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San Diego Magazine /  San Diego Covered /  Major Attractions /  Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO LIKE IT HOT, head east to the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert is guaranteed to raise your thermometer. On the way, you can experience a little bit of Las Vegas with a game of chance at one of the county’s three Indian gaming clubs: Viejas Casino & Turf Club in Alpine, Barona Casino in Lakeside or Sycuan Gaming Center in El Cajon.

A leisurely drive north along Highways 67 and 78 leads to a number of quaint towns to stop and explore. The rural community of Ramona, with its rolling countryside, is great for horseback riding. A stop at Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel will reward you with some of the best home-baked bread in the county. The historic mining town of Julian, complete with a Wild West main street and famous apple pie, makes for a great lunch stop.

Less than an hour’s drive east on Highway 78 lies the half-million-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While summer temperatures can soar into the low 100s, the starry nights are incomparable. An exotic array of cacti, succulents and palms provides a stunning backdrop to Borrego, named in honor of its most majestic resident, the rare and elusive desert big-horn sheep.

After a stop at the visitor information center, unwind for an afternoon, or overnight, at La Casa del Zorro in Borrego Springs. This four-star, four-diamond resort features lighted tennis courts, swimming pools and live entertainment. Morning is the best time to golf at Rams Hill Country Club, or hike the neighboring oasis of Borrego Palm Canyon.

Directions: Head east on Interstate 8 to Highway 67, go north, then east to Highway 78. From Julian, take Highway 78 east to Highway S3 into the town of Borrego Springs and make a right at the intersection of S3 and Yaqui Pass Road.  Anza-Borrego is at 200 Palm Canyon Dr. La Casa del Zorro is at 3845 Yaqui Pass Road; 760-767-5323, for reservations 800-824-1884. For a trip to the casinos only, direct shuttle service from area hotels is available.

Hours: Visitor Center open Oct 1- May 31, 9-5 daily.

Fees: $6 per vehicle per night (self-register envelope)

Camping Reservations: Reserve America (800) 444-7275

For more info: (760) 767-5311