Anza-Borrego Desert

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS TODAY AND TOMORROW

July 21, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, starting at 11 a.m. today until Friday 7/22/22 at 8:00 p.m. Hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 116 degrees may be reached.

Borrego Springs Branch Library will be open as Cool Zone. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.


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TIPS FOR VISITING THE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT

 

By Kylie Dees

May 21, 2022 (Anza-Borrego Desert) - Anza Borrego Desert State Park, located in San Diego County is just two to three hours east of San Diego. It’s the largest state park in California – and nearby Borrego Springs also has much to offer. There is definitely something for everyone of every age to experience and enjoy.


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AUTHORS OF BOOK ON ANZA-BORREGO NATURAL HISTORY TO VISIT JULIAN LIBRARY MARCH 18

East County News Service

March 18, 2022 (Julian) – Mike Wells and Marie Simovich will speak and sign copies of their book, A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region, Then and Now, at the Julian branch of the San Diego County Library.

The event is slated for Friday, March 18 at 2 p.m. The Julian library is located at 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.


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A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ANZA-BORREGO REGION WINS GOLD AT CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARDS

East County News Service

July 20, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region: Then and Now by Marie Simovich and Mike Wells, published by Sunbelt Publications in El Cajon, has been named a Gold Medal winner in the Contribution to Publishing category at the 90th Annual California Book Awards.


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FAST-MOVING OVERLAND FIRE BURNING EAST OF MOUNT LAGUNA

Update June 20, 2021 11 a.m. -- The fire is holding at 343 acres and remains 5% contained, Cal Fire reports this morning.

Update 8 p.m.  --  Cal Fire tweet:  #OverlandFire off of Canebrake Canyon Road and Great Southern Overland Stage Route , East of Mount Laguna in San Diego County is 343 acres and 5% contained. Change in acreage due to better mapping. @CALFIRESANDIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 19, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – A brush fire burning near Canebrake along the Great Southern Overland trail has scorched 500 acres and is zero percent contained as of early this afternoon, Cal Fire reports. The #OverlandFire is east of Mount Laguna in the Anza-Borrego Desert.

No evacuations have been ordered as of 1:30 p.m. The fire is in a remote location and is not currently threatening any structures. However, a Cal Fire spokesman on Twitter indicated access for ground crews is difficult due to rugged terrain, requiring additional air resources that are now on scene.

Several Canebrake residents contacted ECM to clarify that the fire is not burning within the community of Canebrake, but to the west.


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FIRE IN ANZA-BORREGO DESERT AREA

East County News Service

June 19, 2021 (Anza-Borrego Desert) - Cal Fire is at the scene of a vegetation fire in the community of Canebrake. The fire is 100 acres with a slow rate of spread, but 0% contained. The remote location is making access by ground difficult. Ground and additional air resources assigned.


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50TH ANNUAL BORREGO BIGHORN SHEEP COUNT SET FOR JULY

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo by Darren Sefcik
 
May 28, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – For the past half-century, teams of volunteers have ventured into rugged terrain amid high heat to count bighorn sheep in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Last year, the count was partially curtailed due to COVID-19, but this year, the count is slated to occur July 1-4.  

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VIRTUAL DESERT WILDFLOWERS TOUR

East County News Service

April 4, 2020 (Borrego Springs) -- The COVID-19 stay-home order and parking lot closures at all state parks has prevented many San Diegans from traveling to see desert wildflowers. Fortunately, the Anza-Borrego Foundation has put up a video tour of this year's blossoms, with this note:  "Since so  many of you cannot visit Anza-Borrego right now, we wanted to bring our spring bloom to you. Enjoy!

Take the virtual wildflowers tour here:  https://www.facebook.com/AnzaBorregoFoundation/videos/1112381709122228/


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BORREGO BLOOMS AND BIRDS

 
 
East County News Service
 
Photos by Renee Owens
 
March 24, 2019 (Borrego) -- The Anza-Borrego Desert's superbloom season continues.  Wildlife biologist Renee Owens sent in these beautiful images showing fields of wildflowers and a beavertail cactus in bloom.  She also captured images of two birds that frequent California's largest state park, the California quail, our state birds, as well as a black-throated sparrow.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: LUPINE AT INDIAN HEAD

 

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2019 (Borrego Springs) – Bob Kutscher has sent yet another gorgeous shot of wildflowers in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  These purple lupine are blossoming along a trail to a ridgeline to Hidden Saddle east of the Cove at Indian Head Mountain. 


