Here are some interesting and fascinating scenic drives on paved roads in Anza-Borrego.
Montezuma Grade
Montezuma Grade is the part of Highway S-22 that climbs up the mountain and connects Borrego Springs to the small community of Ranchita. From Borrego, you gain 3400 feet in elevation and pass through several different climate zones along the way. The drive is actually even more spectacular heading west, from Ranchita down to Borrego Springs. You can see massive rock formations, rugged canyons and a amazing view of the Salton Sea. The road is paved and well-maintained, but keep your eyes on the road; there are many twists and turns along this route. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some deer or bighorn sheep along the way!
To get there, head west on Palm Canyon Drive from Christmas Circle towards the mountains. Turn left (south) onto S-22, just past the Palm Canyon Resort.
Metal Sculptures
More than 130 larger-than-life metal sculptures dot the desert landscape around Borrego Springs. Ricardo Breceda is the talented artist who created these magnificent sculptures including ancient animals that once roamed Anza-Borrego, historical figures and many that are pure imagination and whimsy. All of these statues are within the Borrego Valley. Most of the sculptures are easily accessed by 2WD vehicles. You can drive on the dirt roads to the sculptures or simply park on the shoulder of the paved road.
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive to pick up a free sculpture map. For a great souvenir and more detailed information on each sculpture, you can also pick up the Quick Guide to Sky Art Metal Sculptures in Borrego Valley laminated brochure or order it online.
Click here for more information about the metal sculptures.
Agricultural History Tour
It might surprise you to learn that Borrego Valley has a rich agricultural history dating back to the 1920s. In fact, agriculture was the mainstay of Borrego’s economy throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Take a drive around the valley to see remnants of old date farms and vineyards. There are still some working date farms, citrus orchards and herb gardens producing fruit and herbs today.
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive to pick up the free Discover the Agricultural History of Borrego Springs self-guided auto tour brochure.
Erosion Road
If you are interested in geology, take a drive out towards the Salton Sea on the Borrego-Salton Seaway (S-22). This stretch of highway, also known as Erosion Road, showcases some of the most fascinating landscapes in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Points of interest along the route include:
- Clark Dry Lake
- Font’s Point (side trip)
- Lute Ridge Scarp
- Borrego Badlands Overlook
- Truckhaven Rocks
- South Palm Wash (side trip)
- Calcite Mine (side trip)
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive and pick up the free Erosion Road self-guided auto tour brochure.
Triangle Tour
If you want to really get into the desert but just getting to know the area, the Triangle Tour offers a great introduction. This is a 33-mile loop, and it offers a great combination of scenic driving, hiking, and venturing off of the blacktop highway into some of Anza-Borrego’s ever-changing washes. Points of interest along the route include:
- Texas Dip
- Ocotillo Wells SRVA Discovery Center (side trip)
- The Slot (side trip)
- Narrows Earth Trail
- Pinyon Wash
- Mine Wash Village Site (side trip)
- Yaqui Well Trail
- Tamarisk Grove
- Cactus Loop Trail
- Yaqui Pass & Mescal Bajada
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive to pick up the free Texas Dip/Highway 78/Yaqui Pass Triangle Tour self-guided auto tour brochure.
Southern Emigrant Trail
Most people think of the northern half of the park when they think of Anza-Borrego, but there is plenty to see in the southern half as well! Drive south on Highway S-2 from Scissors Crossing on the Southern Emigrant Trail, also known as The Great Southern Overland Stage Route. There are many points of interest along this historic route.
- Scissors Crossing
- Warner Ranch (side trip)
- Blair Valley (side trip)
- Box Canyon
- Mason Valley Cactus
- Vallecito Stage Station
- Agua Caliente County Park
- Mountain Palm Springs
- Carrizo Overlook
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Drive to pick up the free Southern Emigrant Trail self-guided auto tour brochure at the Desert Nature Center.
