DESERT FACTS

GETTING THERE:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: From north county take Highway 78 east to Highway S2 north. From Highway S2, go east on Highway S22 into Borrego Springs and then turn left on Palm Canyon Drive to the park headquarters. From the south pick up 78 by taking Interstate 8 east to 67 north. For more information, call 767-5311.

Visitor Center: The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center will begin its winter hours Oct. 1. The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. A museum, slide show on the desert and a nature trail highlight the visitor center, which is just past the park headquarters on Palm Canyon Drive.

Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area: Take Highway 78 east to Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station. For more information, call 767-3545.

GETTING READY:

Reading Material: There are two locally produced books that offer information on trails and trips in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. “The Anza-Borrego Desert Region” by Lowell and Diana Lindsay includes historical and recreational information. Included is a map of the desert area. “Afoot and Afield in San Diego County” by Jerry Schad has a section devoted to Anza-Borrego. The book maps out numerous hikes, rating the difficulty of each and the approximate time each will take. Experienced backpackers who wish to map out their own course can get topographical maps showing individual canyons or the entire Anza-Borrego area at most outdoor sporting goods stores.

Be Prepared: The Sierra Club offers several classes that could benefit anyone interested in backpacking in the desert. For information, call 233-7144.

Flower Watch: One of the most popular trips is during the spring, when the desert explodes with blooming flowers. Anyone interested in making sure they hit the blooming season at the right time can send a self-addressed, stamped postcard with “The flowers in bloom” printed on it to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Headquarters, Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. All cards will be mailed back when the park’s naturalist decides the desert is in full bloom.