Anza Borrego State Park

Identified as an International Dark Sky Park, this Anza-Borrego State Park is a dry and endless landscape that is perfect for getting outside.

Designated as the second-largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers over 110 miles of hiking trails and is reported to have some of the best sights for stargazing in the nation. Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer, was the dedicated figure of the park. Plants, aside from cacti, include wildflowers and washes. Eagles, roadrunners, bighorn sheep, and iguanas have been reported to be seen by many visitors here. Geologists are drawn to the area, as over 500 fossils have been discovered beneath the desert surface here that date back six million years. Erosion over many years through wind, ice, snow, and rain has played a large part in the molding of the many mountains, valleys, and other rocky structures. The added metal sculptures often pull many tourists, especially young families, as they pass by along the freeway.