BLOOMS, BIGHORNS AND BUTTERFLIES
Superbloom season is in full swing
By Miriam Raftery
March 15, 2019 (Borrego Springs) -- What a glorious day in Borrego Springs! The desert is in full bloom --- a huge contrast to just a few days go, when I last visited and found some early blossoms but not the spectacular flower fields now delighting visitors. Something about frolicking in a field of flowers elicits pure joy. (Photos left and right, along DiGiorgio Road.)
By 10 a.m., the parkiing lot at the Anza Borrego Desert State Park visitor center was already full. But it didn't matter. Wildflowers were visible across the desert floor as we made our way from the Montezuma grade into Borrego Springs, through fields poppping out with yellow daisies, purple lupine, verbena, and more.
As added bonuses, we spotted migrating Painted Lady Butterflies throughout the desert flower fields.
Plus on our drive down the Montezuma grade, we were fortunate to spot several Desert Bighorn Sheep, for which Borrego was named.
Out S-2, about 11 miles north of Borrego, fields of purple verbena are in bloom, interspersed with yellow sunflowers and poppies.
In Borrego Springs, on Christmas Circle, you'll find a wildflower visitors center as well as the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association's visitor center, both of which can provide you with the latest information on prime wildflower viewing spots.
Ocotillos are just beginning to bloom, with fiery red blooms at the ends of their spindly arms that reach skyward, dwarfing even desert bighorn.
We admired some blown glass bighorns, coyotes and other desert creatures for sale at Friday's farmer's market on Christmas circle. If you go this weekend, you can enjoy the Circle of Art, where numerous artists and artisans will have their creations on display.