DESERT DREAMS: LOOK WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE SUN AT ANZA-BORREGO

Wild horse sculptures

By Miriam Raftery

April 1, 2009 (Borrego)—Visitors to Anza-Borrego may be startled by the vision of life-sized metal sculptures of dinosaurs, mastodons and other prehistoric creatures rising from the desert floor like sentinels of a forgotten era.  Other sculptures portray wild horses, birds of prey, tortoises, a saber-tooth tiger and Native American themes.  The creations by sculptor Ricardo Breceda are just some of the many surprises in store for those who visit the Anza-Borrego Desert, a treasure trove of hidden gems.

The Gomphotherium “Sky Art” art sculptures are located in Borrego Springs on the Galleta Meadows Estate owned by Dennis Avery, who became inspired to create a “creature desert” after learning of the region’s important fossil record.  He helped fund publication of  a book, “Fossil Terasures of the Anza-Borrego Desert” in 2006 and later moved on to commission the dramatic sculptures. Breceda utilizes wire, metal and scrap reinforcement bars to create he sculptures wielding hammers, screw drivers and sledgehammers. Ulitmately, he hopes to create 100 or more.  The sculptures  are visible along the highway leading from Borrego Springs to the visitor center at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.   You can also view the sculptures online at www.galletameadows.com/gallery/.

Mammoth sculpture dwarfs visitor

Coyote at Anza-Borrego Visitors Center

Stained glass window at a local saloon in Borrego

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ( http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 ) is the largest state park in California with 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails. The park is named after Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish name borrego, or bighorn sheep. Washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas are among the attractions. You may also glimpse roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas. Be sure to carry water and be watchful for red diamond rattlesnakes when walking or hiking in the desert.

Cacti in Bloom

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitors Center

If you’re planning a trip to Borrego,  stop by the visitors’ center for tips on hikes of scenic canyons and tips on where you may still be able to glimpse wildflowers, though the season is fast fading.  The center has exhibits of desert wildlife, historical displays, and a garden of desert plants.  There are also ranger-led activities.  In addition, the Anza-Borrego Foundation & Institute at www.theabf.org  offers a host of interesting classes ranging from natural history courses to stargazing.  Also check the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association at www.abdnha.org.

For the adventurous at heart, California Overland Desert Excursions (www.californiaoverland.com) offers  tours ranging from two hours to overnight camping trips.   Borrego Springs offers  resorts, a tennis center and golf courses. For a listing of these and other attractions, visit the Borrego Springs Chamber of  Commerce webpage at www.borregospringschamber.com. There are also musical and theatrical programs at the Borrego Performing Arts Center ( http://www.bspac.net/ ).