Natural History Wanderings

Spring has arrived early in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and we are seeing pockets of blooming wildflowers. We look forward to sharing their beauty with you, and to make your visit enjoyable, we suggest the following:

1. Check the weather forecast before heading to the Park. Make sure to dress in layers and pack plenty of water.
2. Skip the crowded Visitor Center and go right to the flowers! Print the most recent wildflower map at home before heading to the Park. You can find printable and interactive wildflower maps here.
3. Check road conditions, including the surrounding mountains for any road closures or chain requirements.
4. Make sure to visit our State Park store, open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for any needed information or to purchase Park maps.
5. Upload your flower photos to the Park’s interactive flower map here.

Current Flower Locations:

Blooms are arriving in the heart of Borrego Springs along Henderson Canyon Road, the lower sandy dune portions of Coyote Canyon and in the southern portion of the state park along Highway S2 southeast of Agua Caliente County Park. Additionally, areas near June Wash moving northeast toward Fish Creek and Arroyo Tapiado are beginning to show the early bloomers like primrose, phacelia, and wooly sunflower. If moving south along the Highway S2, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on any unpaved park road.

Porta Potty Information:

To help accommodate our visitors and shoppers, porta potties (standard and ADA) and hand wash stations have been placed in the west and east ends of the gravel lot, between Jilberto’s and The Mall parking lot. These will be cleaned daily and will be in place for through the end of March. A big thank you to the Mall owners, Jim & Anne Wermers who pledged to cover the cost!

Help Protect Our Wildflowers:

• Don’t Doom the Bloom: Stay on designated trails and avoid trampling on delicate wildflowers. The beauty of the bloom is best appreciated from a respectful distance.
• Leave No Trace: Help preserve the natural habitat by refraining from picking flowers or disturbing plants and wildlife. Leave the desert as you found it and please carry out your trash.
• Follow Park Rules: Drone use is prohibited, and dogs must be on a 6′ leash at all times and are only allowed on roads.

Desert Safety Tips:

• Check the Weather: Temperatures can vary drastically during the day. Avoid canyons if there is a chance of rain; flash flooding can happen rapidly.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry ample water, especially during warmer weather. Dehydration can occur quickly in the dry desert environment.
• Protect Yourself: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing to shield yourself from the sun’s intense rays.
• Watch for Wildlife: Including snakes and insects, while exploring the desert landscape. Give animals plenty of space and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.
• Know Your Vehicle: Most dirt roads in the park require high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Check road conditions here. We encourage you to travel with a second vehicle when driving on dirt roads.
• Safety: Cell phone coverage is spotty or nonexistent. Bring a first aid kit and become familiar with it. Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or friend and expected return date.

In-Person & Phone Information:  State Park Store
587 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110 (in The Mall next to Calico’s) Borrego Springs, CA 92004Call the Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684 for weekly updates.