California Overland is a licensed concessionaire of Anza Borrego-Desert State Park. As such, 7% of every dollar paid for a desert excursion with us goes directly to California State Parks.
At over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest desert state park in the nation. It is also one of the most diverse with 6,000-foot peaks, labyrinthine badlands, palm oases, cascading pools of water in lush canyons and awe-inspiring overlooks. Its boundaries contain areas rich in Western lore, Native American history, paleontology, archaeology and geology. There are over 200 flowering plants that occasionally put on incredible displays of seasonal colors. Wildlife abounds as well — with roadrunners, jack rabbits, lizards such as the chuckwalla, kit foxes, bobcats, cougars, coyotes and, of course, the peninsular bighorn sheep.
It is the bighorn sheep that gives Anza-Borrego half of its name. “Borrego” is a Spanish colloquialism that refers to this endangered species that is often seen by visitors on the rocky slopes of the Park’s canyons. “Anza” pays homage to the Spanish explorer who first traversed Coyote Canyon in 1774 in a successful quest for an overland route to the mission at San Francisco.
Spring wildflower season brings the most visitors, but the Park’s magnificent features are truly impressive any time of year. Autumn is near perfect in weather, with comfortable temps and usually rain-free skies. And summer in the desert, especially the night sky, is an experience that an avid outdoor adventurer may want to experience. Outdoor activities can be adapted (by getting an early start, for example) to suit even the hottest days of summer when the mercury can push into the 120s°F. Usually the presence of low humidity makes even a 120° day seem more comfortable than a 98° day in more temperate climates. Summer nights are generally pleasant. Safety, though, should always be emphasized, especially during summer months when water intake is critical.
Located two hours from San Diego and three hours from Los Angeles, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a natural desert gem that we hope you will come to cherish. Let us show you what makes this Park so unique on one of our fascinating desert tours.
For more information on Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, check out the Park’s website at www.parks.ca.gov or call the Visitor Center at 760-767-4205.
