Anza Borrego Desert State Park is located south of Palm Springs and reaches almost down to the Mexican border. Entrances to the park are from several roads in the east and west. The only route from the north is through Coyote Canyon but the trail has been closed to protect a species of birds that has become almost extinct. You can check out the visitor center in Borrego Springs, which sells maps of the park and generally provides helpful information. Since this park is one of the hottest spots in the US, I recommend you travel there in spring or fall.

All areas of this state park are worth a trip. There are plenty of roads and washes to explore but be careful - even rangers get lost every once in a while.
The southern part of Anza Borrego offers the trail with the biggest challenge: the Pinyon Drop-Off. When driving south on S2, the Pinyon Mountain Road starts on the east (left) side of the road just past the sign "Welcome to Anza Borrego State Park" and continues as an easy sandy trail between brush and Joshua Trees to The Squeeze. Several washes leave the trail left and right - just follow the main road. The Squeeze looks scarier than it is, but full-size trucks will have to leave some paint behind. The biggest rig we could fit through without any damage was a Grand Cherokee, but it required quite some maneuvering and time. If you are hesitant about going through this obstacle, do yourself a favor and turn around. The toughest part is yet to come. You will pass some climbs where good articulation helps; lockers make your life much easier. Finally, you will get to an area which looks like a round-about circling a rock - time to get out of your car and check out THE challenge of Anza Borrego Desert State Park: the Pinyon Drop-Off. It is very steep and considered a "One-Way" because not many people make it uphill. Once you conquered it, you'll cruise along Fish Creek, a deep sandy wash which eventually runs into a paved road. While traveling along Fish Creek, it is worthwhile to explore pictoresque Sand Stone Canyon to the west of Fish Creek about 7 miles south of the Drop-Off. If you like, you can also check out the wind caves close to the end of Fish Creek. You will find them after a short hike up the mountain from where you can enjoy the phenomenal view back into the mountains and over the wash. If you follow Fish Creek to the end you will hit Split Mountain Road - go north to State Highway 78. Your map should help you along from here.

I would consider the trail moderate but stock vehicles are not recommended. Higher clearance, good articulation and maybe even lockers should make your trip safer, though not quite as challenging.

The directions are to the best of my knowledge and the rating is based on other trails I have driven. I do not accept responsibility for directions or rating. Please check with the park rangers for current conditions.