After seeing many posts being shared all over my timeline, I decided to check out the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to see the big super bloom. Thanks to the crazy rain thats been happening all winter, the wild flowers had their biggest bloom in decades. Being from Canada, wildflowers aren’t the biggest deal. (They are treated as weeds in cottage country.) However, something about seeing the desert floor lit up by bright flowers was so unique and definitely worth the drive.

Getting to Anza-Borrego from San Diego

There are multiple ways to get to the state park. Google maps will give you different routes depending on traffic. However, if you are planning on going you should choose a route based on what you want out of the two hour drive, since each route differs by only 15-20 minutes.

Scenic Route

Beware: not to be taken if you get carsick easily. The majority of the route takes you along the sides of mountains. The views along the route are stunning (if you aren’t driving and can actually take it in). You will pass everything from ranches, to forests, to desert mountains. I don’t normally get carsick, however the one-lane windy road got me feeling slightly sick. Driving helped me focus on the road (and not falling off the cliff) versus my stomach. This route takes you through the town of Ramona. While I did not stop, there are many antique and vintage stores that could be worth checking out. You will also go through the town Julian, which is known for its apple pie. There are few food and gas stops along the way, so be sure to have a full tank and snacks.

Route for the Carsick

I took this route on the way back (after asking the info desk for the least windy route). It is not as scenic of a drive, you primarily drive through ranches and farms. It was so lush I kind of forgot I was in California. You will go through more of Romana, where you can find more road trip food stops (McDonalds, Wendy’s, etc.) It was a more pleasant drive in the sense that you didn’t need to focus as hard on not falling off a cliff. I’d suggest taking the scenic route to the state park, and this route back.

I pulled off the road to take pictures of cows obviously.

The Super Bloom

When you hear the term super bloom, you would think that the whole desert would be flowering. If you think this, you might be disappointed. Certain trails and sections were more floral than others. The blooms began the beginning of March, and most likely will not last much longer due to the hungry caterpillars and the heat. The day I went, there was a heat wave (temps in the mid 90s).

The main flowers I saw were Desert Dandelions, Desert Sunflowers, Brown-eyed Primrose, Sand Verbena and Blazing Stars.

Paths

You can find a printable map of the state park here.

Di Giorgio Road

One great, not so busy place to see the super bloom is driving North on Di Giorgio Road. On one side you see a citrus tree farm, on the other you see the mountains. There is one patch in particular that is filled with Desert Dandelions. The smell is unlike anything I’ve ever smelt before. It was so floral yet strong. It was amazing.

There was a small lineup to take pictures with “the tree”, but definitely worth it.

Palm Canyon

If you keep driving North on Di Giorgio Road, it will eventually end and become a sand road. This trail was recently graded so you can drive it with a two-wheel drive car. (I made it will my rental car) The route eventually takes you to the Desert Gardens, and has many pull-offs to stop and take pictures. Unfortunately there weren’t as many purple flowers, like I’ve seen earlier in the week. 

Henderson Canyon Road

Along this road you can park off the side of the road anywhere and get similar views. Like the Palm Canyon, the majority of the flowers are the Desert Sunflower.

One thing to remember: snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and other scary things do live here.

The Town of Borrego Springs

There is not much to do other than hike and explore the desert. I ended up eating at a small diner in a strip mall called “The Mall” It was nondescript but filled the need of quick food. There was also a state park information center to get maps, a grocery store and other odds and ends stores.