Some of the best adventures are the ones hiding just down the road. If you're staying at Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet and looking for a day trip that delivers stunning scenery, wide open space, and a little bit of wonder, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is exactly where you want to be. It's a world away from the everyday, and yet it's closer than you might think.
Stretching across more than 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in California. It's a place where ancient slot canyons cut through the earth, wildflowers paint the desert floor in spring, and the night sky puts on a show that you can't get back in the city. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual explorer, or someone who wants to sit somewhere beautiful and take it all in, this park has something for you.
Getting to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
From our RV resort in Hemet, the drive out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on your route. You'll head south and east through the hills, and as you descend into the desert, the landscape shifts dramatically. The drive itself is part of the experience, with mountain views giving way to open desert as you roll into Borrego Springs, the small town at the heart of the park. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, and make your first stop the Visitor Center just off Palm Canyon Drive.
Start at the Visitor Center
The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center is one of the more unique buildings you'll come across. It's built partially underground, a clever design that keeps the interior cool even during warm desert days. Inside, you'll find detailed exhibits covering the geology, paleontology, archaeology, and wildlife of the region. It's genuinely fascinating stuff, and the rangers on hand are happy to point you toward the best spots based on current conditions and your interests.
One of the highlights inside is the skull of one of the most complete Southern mammoths ever found in North America, recovered right here in the desert badlands. Before you head out to explore, grab a trail map, check the latest road conditions, and take a few minutes to watch the short park film. It sets the tone perfectly for the day ahead.
Top Things to Do in the Park
Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
This is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and for good reason. The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is a 3-mile round trip that leads from the campground trailhead through a sandy desert wash and into a lush palm oasis fed by underground springs. You'll walk past barrel cacti and ocotillo on the way in, and then suddenly find yourself under the shade of California fan palms, the only palm tree native to the state. Bighorn sheep are frequently spotted along this trail, so keep your eyes on the hillsides. It's a great option for most fitness levels and a wonderful introduction to what the park has to offer.
The Slot Canyon
If you only do one hike in Anza-Borrego, The Slot should be on your short list. This narrow slot canyon cuts through the desert floor with walls that rise up to 100 feet on either side. As you wind your way through, the canyon squeezes tight in places, and the light filtering down from above creates an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. The full loop is just over two miles, making it manageable for most visitors. The trailhead is located on Buttes Pass Road near Highway 78. There are restrooms at the trailhead but no water or trash cans, so pack accordingly and carry everything back out with you.
Font's Point
Font's Point is one of those viewpoints that stops you in your tracks. From the overlook, you're looking out over the Borrego Badlands, a sweeping landscape of eroded ridges and ancient formations that draws comparisons to places like Death Valley and the Grand Canyon. Sunrise and sunset are the magic hours here, when the light catches the ridgelines and the colors shift from gold to deep red. On clear days, you can see out to the Salton Sea in the distance. It's a short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint, making it accessible without a long hike.
Galleta Meadows Sculptures
Scattered throughout Borrego Springs are more than 130 large metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda and commissioned by the late local landowner Dennis Avery. You'll spot them along the roadside and across open desert land as you drive through town. Massive prehistoric animals, serpents, and all kinds of creatures rise out of the desert floor in a way that's playful and unexpected. It's entirely free to visit, and it makes for a fun scavenger hunt as you spot them throughout the day. Kids love it, and honestly, so do adults.
The Spring Wildflower Bloom
If your visit falls between late February and April and the rains have been cooperative, you may be in for one of the most spectacular natural displays in all of California. When conditions are right, the desert floor comes alive with purple sand verbena, yellow desert sunflower, golden poppies, and desert lily, transforming what looks like bare ground into a canvas of color. It draws visitors from across the state and beyond.
Explore Borrego Springs Town
After a morning on the trails, the small town of Borrego Springs is worth a leisurely stroll. It has a genuine desert community feel, quiet and unhurried, with a handful of local shops where you can browse unique gifts, local art, and desert-inspired goods. It's a great spot to grab lunch and recharge before heading back out.
The Anza-Borrego Museum is also worth your time. The exhibits cover the natural and cultural history of the region, from the geology of the badlands to the ancient peoples who called this desert home long before it became a state park. It's a compact but well-done museum that adds real context to everything you'll see out in the park.
Stargazing After Dark
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park earned its designation as an International Dark Sky Park in 2018, and on a clear night, it lives up to that title. Away from city lights, the stars here are extraordinary. From November through April, the park offers guided Night Sky programs, which you can inquire about at the Visitor Center. Even without a guided program, simply stepping outside after dark and looking up is an experience worth planning for. If you make a full day of it, staying into the evening to catch the stars is a perfect way to close it out.
A Few Tips Before You Go
The best time to visit Anza-Borrego is between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable, and the desert is at its most active and colorful. Summer heat in the desert can be intense, and most of the park's highlights are best enjoyed when it's cool. Whenever you go, bring more water than you think you'll need. The desert air is dry and the sun is strong, and staying hydrated makes all the difference. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are all worth having along. Some parking areas in the park charge a small fee, so it's a good idea to carry some cash.
Come Home to Golden Village Palms
One of the best parts of a big day out in the desert is knowing you have a comfortable place to come back to. At Golden Village Palms RV Resort, you can trade the trail dust for a dip in one of our three sparkling pools, relax in the hot tub, or settle in for a quiet evening at your site surrounded by towering palms and the kind of peace that only a resort community can offer.
And if you don't have an RV, that's no problem at all. Our vacation rentals are a great option for anyone who wants the full Golden Village Palms experience without having to bring a rig. Each rental comes fully equipped with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, so you have everything you need to feel right at home. After a long day of hiking slot canyons and chasing desert sunsets, there's nothing quite like stepping onto your own private patio, kicking back, and just soaking it all in.
Anza-Borrego is one of those places that reminds you why California is such a remarkable place to explore. And with Golden Village Palms as your home base, whether you're parked in an RV site or settled into a vacation rental, you're perfectly positioned to make a day of it. We'd love to hear about your visit when you get back.
