Anza-Borrego Desert State Park/ Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Thursday, March 25, 2010
The trail started at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, located about one mile north of
the Visitor Center. We arrived at the Visitor Center from Temecula around 9:30a.m.
so it is about an hour and a half from Temecula; about the same from San Diego. The
weather was perfect, around 80-85 degrees with a breeze to keep us cool.
There were 8 of us: MJ., Ginny, Carrie, Linda, Jim, Cherly, Mike, and Enza. We enjoyed
every minute of this hike. We started the trail around 10:30 and returned from the trail
around 1:30. Each way was approximately 1.5 miles making it a total of 3 miles. Not
the easiest of trails, but we really enjoyed the challenge. Lots of rocks, even boulders
that required the "sit down and slide approach." Also, we had to cross a small stream,
and for some of us who were unable to balance on the very narrow tree trunk, it was
walking across the water on somewhat slippery rocks. Hiking boots really helped. But
we did it, and totally enjoyed the difficulty level. It was great to challenge
ourselves a bit. It was all worth it coming to the oasis at the end of the trail, lots of
palm trees, shade and a waterfall!
Along the trail, the flowers were in full bloom! Great timing to go the last week of March.
We saw yellow blooming Brittlebush, orange Apricot Mallows and of course large Ocotillo
trees hosting small budding orange flowers. Thanks to Linda's book, we were able to
name some of the desert plants. Lots of interesting cactus plants were sighted also.
We were also very lucky to spot a Big Horn Sheep! He was sitting on a huge boulder in
the distance and due to the fact he is exactly the same color as the boulder, he
may not show up in the pics (sorry). We did see him move and noticed his large horns;
he seemed to stare right at us, probably wondering what we were doing in his
territory. He was a sight to see!
After lunch, we traveled along Henderson Canyon Road and stopped to
take a few pictures of blooming wild flowers in the nearby fields. Carrie and Ginny
headed back to San Diego with a stop in Julian. The Beals headed home, and the rest of
us stopped to check out wild flowers at Surprise Canyon about 10 minutes form
Henderson Canyon Road. We were "surprised" to see a few blooms here also.
After the trail, we asked a local ranger where we could have lunch. He suggested
Mexican food at Carmelita's located near the mall. Food was great, and we were
lucky again, only one table left, and big enough to fit all 8 of us. This must
be a favorite local hang out. Margaritas also hit the spot after our 3 hour hike!
Great hike, this one will stay on our list for spring hiking. Next hike will be April 29 at
Lake Hodges, and May 27 possibly Penasquitos Canyon. Watch for postings. We want
to do the inland hikes before the big heat arrives. Summer months will have to be the
coastal hikes. We welcome all ideas, so let us know your thoughts about our trail
choices. Also feel free to add info to blog; send write ups to Mark Jones. Thanks, Mark
for placing information and pics on our blog site (http://retiredandhiking.blogspot.com).
It is great to enjoy the outdoors with such a fantastic bunch of people. M.J.
