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Camping in the Desert - Some Readers' Favorites |
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The United Nations has designated 2006 as the International Year of Deserts. And the next several months represents prime time outdoors opportunities in our own Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is our nearly 600,000 acre gem a couple hours drive east from downtown San Diego. So why not get out there and enjoy it?. This Forum looks at some of the many desert camping possibilities, with most provided by Forum readers. But first the Forum quiz. In what part of the State Park is Agua Caliente Campground located?
UPDATES
BORDER FENCE DENIGRATES VALUABLE STATE PARK.
Have you visited Border Field State Park lately? Ever? Most people have not, yet it offers a most interesting visual and recreational treat. It is the most southwest corner of the county, in fact the whole country, bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, the north by the Tijuana Estuary, and to the south Playas Tijuana, Baja California. Take a look before the in-work border fence goes in. Right now you can stand right at the fence and landmark for where the border was established. A short holler away is Plaza Monumental, the bullfight ring, and on Sunday afternoons in mid year you can hear the music and cheers to remind you of that old Herb Alpert classic song (actually recorded in the downtown bullring a few decades back). The lively beach life of Playas de Tijuana is right there also. Stroll the beach (U.S. side only that is) or enjoy a picnic from tables overlooking the ocean. Survey the info kiosks and check out the birds at the Estuary (even restrooms). Now, having enjoyed it immensely, picture this immense new double (triple?) wall that is poised to go in and totally wipe out much of the park. Can it be saved? Maybe, with some serious letters and calls to Congress. To get there, drive I-5 south almost to the border, take Dairy Mart Road exit west to Monument Road and over to the ocean.
NEW DESERT BOOK
This is a timely addition to outdoors enthusiasts and this Forum's feature. Robin Halford's Hiking in Anza-Borrego Desert: Over 100 Half-Day Hikes is published by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association. I put this in the "must-get" category for those who hike (or want to get started hiking) the many trails in our local desert. Directions, maps, descriptions and conditions, all important out here, are provided. Some of the hikes are easy, others can take as long as six hours. Lots of sketches of creatures and cacti can help you identify those as you trek along.
TRY A UCSD WALKING TOUR.
How about a stroll, led by a volunteer guide, around the university's beautiful campus? Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Check out the various schools, Price Center, and the outdoors sculpture collection. Takes about 90 minutes, Rather ride? Take the same tour by mini-bus. Meet at South Gilman Information Pavilion (from south, I5 to Gilman north to campus; from north, I5 to LJ Village Dr. west to Gilman right.) Walks on 1/15 and 29; vans 1/22; 2/5. Reserve or info at 858-534-4414.
SPEAKING OF BOOKS, AND AUTHORS
Should you want to meet one of the authors of Outdoors San Diego: Hiking, Biking & Camping (Premier 2004) by Tom Leech & Jack Farnan, I will be appearing at two stores on Saturday January 28:
- In Old Town State Park, from 12-3 at Rudolf Schiller Books in Plaza del Posado (formerly Bazaar del Mundo).
- In Escondido at 4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, Gateway Shopping Center on W. Valley Parkway. Opportunity to meet a total of seven authors at this event.
Can't make those? Many other stores carry the book and it's available on amazon.com or from the publisher at 858-922-7692.
TIME FOR A CAMPOUT (& RAMBLE) IN THE DESERT
Now's the time to get back out on those Cuyamaca trails. While the foliage is far different with so many trees having burnt, you'll still enjoy a day in the mountain air, trekking by fall colors (where they're appearing), and partaking views of the various peaks, valleys and the lake. Here are some options ready right now in the northend off Highway 79.
Here are a few camping favorites in the central/southern desert of Forum readers (and a couple of my own), with trails to get out and wander on.
Bow Willow, favorite of Forum reader Paula
"January 2006 and 71 degrees in the mid-afternoon as we drive out on the sand-covered road leading to Bow Willow – in hopes that we'll find an available campsite at our favorite Borrego campground. Clear air – blue skies – quiet – wind-free - the day after a big storm went through Southern California. What a treat to be here! Ah yes, a campsite – not the favorite, but it will do.
"Why did we come here, yet again? The small circle of 13 shaded (sort of) tables with fire rings on the south side – and the wonderful rock-encircled camp area on the north side, with a clean restroom in between -- is perfect for people like us, who don't need a lot of facilities – having nothing to plug in! There are a lot of different birds to be seen, including the elusive (I'm told) Phainopela. (It's an elusive name, anyway!) Coyotes serenade and sometimes trot by in sight of camp. Many times we seem to be the only people "home" in the daytime – giving us the privacy to work on musical arrangements, while everyone else is away, hiking the hills and canyons behind us and to the north. We have enjoyed our past experiences here so much that, when it came time to name our acoustic trio, Bow Willow was the name on which we all agreed.
