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.
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