Central Anza-Borrego: East Mesa

Looking Eastward Across East Mesa to the Limestone Cliffs of the Fish Creek Mountains

East Mesa is one of four mesas in the Carrizo Badlands. All are flat, rocky, and treeless but with rewards in terms of badlands scenery. Suffice it to say that this is a lonely place that does not get a lot of visitors.

East Mesa is hard to get to. One way to do it is to walk to the south end of Camels Head Wash and make a short easy climb.

It can also be difficult to find your way back to Camels Head Wash. As you walk the mesa, be sure to stop frequently to study the terrain behind you so you will know what to look for on your return trip.

You may want to carry the USGS topo maps (7.5 minute series) for Arroyo Tapiado. For identifying the mountain scenery, carry the map for Carrizo Mountain NE as well.