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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM

 

 

East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (Borrego) -- Anza Borrego Desert Park has posted a video of wildflowers  blooming early across the desert, along with tips on what you should know if you plan to go wildflower watching.

https://www.facebook.com/AnzaBorrego/videos/2668093956566649/


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RAINS BRING EARLY DESERT WILDFLOWER BLOOMS: BOOKMARK THESE RESOURCES

 

 

East County News Service

January 22, 2019  (Borrego) -- Thanks to the rain, wildflowers are blooming early this year in the Anza-Borrego desert, according to Sunbelt Publications. If you’re planning to visit the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, these sites will provide updates on where and when to view those beautiful blooms:


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LA CASA DEL ZORRO: FIRST AND FINEST IN THE DESERT

 

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Bobbi Zane

Photos courtesy of La Casa del Zorro and Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2018 (Borrego Springs) -- Luxury starts the minute you step into the lobby of La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort and Spa, where you’ll hear a cheerful “May I help you?” to begin your stay at this sumptuous resort, located in the heart of the beautiful and historic Anza Borrego Desert in San Diego County.


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PHOTOS OF THE MONTH: SPECTACULAR SEASON SHOTS IN ANZA-BORREGO DESERT

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 26, 2018 (Anza-Borrego) – The Anza Borrego Desert Research Center has posted stunning photos on its Twitter feed showing snowfall transforming the desert to a fairytale scene, as well dramatic sun rays, all taken in Sicco Road in Anza-Borrego State Park between Feb. 14 and 22.


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ANZA BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL DARK SKIES DESIGNATION

 

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

Photos credited to ©Dennis Mammana/dennismammana.com

January 22, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Night sky photographer Dennis Mammana made this announcement Friday on Facebook: “Proud to announce that our thousand-square-mile Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has just received its official designation as an International Dark Sky Park. That means that the Dark Sky Community of Borrego Springs is now completely surrounded by an official Dark Sky Park!”


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ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION HOSTS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

 

East County News Service

March 25, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – On April 1st (no fooling!) the Anza Borrego Foundation will hold a day-long celebration commemorating its founding 50 years ago. 

The ABF will throw a party to look back at its accomplishments to support the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and set the mood for the next 50 years.  


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BORREGO SUPER BLOOMS

 

East County News Service

March 23, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – Bob Kutscher of Borrego Springs shared these gorgeous flower photos taken during this month’s “super bloom” in the Anza-Borrego Desert.

“A routine of mine this year has been taking afternoon off-road rides and searching out flowers.  Needless to say it's been an enjoyable time this year.”


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: DESERT DELIGHTS

 

 

East County News Service

March 4, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – You never know what you’re going to find in the Anza Borrego Desert!  Our editor, Miriam Raftery, headed out in search of wildflowers this weekend.  It’s still 1-2 weeks too early to see fields of flowers in bloom, but she did get some close-ups of early blossoms, scenic shots and an up-close look at some of the many whimsical sculptures dotting the desert terrain.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEWS ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZA BORREGO FOUNDATION--AND COLORFUL TALES OF DESERT LORE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Listen now to our interviews, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link .

February  7, 2017 (Borrego Springs)—In April, the Anza-Borrego Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary.  We recently interviewed Paige Rogowski, ABF’s executive director, on exciting events coming up to celebrate the occasion. In addition, we interviewed Diana Lindsay, a historian who has written extensively about Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

They shared some fascinating history with us about our desert region, and the colorful characters from the region’s past, info on the State Park, as well as the Foundation’s successes and continuing efforts to purchase and preserve privately owned lands within the largest state park in California.

Audio: 

Anza Borrego Foundation 50th anniversary interviews

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50TH ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE: HIKE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK’S BEST TRAILS AND PEAKS

 

Update: Hear our interview with Paige Rogowski, Executive Director of the Anza Borrego Foundation and Diana Lindsey,  past president of the Foundation and historian for Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Listen now by clicking the audio link.

Guided hikes are also available

East County News Service

November 16, 2016 (Anza-Borrego) In celebration of Anza-Borrego Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Anza-Borrego Foundation and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are inviting visitors to complete two five-hike challenges on some of the most famous (and infamous) peaks and trails in the region.

Audio: 

Anza Borrego 50th Anniversary: Interviews

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MOUNTAIN LIONS, VALLEY FEVER, EARTHQUAKES AND MORE HIGHLIGHTED IN ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION’S RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM AND EDUCATION TALKS

 

Programming November 2016 through April 2017 Showcases 50 Years of Conservation at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Beyond

East County News Service

October 19, 2016 (Borrego Springs) – How do arthropods create micro-communities in cacti? What is the state of the puma population in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? How did places in the Park like “Alcoholic Pass” and “Hellhole Canyon” get their names?


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LISTEN NOW: BORREGO RESIDENT WANTS ADJUDICATION TO SAVE VANISHING WATER SUPPLY



 

Hear our interview with Richard Walker, which originally aired on the East County Magazine Radio Show on KNSJ radio February 1st: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2016 (Borrego Springs)—Borrego Springs is running out of water. The community’s sole-source aquifer could dry out within 30 years. But while residents in the community’s water district have been asked to conserve, big agricultural users and golf resorts have virtually no mandate to cut back, since they utilize private wells.

