Jake Hinton • January 3, 2023
Clark Dry Lake Bed: Anza Borrego State Park
Share
Clark Dry Lake: Facts and Information
Clark Dry Lake is located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. This dry lake bed, known as a playa, is part of the Borrego Sink in the Colorado Desert. The lake bed spans a large area and contrasts with the surrounding rugged landscape.
Geological Formation and Location
Clark Dry Lake is a dry lake bed, or playa, situated in the Borrego Sink within the Colorado Desert. This area features a flat, expansive surface, differing from the nearby rough terrain.
Flora and Fauna
Even in its dry conditions, Clark Dry Lake supports desert-adapted plants and animals. Creosote bushes and various reptiles and birds have adapted to survive in this environment.
Recreation
Visitors to Clark Dry Lake can enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and stargazing. The area’s open spaces and minimal light pollution provide clear views of the desert and night sky.
Accessibility and Climate
Clark Dry Lake is accessible by driving through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with parking areas available nearby. The climate is typical of a desert environment, with hot summers and mild winters, so visitors should be prepared for extreme temperatures.
Cultural and Conservation Significance
Clark Dry Lake has historical significance as a site of Native American activity. The area is now protected within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to preserve its natural and historical features.
Fairy Shrimp
Underneath the dry surface of Clark Dry Lake are dormant eggs of fairy shrimp, small crustaceans that hatch when rainwater temporarily fills the lake. These shrimp are an important part of the desert ecosystem.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
Marine Science Institute has named Lisa Biasillo its new Executive Director, succeeding longtime leader Marilou Seiff.
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.
A Hollywood fun fact courtesy of longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee.
Don't Miss These Summer Night Sky Events
Exploring Goat Canyon Trestle Before It's Gone Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey documents one of Southern California's most remote railroad landmarks
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.
ABF’s latest blog explores the surprising chain of events that led to the creation of Camp Borrego.
A recent Hawk Alert shared through the Borrego hawkwatch community reports a significant number of Swainson’s hawks currently roosting in Borrego Springs. Estimates based on multiple counts suggest 200 to 300 hawks are gathered overnight. This is part of the annual spring migration, when large numbers of Swainson’s hawks pass through the Borrego Valley. The migration typically runs from mid-February through March and into April, with peak activity often occurring in mid to late March.
This segment aired on KTLA's Off the Clock on Jan. 7, 2026.
Borrego Springs, in San Diego County, is experiencing an unusual winter wildflower bloom. Henderson Canyon is already colorful—just about a 90-minute drive from San Diego. (ABDNHA)
Winter brings early wildflower blooms to Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Hike, golf, explore art galleries, farmers markets, and dark skies—before spring crowds.
One Course, Many Possibilities Rams Hill Golf Club in Borrego Springs, California , remains one of Southern California’s most reliable golf destinations—offering a championship-caliber experience in a setting that adapts easily to different types of getaways. Whether you're planning a golf-focused weekend or a slower-paced retreat with friends or family, Rams Hill provides the foundation. It’s not uncommon for guests to return to the same rental, play the same number of rounds, and dine at the same favorite restaurant—yet walk away with a completely different experience. Golf Designed for Everyone Designed by Tom Fazio , Rams Hill’s 18-hole course features dramatic elevation changes, wide landing areas, and expansive views across the Anza-Borrego desert. Multiple tee options suit a wide range of players, from scratch golfers to those still learning the game. Small but memorable touches—like tacos at the turn and post-round cookies—round out the experience. Paired with Stay & Play homes like The Desert Escape, guests can enjoy the convenience of staying on site while having space to relax, cook, or host small gatherings between rounds. Repeat Stays, Fresh Experiences One trip may focus on competitive rounds with fellow golfers. Another might center around a mixed group, some playing full rounds, others enjoying shorter outings or relaxing at the rental. The shared element is consistency: excellent course conditions, helpful staff, and the option to shape your schedule any way you like. Even repeat visitors report that the experience shifts depending on the group, the season, and how the trip is planned—without sacrificing the sense of quality or hospitality Rams Hill is known for. Summer in Borrego: More Than Golf While winter and spring are peak golf seasons, summer in Borrego Springs offers a quieter experience with wide-open skies, minimal traffic, and more room to explore beyond the course. For those interested in art, photography, or stargazing , the summer months offer clear air, high contrast light, and dramatic desert color. Visitors often combine their golf plans with stops at the Borrego Art Institute , which hosts rotating exhibitions and operates a garden-focused ArtPark nearby. Just a few minutes away, The Gallery at The Palms presents contemporary shows in a mid-century modern setting surrounded by native landscaping. These creative spaces offer a thoughtful balance to a golf itinerary and allow non-golfers to enjoy the weekend just as much. Dining in Borrego Springs Borrego Springs also offers a variety of local dining options , from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. Onsite, Rams Hill Restaurant is open to the public and known for elevated fare with sunset views over the course. In town, diners will find locally owned spots offering everything from breakfast staples to seasonal specials—many of which are open year-round. Easy to Reach, Hard to Forget Just under a two-hour drive from San Diego , Rams Hill is a short trip that feels far removed. Guests often return to familiar settings—the same house, same course, even the same server—and still leave with a new favorite moment.
