Destination Of The Week: Anza Borrego

The best thing about living in Los Angeles... it's proximity to amazing diverse landscapes. Beach, mountains, or desert we have it all in a two hour radius from the city. As far as desert destinations go, most people have heard of Palm Springs, but it’s close cousin Anza Borrego is less known. Compared to Palm Springs, Anza has less people, less trendiness, and more breathtaking landscapes.

The first time I visited this small town I camped at Borrego-Palm Canyon Campground, which I don’t recommend doing in the summer because you will wake up feeling like you are in a sweat lodge. The next time I stayed at La Casa del Zorro… a charming resort with character a multiple pools (a necessity in the middle of scorching summer days).

Surrounding Anza Borrego are incredible landscapes… similar to what I image the topography of Mars would be like. If you are willing to step outside of a pool for an afternoon there is a multitude of great hikes. Which I was there I hiked Font’s Point and Slot Canyon. If you venture out just make sure you bring PLEANTY of water and sunscreen… and I would recommend hiking early in the morning or later in the evening, as mid-day can be very toasty.

For those of you who want to see the landscapes but don’t want to put in the effort, I highly recommend renting ATV’s. My friends and I rented some ATV’s from Quad Stop one day out there. SO DAMN FUN! You rent one of these four-wheelers and are basically let loose in the desert, riding terrain as challenging or easy as you want.

So if you are ever in Los Angeles and someone proposes a trip to Palm Springs, maybe suggest Anza Borrego instead if you are the adventurous type.

Have a cool place that you've been to that you want me to feature your story and photos? Send a e-mail to submissions@lauraaustinphoto.com with "Destionations Of The Week" as the subject.