April 3, 2024

Eco-Friendly Travel: Hiking Near Borrego Springs

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Eco-Friendly Adventures Galore

Borrego Springs, situated inside Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offers the perfect base camp for eco-conscious adventurers. This charming town provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay—hotels, grocery stores, and gas stations—catering to the needs of hikers and nature enthusiasts. From here, visitors venture into the expansive state park, exploring over 500 miles of diverse trails.


These paths range from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging treks across breathtaking landscapes, all thoughtfully integrated into the natural environment to ensure minimal impact.


Borrego Springs not only serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures in Anza-Borrego but also underscores the region's dedication to sustainable tourism practices

The Most Popular Trails


  • Slot Canyon: Venture into the heart of the desert through the serpentine twists of Slot Canyon. Its towering walls are natural history books, telling stories of geological time.


  • Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail: This path leads to an unexpected oasis, where lush palms rise against the desert backdrop, highlighting the park's ecological diversity.


  • Fonts Point: Dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Borrego," Fonts Point offers sweeping views of the Badlands. The journey there is a walk through epochs, with the landscape's layered history spread out below.


  • Hellhole Canyon Trail to Maidenhair Falls: Discover the unexpected delight of Maidenhair Falls at the trail's end, a testament to the desert's hidden wonders and the vitality of water in this arid landscape.


The Eco-Friendly Aspect


Eco-friendly hiking goes beyond simply enjoying nature; it involves engaging with the environment in a way that ensures its preservation and sustainability.


Here’s how these trails near Borrego Springs align with eco-friendly practices:


  • Minimizing Impact: Sticking to designated trails helps prevent soil erosion and protects the habitats of local flora and fauna. It ensures that the natural landscape remains as undisturbed as possible, allowing ecosystems to flourish.


  • Pack In, Pack Out: Carrying out all trash, including organic waste, helps maintain the pristine nature of these desert landscapes, preventing pollution and harm to wildlife.


  • Conservation Awareness: Hiking in protected areas like Anza-Borrego raises awareness about the importance of conservation efforts. It highlights the delicate balance of desert ecosystems and the need to protect these natural treasures.


  • Sustainable Practices: Encouraging low-impact activities, such as hiking, bird-watching, and photography, reduces the environmental footprint of tourism, making outdoor adventures more sustainable.


These trails offer a unique opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of Borrego Springs while adhering to principles that protect and preserve the environment. By choosing to hike responsibly, we contribute to the conservation of these natural wonders, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations to enjoy.


Local Hiking Resources

  • Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA): Provides extensive information on Borrego Springs, including nature reports, hiking trail guides, and educational resources to enhance your visit. Their insights into the local flora, fauna, and geography make it an indispensable tool for any hiker. Explore more at ABDNHA.



  • California State Parks: Offers detailed information on Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which surrounds Borrego Springs. Their website includes park history, trail maps, safety tips, and guidelines for preserving the park's natural beauty. This resource is crucial for planning your hikes and understanding the park's vast ecosystem. Learn more at California State Parks.


  • AllTrails: Features trail maps, user reviews, and photos from the hiking community in Borrego Springs, helping you find trails that suit your hiking preferences and skill level. Begin planning your journey at AllTrails.


  • Tripadvisor: Contains traveler reviews and ratings on the top hiking trails in Borrego Springs, such as the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail and Fonts Point, providing insights to help you choose the best trails for your adventure. Visit Tripadvisor for more information.


  • BorregoHiking.com: A local guide detailing hikes in and around the Anza Borrego Desert, including Coyote Canyon, Clark Valley, and more. This resource is excellent for exploring the region's diverse landscapes. Discover more trails at BorregoHiking.com.


These resources offer comprehensive information and tools to help you responsibly enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

January 21, 2026
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Doobie Doubles present The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute, a live concert celebrating the music of the legendary rock band The Doobie Brothers . The performance recreates the sound, harmonies, and stage energy associated with decades of Doobie Brothers hits. The Band The Doobie Doubles is a professional tribute band known for faithfully performing classic Doobie Brothers material. Band members include Rick Erbe, Mike Leffler, Sheldon Bonada, Ray Bergstrom, Pete Hopkins, and Daniel Osterstock. Date, Time, and Venue Date: January 25, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Address: 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center hosts a range of concerts, theater productions, and community performances throughout the season. Tickets Tickets: Available online Website: bspac.org Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tribute concerts like this one offer audiences the opportunity to experience iconic music performed live in an intimate setting. With a focus on musical accuracy and stage presence, The Doobie Doubles deliver a performance designed for longtime fans and new listeners alike. 
January 20, 2026
Event Overview The Denim & Diamonds Gala is a hoedown-style fundraising event celebrating three decades of community care by the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF) . Proceeds from the gala support programs that strengthen the well-being of Borrego Valley residents, including healthcare, education, arts, environmental initiatives, and community development. Live Music and Entertainment Live music will be provided by Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. The program also includes cowboy poetry by Carey Peck, along with line dancing, auctions, and interactive activities throughout the afternoon. Date, Time, and Location Date: February 21, 2026 Time: 2:00–5:00 PM Location: The Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, California Tickets and Food Tickets: $100 per person Pre-order: give@bvefund.org Availability: Limited tickets available at the event  Food will be served by Pablito’s, with a cash bar available.
January 20, 2026
First day of mural work at Christmas Circle: Gabriel Wisdom with mural artist Anne-Sophie Gaudet and assistant Romain on site at 730 Christmas Circle.
January 18, 2026
Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.
January 18, 2026
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website.  Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 17, 2026
NBC 7 San Diego
January 16, 2026
Circle of Art: March 14–15, 2026
January 16, 2026
An Evening of Fine Dining, Scenic Views, and Live Music Whether shared with a partner or a group of close friends, Rams Hill’s Valentine’s Day dinner offers an elegant night out against the backdrop of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Guests will gather in the Santa Rosa Room for a thoughtfully prepared prix-fixe menu featuring locally inspired dishes—from the Urban Blend Berry Salad to a classic Surf & Turf entrée , and a decadent Mini Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert. Live music by Brooke Ramel adds to the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting setting for a memorable evening. Seating is limited, and this popular event fills quickly—plan ahead.
January 16, 2026
By Dennis Mammana 
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