Jake Hinton • April 18, 2023

A Message to Bike Riders: Come Explore Borrego Springs!

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Looking for a cyclist-friendly destination with scenic routes, breathtaking views, and a welcoming community?


Borrego Springs is the perfect place to explore by bike. Whether you're an avid road racer, a casual rider, or someone who just loves outdoor adventures, this desert oasis has something for every level of cyclist. From its open roads and dedicated bike paths to its charming local businesses and stunning landscapes, Borrego Springs offers an unforgettable biking experience.


Why Borrego Springs is Perfect for Cyclists


One of the biggest draws of Borrego Springs for cyclists is the town's commitment to creating a bike-friendly environment. The roads have been designed with riders in mind, offering plenty of space to enjoy your ride safely. Plus, with very little traffic, you can focus on the beautiful desert scenery instead of worrying about busy roads.


Scenic Desert Rides


Borrego Springs is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, making every ride an opportunity to take in nature’s beauty. Whether you're coasting down flat, open roads or tackling more challenging routes, the views of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, local wildlife, and distant mountain ranges are sure to impress. The peacefulness of the desert, paired with the fresh air and wide-open spaces, makes cycling here a rejuvenating experience.


Diverse Routes for All Riders


Borrego Springs has routes that cater to cyclists of all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy leisurely rides through town or along easy paved paths, while experienced riders can challenge themselves with longer routes that weave through the desert terrain. Popular bike paths include the paved stretches around town, where you can ride past local shops and attractions, or scenic desert routes that take you deeper into the area's natural beauty.


Plan a Day of Adventure on Two Wheels


Borrego Springs is not just a cycling destination; it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and natural surroundings. After a day of riding, you can stop at one of the local cafes for a refreshing drink or explore the many hiking trails, sculptures, and outdoor activities the area has to offer.


Local Restaurants and Cafes


Cycling works up an appetite, and Borrego Springs has plenty of dining options to help you refuel. Whether you're in the mood for casual bites or something more refined, the town's restaurants and cafes cater to a wide range of tastes. Stop in for a quick snack or unwind with a full meal after your ride. You’ll find everything from cozy cafes to fine dining establishments.


Explore the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park


As the largest state park in California, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is one of the top attractions for visitors. Cyclists can venture out on roads that pass through the park and catch glimpses of fascinating wildlife and desert plants. The vast desert landscape changes with the seasons, making each ride a new experience. Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers in bloom or native animals like bighorn sheep.


Rest and Recharge: Where to Stay in Borrego Springs


After a long day on the road, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Borrego Springs has a variety of lodging options to suit every traveler. From quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious resorts, there's no shortage of places to relax. Many accommodations offer bike storage and other amenities that cater to cyclists. Whether you're in town for a day or an extended stay, you'll find a cozy spot to recharge before your next adventure.


How to Get Here: A Scenic Ride to Borrego Springs


Located within a short drive from both San Diego and Palm Springs, Borrego Springs is easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways. If you're coming from San Diego, take I-8 east and connect to S-22 for a scenic drive through the desert. From Palm Springs, head southeast on CA-111 and turn onto S-22. Along the way, you'll pass through vast desert expanses, giving you a preview of the beauty that awaits.


Once you arrive, you'll find Borrego Springs to be a welcoming and cyclist-friendly town, ready to show off its unique desert charm. The community's laid-back atmosphere makes it easy for visitors to feel at home, whether you're here for a quick ride or a multi-day cycling adventure.


Bike-Friendly Borrego: A Destination for All Cyclists


Borrego Springs is more than just a place to ride—it's a destination where cyclists can immerse themselves in nature, local culture, and a peaceful desert atmosphere. Whether you're tackling challenging desert routes or cruising through town, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.


With beautiful bike paths, stunning landscapes, and a community that welcomes cyclists, Borrego Springs is a must-visit for anyone who loves exploring on two wheels. So pack your gear, hop on your bike, and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget. We can’t wait to see you riding through Borrego Springs!




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OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • August 31, 2026
The Ascent to Freedom celebration is OpiCure Foundation's inaugural cycling event, uniting riders and community in Borrego Springs, California. It will be held on November 21, to honor recovery and the power of the bicycle to heal. The event is a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, as brothers and founders Cullen and Griffin Easter welcome members of the community to La Casa del Zorro for a day of riding, reflection and conviviality, and to strengthen the message and work of OpiCure. A community spirit will be at the forefront of an event dedicated to raising awareness through on-site information and advice around recovery, activities including a pickleball tournament, and a ride for those who wish to participate. The ride will be led by the Easter brothers and will take in the stunning scenery of Borrego Springs – it will cater to all levels of ability, with the aim to highlight the empowering joy that riding can bring to anyone willing to jump on a bicycle. Cullen Easter: “Please join us for the inaugural Ascent to Freedom Celebration. This day has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly excited to begin what we hope becomes a yearly tradition. It’s a day for community, a day for adventure on the bicycle, and a day to celebrate recovery and the freedom that can come from simply moving forward. “Borrego Springs and the desert feel like the perfect place to begin this journey—open roads, big skies, and a landscape that invites you to get outside, connect, and experience something together. Whether you come to ride, learn, support someone you love, or simply spend the day with us, you are welcome. We can’t wait to see you out there.” Griffin Easter: “OpiCure Foundation’s Ascent to Freedom Ride will be a day in the desert with friends and family you won’t want to miss. A beautifully curated ride with desert vistas, unique lifesize art metalwork, post ride lunch and even a pickleball tournament, there’s something for everyone. We’re so proud to host this inaugural event and celebrate both recovery as well as the freedom a bicycle provides. Mark this ride on your calendar, November 21st. I can’t wait to see everyone there.” Further details will be announced in due course, with a full program confirmed closer to the event date of November 21. The official ride website can be found at opicureride.com OpiCure Foundation was established by the Easter brothers to utilize the bicycle as a tool to assist those struggling with opioid addiction in their recovery process. Through bringing awareness to opioid abuse, redefining best practices for addiction recovery and devoting resources to affect positive change, it is in partnership with the cycling community that we can make a difference. Cullen Easter is an Emergency Department-registered nurse with a Bachelors in Nursing, who has first-hand professional experience in addiction recovery. He is also a proud father, professional cyclist, and leads the mission. Griffin Easter is Director of the team's elite competitive racing program, and competes at the world’s top gravel events across four continents, bringing the OpiCure name to recognition on an international stage.

