March.  Visitors can park at the end of the asphalt and walk in.