Recently we interviewed Richard Walker, a resident of Borrego Springs who supports adjudication to have the courts resolve Borrego’s vanishing water supply.  But Walker can't afford legal action --and hopes someone in the community will step forward.

Audio: 

ECM interview with Richard Walker on Borrego Springs water shortage

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DESERT JEWEL: LA CASA DEL ZORRO RESORT SHINES ANEW

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 22, 2015 (Borrego Springs) – Treasure hunters have long been drawn to the Anza-Borrego Desert, seeking gold and precious gemstones. But the real treasure to be found today is La Casa del Zorro Resort, restored to its former splendor with a hospitality that welcomes all—a sparkling oasis amid the desert sands.

Whether you’re heading out for this weekend’s 50th anniversary Borrego Days Desert Festival and parade, or seeking an off-season adventure in summer, spring or fall, La Casa del Zorro provides a delightful haven year-round.


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EAST COUNTY ADVENTURE: SPELUNKING IN ANZA-BORREGO MUD CAVES

 

By Greg Dunne

August 8, 2015 (Anza-Borrego Desert)—I'm always up for a new outdoor adventure--especially something I haven't done in my own back yard (our East County). I was treated to one yesterday when Kyle (his third trip there) took me spelunking (Caving) at the Mud Caves in Anza-Borrego desert. WOW, what a cool (no pun intended) adventure; it was only 103 degrees yesterday in our desert, but was a whopping 106 the day before. I was a bit apprehensive about going, (Kyle's been threatening to take me for some time now) not liking the fact of a tight crawling space in a dark, unfamiliar place. But once I got started it was awesome--and about 30 degrees cooler!


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DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP: WILDERNESS ICON - AN IMPRESSIVE AND POIGNANT WORK

 

Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon, By Mark C. Jorgensen, photography by Jeff Young (Sunbelt Publications 2015, 144 pages)

Review by Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Desert Bighorn Sheep: Wilderness Icon is an impressive and poignant work that comprehensively chronicles the past, present and future of bighorn sheep, particularly the desert bighorn found in the Anza-Borrego desert and rugged portions of San Diego’s East County.


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WATER CUTS HIT HARD IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

East County News Service

May 25, 2015 (Borrego Springs)--An emergency order issued by Governor Jerry Brown is having a harsher impact on some communities than others, since the slash-water-use requirements make no distinction between northern forested communities and places like Borrego Springs, which is located in the Anza-Borrego desert.


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IN-KO-PAH 2: MUSIC UNDER THE STARS AT DESERT VIEW TOWER MAY 2

 

April 6, 2015 (In-Ko-Pah)—The second annual In-Ko-Pah classic desert concert will be held  on May 2nd .   This outdoor high-desert concert will be held at the Desert View Tower, a state historical monument perched on a rocky hillside overlooking the Anza-Borrego Desert. The In-Ko-Pah offers music lovers and naturalists alike a chance to experience an overnight event within our Southwest region.


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WILDFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING IN ANZA-BORREGO DESERT

 

 

February 28, 2015 (Borrego) - Wildflower season has begun and annual flowers, including purple phacelia and yellow desert dandelion, are blooming at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.


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RANCHITA COMMUNITY GROUP WILL OPPOSE CELL TOWER AT HEARING ON FEBRUARY 20TH

                                                                                                                                 

By Ariele Johannson

NOTE: Check with the County of San Diego if you plan to attend the hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20th, in case the hearing is postponed. San Diego County Planning Commission meets in the COC Conference Center Hearing Room at 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego. Phone: (858)-694-3816. Agenda changes must be made 72 hours before the hearing.

February 12, 2015 (Ranchita)—Visitors driving to the Anza-Borrego Desert  on Highways S2 and S22 pass through the small community of Ranchita. The unincorporated community of Ranchita is approximately 12 miles southwest of Borrego Springs at 4,065 feet elevation. A Telecommunication Facility Major Use permit application—APPLICATION #P-11-034—has been made by Vista Towers, LLC, a company that owns and manages a number of urban and suburban sites. Its website states,“Our specialty is developing multi-carrier facilities in underserved rural areas.” The proposed Verizon and AT&T cell towers would be visible from designated Scenic Highway S22. In fact, the proposed site is only 800’-1000’ from what is called the “view shed” on roads designated as scenic highways or byways. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail goes through this area, also.

A hearing is scheduled in San Diego at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20th to review the permit application made by Vista Towers, LLC, Wireless Site Solutions.


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ACCUSED WIFE KILLER PLEADS NOT GUILTY

 

East County News Service

September 30, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--At the El Cajon courthouse on Monday, a man accused of murdering his wife and dumping her body in the Anza-Borrego Desert seven years ago pled not guilty to the crime.


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