Borrego Time Trial Classic Planned After World Championships Cancellation

By Andrea McKenna • August 22, 2026
Planet Ultra steps in with a new 6-, 12- and 24-hour endurance race for Oct. 31–Nov. 1, pending permits

Under the Borrego Sky: A Local Look at Desert Life

By Andrea McKenna • August 13, 2026
www.youtube.com/@under-the-borrego-sky

Perseids Under Borrego’s Dark Skies: The Perfect Summer Getaway

By Andrea McKenna • July 13, 2026
Chase the Perseids in Borrego Springs: Summer’s Best Getaway Is Under the Stars If you've been waiting for a reason to visit Borrego Springs, t he Perseid meteor shower is a pretty great excuse. If you live nearby, consider this your reminder to book a staycation, get out of the house, and look up. Summer is one of the best values of the year. You'll find lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a slower pace , making it the perfect time to experience one of nature's most spectacular events. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 through August 24 and is expected to peak the nights of August 12–13 . With little moonlight during the peak and Borrego Springs' internationally recognized dark skies, conditions are ideal for viewing. Under clear skies, you may see 50 to 100 meteors per hour , including brilliant fireballs that leave glowing trails across the sky. Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community , making it one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Perseids. No telescope is needed. Just bring a chair or blanket, find a safe location away from lights, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and enjoy the show. The best viewing is generally after midnight through the hours before dawn, although meteors can appear throughout the night. During the day, take advantage of summer savings with a stay at La Casa del Zorro , a Stay & Play package at Rams Hill , or seasonal rates at The Palms at Indian Head . Sleep in, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Borrego's air-conditioned restaurants, and check BorregoEvents.com for local happenings. Browse the locally owned shops that remain open year-round, visit art galleries, enjoy some night photography, or take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and browse homes for sale in the windows of Coldwell Banker and other local real estate offices. Summer offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Borrego Springs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just escaping for a night, there's no better time to discover why Borrego Springs is known for its dark skies, hospitality, and desert beauty. Come for the summer savings. Stay for the Perseids. Leave with memories—and maybe a few shooting stars.

Stargazing Season Has Arrived in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • July 1, 2026
Don't Miss These Summer Night Sky Events

Local Businesses Help Protect Borrego Springs' Dark Skies

By Andrea McKenna • June 16, 2026
One of the things that makes Borrego Springs special happens after the sun goes down. Borrego Springs became California's first International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and was only the second community in the world to receive the designation. The certification recognizes communities that actively work to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky for future generations. Earlier this year, a Dark Sky presentation highlighted K-RAM 90.5, XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes as examples of businesses using responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' internationally recognized night skies. Ram Media Foundation Updates Exterior Lighting The Ram Media Foundation building at 730 Christmas Circle, now home to K-RAM 90.5, the Borrego Sun, and Borrego Valley Realty, removed older unshielded, high-lumen fixtures that reflected light outward around the property. The updated lighting includes shielded fixtures and a downward-facing reflector along the front walkway. These improvements provide lighting where it is needed while reducing unnecessary glare and light escaping into the night sky. XL Fuel Stop Reduces Sky Glow XL Fuel Stop was highlighted for using fully shielded lighting that directs light where it is needed instead of into the night sky. According to the presentation, a bright light mounted atop a high pole was turned off, and after-hours lighting levels were reduced. These changes help minimize sky glow while maintaining safety and visibility for customers. Borrego Holiday Homes Improves Efficiency Borrego Holiday Homes was highlighted as another example of responsible lighting practices. The property reduced excessive brightness by lowering lumen levels and using shielding that directs light downward. The result is reduced glare, improved efficiency, and lighting that better serves guests without unnecessarily illuminating the surrounding area. Why Dark Skies Matter According to the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition, light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Excessive brightness can create visual discomfort, affect wildlife behavior, disrupt human circadian rhythms, and diminish our ability to see the stars. Responsible lighting does not mean eliminating outdoor lighting. Instead, it means using the right amount of light, directing it where it is needed, and avoiding unnecessary brightness. The Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition was formed in 2007 by local residents seeking Dark Sky certification. Facilitated by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), the coalition continues to educate residents, businesses, and visitors about responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' exceptional nighttime environment. The improvements made by K-RAM 90.5 , XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes demonstrate that protecting dark skies can go hand in hand with safety, efficiency, and good business practices. For residents and visitors alike, these efforts help ensure that Borrego Springs remains one of the best places in Southern California to experience a sky filled with stars.
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