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Borrego Springs CA: Where Desert Flowers Spring to Life
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Nature's Springtime Masterpiece: Desert Wildflowers
Located 90 miles east of San Diego, CA, Borrego Springs welcomes visitors from around the world who flock to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in spring to marvel at nature's display of desert wildflowers. Depending on the winter rainfall levels, the profusion of the blooms may vary, but they always make for a spectacular site contrasted against the valley's craggy mountains.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Surreal Sculptures Lend Magic to Borrego's Landscape
In addition to its springtime floral fiesta, Borrego Springs is fast becoming known for its dozens of magical life-size sculptures that are dramatically placed along the desert floor. Meticulously crafted by regional artist Ricardo Breceda on land donated by local benefactor Dennis Avery, these startling creations are made from scrap reinforcement bars, wire and metal, pounded by hammers into works of art. Galleta Meadows is accessible by car and free to the public to tour on their own.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Pedaling Past Petals for the Ultimate Biking Experience
Bikers of every level enjoy pedaling through miles of desert landscape, attracted by the desert's unique natural beauty, broad vistas, open flat roads, and mild weather from autumn through spring. Bicycle rentals are available in town, and include mountain, hybrid city, and road bikes.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Eclectic Borrego Springs: from Grapefruit to Art Galleries
The layout of the quaint town of Borrego Springs is user-friendly. Motorists roll into "Christmas Circle," the hub of downtown, from which all roads stretch like spokes on a wheel. A farmers market features succulent citrus, including the famed Borrego pink grapefruit. Restaurants, shops, art galleries, and hotels line the main street. Borregans are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and joke that only people who find their way here are those that choose to do so.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A Sweet Spot for Golf
Southern California desert communities have attracted golfers for decades (think Palm Springs), so it is no wonder that golf aficionados flock to Borrego Springs to enjoy teeing off under cloudless skies, surrounded by palms, and in the shadow of majestic mountain ranges. There are four golf courses in Borrego Springs from which to choose.
Photo courtesy of Courtesy of La Casa Del Zorro
La Casa Del Zorro: A Luxurious Step Back in Time
There are a wide variety of lodging options in Borrego Springs at all price levels. For the ultimate in a luxury resort experience, the "Grande Dame" of Borrego's hotels, La Casa Del Zorro, is in a class of its own. Built in 1936, the historic hotel, which recently opened after an extensive three-year renovation, offers premium amenities, luxurious guest rooms, full service spa, award-winning dining and 19 private, rustic casitas on its exquisitely landscaped grounds.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Explore Desert Fauna Up Close & Personal
You'll find the entrance to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park just a mile outside Borrego Springs. Park volunteers lead guided nature walks from the visitor center, lending insight into desert dwellers of the past and present. Not only is the park home to a dizzying array of plant and animal life, it is also an intriguing journey into history through its complex geology and paleontology. Pick up a free brochure of activities at the center.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Savor the Beauty of a Cactus in Bloom
It happens just once a year, but when it does, it's a wonder to behold. In late spring, cactus blossoms surprise visitors with the contrast between their delicate blooms and thick, spiny stems. Visitors to Borrego Springs can "catch" a variety of desert plants in bloom at various times throughout the year, such as the red-tipped ocotillo and the colorful sand verbena.
Borrego Palm Canyon: A Trail of Green in the Desert
Those who have visited the famous Palm Canyon in nearby Palm Springs might want to add Borrego's own Palm Canyon to their hiking experience. From the Visitors Center, a rocky 1.5 mile trail leads up the canyon. Along the way, chances are you will spot families of visitor-friendly Bighorn sheep. Towards the end of the hike, you'll be rewarded with a bubbling stream and an oasis of majestic palms under which to rest before your hike back.
Watch the Sun Set Over a Perfect Desert Day
After a day of activity, raise a glass and watch the sun set in a glowing ball over the desert horizon. But don't stop gazing at the sky at sunset. From few places on earth do the starry heavens shine as vividly as over the Borrego Springs desert landscape. Marvel at the vast number of stars and planets (and, if you are lucky, a full moon) that are visible on a crystal clear, ebony night in magical Borrego Springs.
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