September 28, 2024
Best Route from San Diego to Borrego Springs
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Road Travel Suggestions to Borrego Springs
Whether you're driving a sports car or just looking for the most scenic way to Borrego Springs, there are several routes that cater to both speed and beauty. Here's a breakdown of the best options, depending on where you're starting from in San Diego.
From Central San Diego (Downtown and Airport Area)
The Scenic Mountain Route (Via Ramona and Julian)
- Route: Take I-8 East, then merge onto CA-67 North toward Ramona. Continue to CA-78 East through Julian. From Julian, take the Banner Grade and then follow Yaqui Pass Road into Borrego Springs.
- Why It's Great: This route provides an adventurous drive through mountain curves and offers stunning views, especially as you descend into Borrego Springs.
- Tip: Stop in Julian for a slice of famous apple pie!
Quickest Route via Ocotillo and the Desert
- Route: Take I-8 East to Ocotillo. Exit on Imperial Highway, which turns into the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. Follow this road and take a right onto CA-78 to Borrego Springs.
- Why It's Great: Though less scenic, this is the most direct desert route, perfect if you're short on time.
- Tip: Watch for wildlife and stop at the Red Ocotillo for lunch once you arrive in Borrego Springs.
From Northern San Diego (La Jolla, Escondido)
The Ranchita Route (Via Santa Ysabel)
- Route: Take I-15 North and exit on Via Rancho Parkway. Merge onto CA-78 East through Escondido, passing through Santa Ysabel and Ranchita. Follow San Felipe Road to Montezuma Valley Road, which takes you directly into Borrego Springs.
- Why It's Great: Montezuma Grade offers panoramic desert views as you descend into Borrego Springs. This route gives you a taste of rural San Diego County with less traffic.
- Tip: Pull over at one of the viewpoints on Montezuma Grade for a picture-perfect photo.
Highway 79 Through the Mountains
- Route: Start on CA-78 East from Escondido. Once you reach Santa Ysabel, turn left onto CA-79 South. From here, follow signs toward Ranchita and Borrego Springs via Montezuma Grade.
- Why It's Great: Slightly longer but offers scenic views and fewer twisty roads compared to the Julian route.
- Tip: Bring a camera for breathtaking scenery as you pass through the high desert.
From Eastern San Diego (El Cajon, La Mesa)
I-8 East to Highway 79
- Route: Take I-8 East, then exit at CA-79 North toward Julian. From Julian, continue on CA-78 East, and follow Yaqui Pass Road into Borrego Springs.
- Why It's Great: A mix of high desert and mountain scenery without excessive detours.
- Tip: Beat the weekend rush by leaving early in the morning.
Final Tips for Your Drive
- Traffic Considerations: Weekday mornings are ideal for minimal traffic. Weekend afternoons tend to get busy, especially in the Julian area.
- Driving Safety: If you're driving a sports car, be cautious on the mountain roads—there are sharp curves and potential wildlife crossings.
- Best Stops: Julian for apple pie, Ranchita for its quirky sculptures, and the viewpoints on Montezuma Grade for unbeatable desert vistas.
Whichever route you choose, Borrego Springs promises a memorable drive and stunning desert beauty!
Learn More About Borrego Springs
$60 Rounds for Borrego Springs Residents This Summer Mondays just got better for Borrego Springs residents. Rams Hill Golf Club is offering $60 rounds of golf every Monday after 9:00 AM through the summer. Just show a valid local ID at check-in to receive the discount. Call (760) 767-3500 or stop by the Rams Hill Golf Shop to book your tee time. Set in the foothills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill is a Tom Fazio–designed course known for its lush fairways, elevated greens, and panoramic desert and mountain views. Consistently ranked among California’s top public courses, it offers a challenging and rewarding round in a quiet desert setting. Locals looking for a break from the heat can turn their Monday round into a full staycation with Rams Hill’s Stay & Play packages . It’s an easy getaway without the drive—offering new scenery, a peaceful night, and an early morning round with fewer crowds and cooler temps. Offer ends August 31. Valid local ID required at check-in. Borrego Springs Year Round
Coyote Steakhouse is open for summer Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–8:30 PM. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, prix fixe menu, and specialty cocktails available.
Create, Sip, and Unwind at the Community Resource Center Looking for a creative and relaxing way to spend your evening in Borrego Springs? Join local artist Diana Fox on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 PM at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center for a special hands-on event: Sip & Create – Beaded Bracelets. This small-group experience is limited to 10 participants and is the perfect blend of craft, conversation, and community. What to Expect Guests will design and create a beautiful beaded bracelet using quality materials and a wide variety of colors and styles . Diana Fox will provide step-by-step guidance — no experience needed. Whether you're a local resident or visiting Borrego Springs, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy a laid-back, artistic night out. Wine Included — or Bring Your Own Your $30 registration includes: One bracelet to make and take home One glass of wine (choose Merlot, Chardonnay, or Sangría) Use of all materials and tools Additional glasses of wine available for $5 Option to bring your own wine Details at a Glance Date: Thursday, July 17 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM Location: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Cost: $30 per person Max: 10 people — only 6 spots left RSVP: Call or text 619-892-0393 Support Local Creativity Year-Round Diana Fox is a Borrego Springs artist who brings creativity into the community through accessible, hands-on art experiences. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers her time to lead free, one-on-one sessions for local children. Her most recent gathering welcomed an estimated 13 kids—each receiving personalized guidance and leaving with a handmade bracelet. Events like “Sip & Create: Beaded Bracelets” help sustain these efforts by replenishing the materials Diana uses in her youth programs. When you attend, you're not just enjoying a fun and creative night out—you’re also supporting the kind of year-round artistic engagement that makes Borrego Springs a place where creativity and connection thrive. Diana’s handmade pieces are also available at Desert Lovers & Co., offering another way to support her work and the local arts community. Don’t wait — space is limited. Reserve your spot now and enjoy an evening of creativity, connection, and fun in Borrego Springs.
