Printer-friendly version
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
March 16, 2024 (Borrego Springs) – Those heavy winter rains have resulted in one of the most beautiful bloom seasons in recent memory in the Anza-Borrego Desert. I visited earlier this month, finding the desert floor along Henderson Canyon Road bursting with colorful purple verbena, white primroses and yellow sunflowers.
Many of the most spectacular wildflower fields are not in the Anza-Borrego State Park, but just outside it on the outskirts of Borrego Springs.
Tips for your visit:
- Call the Borrego wildflower hotline at (760) 767-4684 for info on current bloom locations.
- Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Desert Nature Center (652 Palm Canyon Dr.) in Borrego Springs to pick up maps of flower fields and more.
- Stop by the Anza Borrego State Park store, open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for any needed information or to purchase Park maps. You can find printable and interactive wildflower maps here.
- Visit the Anza Borrego Desert State Park visitor center, which has a parking fee.
- The Anza-Borrego Foundation also has information on wildflowers, activities in the area and more.
- Check the weather report before your trip, since roads into Borrego are steep and winding in places, best avoided in heavy rain or high wind. Early mornings and evenings on sunny days provide the best lighting for photography.
- Carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from desert heat.
- Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sturdy shoes. Watch where you’re walking and avoid burrows or holes, which may be home to sidewinder rattlesnakes.
Wildflower walks
The Anza Borrego Desert Foundation is offering wildflower walks with the Botany Society each Friday and Saturday in March from 9 a.m.to 12 p.m. To register, visit www.TheABF.org or call (760)767-0446.
Recent comments