Wildflowers, Recreation Beckon Travelers To Anza-Borrego

There are so many reasons people visit the Anza-Borrego Desert, east of San Diego. Spring wildflowers, geological history and mysterious Salton Sea

Wildflower season is expected to be better than usual this year due to heavy rain Southern California. This desert area is about 90 km east of San Diego is known for its colorful wildflower display, which usually gets under way in late February, as well as many nearby points of interest.

Since the internal "more" that was promoted as a major water recreation area just fall into oblivion, because it close to the water salinity increased and a major die-off of fish and birds? Salton Sea is just one of landmarks in the area, and the value of the additional 30 miles east of Borrego Springs to see what remains.

Anyone flying over the desert east of San Diego will remember this huge body of water that stands out in stark contrast with the surrounding California desert. Drive up close and it seems almost like the Great Lakes - in fact it is the largest lake in the state measured at 376 square miles. Unfortunately, the water here is even saltier than the ocean, and so toxic to most species of fish died. High levels of selenium are also found in the sea that are considered to have contributed to the death of the local bird population.

While this May not sound like a recipe for a fun holiday experience, the area is fascinating to explore as you walk on the beaches of barnacles and see where the main beach, the development of 1960 has rotted away, giving part of a small waterfront community of nearly Salton city ghosts look and feel. One of the signs we see advertising three-bedroom home for $ 30,000 and chat with the locals revealed that, while dying sea may not seem all that attractive to recreation, it certainly reduces the local cost of living.

Our visit was just a quick glance at the sea along the coast of Salton City - the closest point of Borrego Springs - but are in fact several recreational opportunities in northern and eastern coast. Some State Park beaches are closed for budgetary reasons, but there are still a good access point for kayaking, boating and other forms of water recreation.

A visit to the weekend, we were also struck by the huge influx of off-roaders who set up a virtual city is a RV on the open camping areas on the edge of Salton and on the way back to Borrego Springs. Visit the local AM / PM on the weekend, and you'll be totally immersed in this culture with 75 percent of customers dressed in protective gear drive.

, about 30 miles back to San Diego Borrego Springs, an area that looks a lot like Palm Springs had done before was completely razvijen.Par resorts and plenty of accommodation to cater to warm weather and golf lovers, but for all intents and purposes, Borrego Springs still looks like a backwater town with more acreage devoted to golf than office buildings. The area attracts older, who have found affordable homes in the winter, and boomers who want a cheap holiday.

When you think about it, this really is a Palm Springs - minus, of course, fancy resorts and upscale shopping. No, look the same, blue skies are the same, a sizzling summer weather has isti.Cijene, however, are smaller.

area of ​​Borrego Springs is loaded with things to do. Many people will only choose to remain in the vicinity of the town, especially during the summer, but others will find a myriad of trails and sights to see in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park.Grad Borrego Springs is, in fact, surrounded by the 600,000-acre state park, the largest in the state system. In fact, about one fifth of the San Diego County land within the park boundaries.

while driving to various locations within the park, you will marvel in the desert vistas and enjoy watching wildlife, so prevalent in the park. Colorful wildflowers are in bloom in early spring, in other circumstances, such as plants Ocotillo and Cholla cactus plant to meet in the desert landscape to create another world and feel. Roadrunners to skip across the road, black-tailed jackrabbits hop with golf greens, as well as desert and up the rocky cliff of the mountain ridges you May even place a Bighorn sheep.

pieces of history behind each ugla.Anza Borrego park includes geography, where stagecoaches drove the first intercontinental mail. Interestingly, the sp; ot the old wagon roads and places where stagecoaches stopped to stock up on. Hiking trails take you to these and other places, such as waterfalls (which may be dry, depending on the season), historical monuments and the old settlers of the house, such as walking to the Holy Mount, where you can enjoy the beautiful view and push around a house occupied by a family that seemed to be living alone at the top of the world.

Borrego These adventures are all listed in the maps and materials available in the Anza Borrego Park visitor center, just a few miles from the center of Borrego Springs. Inside, the park dioramas showing various types of vegetation and wildlife, while naturalists stand-by to answer your questions. Interpretive trails will take you near the desert area, where you can see up close the various types of desert plants. (But one note of caution: plan your bathroom stops somewhere else, because the day we visited, four of the six bathrooms are not open, and two others were attached to the point of non-use ).

At first glance,

WHERE: Anza-Borrego desert area about 90 miles northeast of San Diego and about 150 miles from Los Angelesa.Salton Sea is another 30 miles to the east.

WHAT: Spring wildflowers are a great attraction and Borrego Springs looks a lot like Palm Springs without the glitter. There are several resorts and other accommodations and golf courses, but the valley is mostly open and surrounded by the Anza-Borrego State Park.

WHEN: at any time of year. Especially in the summer months, be sure to keep plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, and Outdoor Adventures for early morning or early evening.

WHY:. A lot of natural beauty and interesting attractions

HOW: For more information on the Anza-Borrego State Park, telephone .