"Now the tent is set up – and the telescope – the moon-sliver looking spectacular close up. Dinner will be ready soon. On this trip we find that new shade structures are being built to replace the old, funky shelters, which gave such character to the place. We prefer the old look – but this attention to the campground should mean that it has survived budget cuts and will be around to welcome us back on the next trip. And today, everything was perfect!"
To get there: I-8 out to Ocotillo, north on S2 about 17 miles, see sign, drive west onto dirt road (regular cars OK).
Mountain Palm Springs, favorite of Forum readers Doris and Ed
"This is our favorite camp spot. It's located between Bow Willow campsite and Agua Caliente County Park.. It's a primitive campground with no water (best kept secret). Great hiking to several palm groves. Seems like the end of the world! Quiet, wonderful opportunities for star watching."
To get there: Also on S2, just a short drive further north from Bow Willow. For descriptions of hiking possibilities from here and Bow Willow, check Forum archives 4/2004.
Agua Caliente County Park, a favorite of readers Alex and Janet
"We recently returned from a midweek 3-day, 2-night campout at Agua Caliente, complete with HOT springs and BIG tub (holds 30). This is always a great time to visit the park. We virtually had the place to ourselves. Sometimes it got so busy (hmmmm) that there were at least three other campers/RV's, but we always had the hot tub to ourselves. A wee bit cold at night, although no wind, lovely full moon, and beautiful quiet clear sunny days. It can get too busy during the season, but we just love the serenity when it is less occupied. Great for the kids or grandkids. And at this time of year, the bunnies, quail, mourning doves and occasional roadrunner just invade the campsites. They just haven't got the fear of humans at this time. And, there is the famous moonlight trail (been there, done that) but try it in the moonlight! Many other hikes and activities. While we usually enjoy the solitary desert washes and primitive campsites, this was a refreshing invigorating treat. Enjoy the season, and if there was ever a reason, the desert is really the place to get away from it all." To get there: Just off S2 about half-way between I-8 at Ocotillo and Highway 78 at Scissors Crossing. (O.K. the Forum quiz was a trick question. Agua Caliente is outside the State Park.)
Blair Valley, a favorite of Forum reader Nikki
This is primitive camping area, surrounded by mountains, loaded with history, and with several trails for exploration (Nikki likes the one in Smugglers Canyon and the pictograph trail). For details check Forum archives 1/2003.
To get there. From Scissors Crossing, head south through Shelter Valley to the 6-mile marked entrance.
Plum Canyon, another favorite of Forum readers Alex and Janet
This is in the bare sand category, meaning no facilities, just stake out your own spot and settle in. Like many of the side canyons along 78, this heads back several miles along the rock formations. You'll find some good camp sites along the way, well-protected from wind and providing solitude and starry skies. The California Riding & Hiking Trail and other trails provide some good hiking and views.
To get there: From Scissors Crossing, about 4 miles on 78, dirt road off to the right (south).
Yaqui Well/Tamarisk Campgrounds
This is a popular area midway in the State Park. Yaqui Well is a primitive campground on the west side of S3 highway . It's also a popular stop for day visitors. Tamarisk is a developed campground on the east side of S3. This is in a grove of tamarisk trees, which as imports unfortunately take water away from native plants, by emulating Ross Perot's famous "sucking sound." This vicinity gives access to some good exploring -- to hear the many birds chirping along the Yaqui Well Nature Trail (1.6 miles round trip) or to hike up the marked 1 mile Cactus Loop Trail Nature Trail, across from Tamarisk. More good exploring east of Tamarisk.
To get there: From Julian, take 78 east, pass Scissors Crossing to intersection with S3. Turn north toward Borrego Springs and immediately are the two campgrounds.
So there are some camping possibilities – thanks readers. If you have some of your favorites you'd like to share, email them to me.
Not familiar with the desert? Right now many organizations sponsor guided hikes; check them on the Forum opening page which also give links to many of them. The State Park Visitors Center is always worth a visit, especially to desert newcomers. Guides can give you ideas and answer your questions (such as do I really want to drive my Ferrari down that dirt road?). Films, displays, maps, books and gift ideas. Call them for information about desert conditions (760-767-5311). Also check out the Borrego Desert Nature Center (gift shop/bookstore/information center) run by the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association. It's on Palm Canyon Drive just off Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. As wildflower season approaches, find out where the blooms are from the wildflower hotline at 760-767-4684.
For camping in the State Park, all is first-come, first-serve except at developed campgrounds (Tamarisk and Borrego Palm Canyon reserve at 800-444-7275 or www.reserveamerica.com.) For Agua Caliente reservations (recommended for weekends), call 858-565-3600 (M-F), or www.sdparks.org.
SO GET OUT AND ENJOY SAN DIEGO. And let me hear from you via the Forum hot button or new email address outdoorssd@aol.com.
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