Car Camping & Exploring Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Come along for the adventure!
Hello fellow adventurers!
This weekend I took the Subaru out to test the sleeping platform and get some off roading in. Anza Borrego Desert State Park is an expansive space to get in touch with nature and has a moment of peace. While frequented by RVers and OHV enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities to be alone.
DAY 1: Setting Up Camp
Peg Leg Smith Historical Marker is a free camping site about 5 minutes east of Borrego Springs, CA.
This campground is open year-round, and is open to RV, car camping, and tent camping. This weekend was busy, but I could still find a space away from others. The vaulted toilet was surprisingly clean and well-stocked.
According to the historical marker:
Thomas L. Smith, better known as 'Peg Leg,' 1801-1866, was a mountain man, prospector, and spinner of tall tales. Legends regarding his lost gold mine have grown through the years, and countless people have searched the desert for its fabulous wealth. The mine could be within a few miles of this monument.
While I didn’t find treasure, I found some free books in the mailbox beside the marker.
After realizing my propane canister was empty, I ran back to town to snag one from Center Market. Fortunately, they were open late, and they had my favorite ham and cheese macaroni salad in stock!
It was a windy afternoon and an even windier night. It was the same the last time I camped here, though in that instance I was in a tent, and we left in the middle of the night because it was so unbearable! The car provided good protection against the cold and the wind.
Settling in for the night, I cozied up under the blankets and continued reading The Dark Half by Stephen King.
The camping platform was solid and allowed me to stretch out fully. It was wonderful!
After watching the sunrise, I stepped out to make breakfast. The day before, I pre-scrambled eggs, stored them in a container, and did the same for some pre-cooked sausage. I also filled my french press with coffee grounds.
Though still windy, the morning was a lot warmer.
After a quick clean up, I hopped into the driver’s seat, ready to explore. I wanted to see wildflowers before they were all gone, but I headed southeast to Blair Valley rather than stay in Borrego Springs. Way back in the day, I took my ‘97 Toyota Corolla off-road there, so if she could do it, the Subaru undoubtedly could as well!
To reach the road, head south on the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. Pass the town of Shelter Valley, and after cresting the hill, turn left onto the road.
The first half of the road is a popular camping spot, though there are no facilities.
Continue down the road, using caution, as it’s only one lane, and pick your adventure. There’s a trail that leads to the Yaquitepec historic landmark - an old homestead site of Marshal South.
Further down the road, you’ll find two more trails - Morteros Trail and Pictograph Trail.
I realized that after Morteros Trail, the road eventually connects back with the Great Southern Overland Stage Route, so I hooked a left.
There are several spots to camp along this road, which would be more enjoyable as there were fewer people here.
There was more plant biodiversity in this section, and to my surprise, there was a HUGE flower field hidden away in the middle of it! Pictures can’t do the site justice - it was a beautiful sea of electric purple and yellow flowers. I felt so fortunate to be there!
After enjoying the flowers, I continued down the road, where I found a hill to get a good 360 view of the valley.
I was impressed by how the Subaru handled the road - I didn’t bottom out once despite some pretty hairy spots along the way.
This was a perfect quick getaway to test the sleeping platform and the car’s off road capabilities. With a few modifications and better organization, I feel she’ll be ready for a multi-day trip in the wilderness.
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