The major tourist draw in Borrego Springs is the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, so we stopped by the visitor's center to inquire about the best hikes. A park ranger told us that the three-mile roundtrip Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is the most popular hike in the park, and I can certainly see why.
The trail, which is lined with desert plant life such as beavertail cactus and brittlebush, leads to the third largest palm oasis in California, complete with a small stream and tiny waterfall trickling over large boulders.
Along our hike, we also had the good fortune of seeing bighorn sheep, standing idly on the cliffs. One sheep was perfectly silhouetted against the bright blue sky, and I excitedly took its photo. I wish I had a better camera because my picture would have turned out much better. That aside, I am proud that I have proof of our sighting.
From the trail, I could also see for miles in every direction, and as we hiked, I began to fully comprehend the vastness of the desert and its harshness.
We were directly in the sunlight and even though we visited the park in November, it was still extremely hot, so bring lots of water.
The reward, however, was reaching the shaded palm oasis. While we ate our picnic lunch, we watched children scamper across the rocks and play in the stream. We even splashed around ourselves.
I highly recommend this hike. For more information about the park, visit California State Parks
