Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — Attraction in San Diego Country Estates

We were really excited for our 4 day reservation at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The drive in through the park and town of Borrego Springs was beautiful, the blooming cactus at the visitor's center were gorgeous, and the campground was a breath of fresh air with well spaced, relatively private sites with a shaded picnic table and good fire-ring. However, the interactions I had with staff were not at all positive. On our way into town on Monday, we realized that something wasn't right with our Class B RV Sprinter campervan, so we called to make an appointment at one of the shops in Borrego Springs. While we were at that appointment on Wednesday, we found out that both the alternator and battery were bad, but that the shop in town could not get the right parts and we would need to drive at least an hour away to a town large enough to make the repairs. In the process of getting the parts ordered and making arrangements to drive to Indio, our RV completely died and we were stranded. We ended up at a hotel in town and having to have our RV towed. Even despite all of this, I tried to call the campground to let them know we would not be using our site for the last 2 nights of our 4 night reservation, but I could never get through to anyone. I called back the next day to let them know, as a courtesy to other guests that may have been trying to get a space. The person I spoke to in the visitor's center was one of the worst customer service encounters I have ever had. She repeatedly cut me off, talked over me, and was asking questions that I would have already answered if she hadn't spoken over me repeatedly. I finally called her out on talking over me, and she insisted that she wasn't - while repeatedly talking over me some more. I finally was able to speak to the campground, and the person there was much more pleasant and helpful. I explained the situation and asked that the belongings that we had left in campsite be held for us to pick up in the next 1-2 days as soon as we get our RV back from the shop. She said she would make sure it was taken care of. Then, she called me back about 10 minutes later to tell me she had let the hosts know to "process the site," but that she couldn't guarantee that we could get our items back. She gave me a lot of excuses about how they could fill a landfill with the items people leave behind. I said, look, we only used 2 of the 4 nights we paid for and I didn't even attempt to ask for a refund, but we would like to at least get our things back and she said she agreed with me, but couldn't guarantee anything. I directly asked if the hosts were just going to take our things and keep them or give them away to someone else and I received no response. I understand that they can't store things for people indefinitely, but it's Thursday afternoon and we would be coming by either Friday afternoon or first thing Saturday morning and given the extenuating circumstances, it doesn't seem like an unreasonable ask. Before this experience, we would have easily chosen to stay at this campground and visit this park again in the future, but after this experience, I'm seriously considering cancelling all the other California state park reservations that I...

Our journey began with the allure of vibrant wildflowers. Inspired by Instagram posts showcasing Anza-Borrego’s floral splendor, we set out in search of nature’s canvas. The visitor center beckoned us, promising a floral spectacle. Alas, we arrived a week too late—the peak bloom had waned. Only a few tenacious blossoms clung to life, but their resilience painted our memories with hues of pink, yellow, and purple. Despite the timing, our family reveled in the simplicity of nature’s artistry. We marveled at each delicate petal, capturing snapshots to share with our digital friends.

As we left the desert behind, our path led us through Julian—a charming mountain town known for its apple orchards and cozy vibes. Unexpectedly, snowflakes danced around us, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Our desert-adapted hearts skipped a beat as we caught snowflakes on our tongues. Julian’s streets, adorned with twinkling lights, welcomed us into warmth. And there, nestled in a rustic bakery, we discovered the pièce de résistance: San Diego’s finest apple pie. Each forkful revealed layers of spiced apples encased in flaky crust—a taste of heaven that defied the desert’s heat.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the desert, we made a pact. Next year, we’d time our visit meticulously. We’d arrive before March’s end, when the wildflowers burst forth in full glory. Armed with knowledge and anticipation, we’d wander the trails, our senses attuned to the delicate blooms. And perhaps, just perhaps, we’d return to Julian for another slice of that...

This review is specifically about FONT POINT, most visited location in the park

We were the foolish ones to follow some misinformation from reviews to try using 2WD “slowly and maintain speed” Tried all mitigation efforts but just 0.5 miles off the trail head, FWD SUV LEXUS RX 330 Got stuck in deep sand. Tried the place a mat under the tires and shovel the sand but barely did not help. I have to push the car while my friend reverse back the poor SUV. Did this 3x before the suv made it safely back in the trailhead. I saw also another SUV “trying their luck” but went back after getting stuck in the sand. Someone said the middle part of the trail was somehow compact sand and less deep- also UNTRUE. We did not have a choice but to HIKE IT FROM 7:30 to 11 am under the glorious sun. Hike is good enough but do wear a proper hiking shoes and hiking poles saved my knees. Its only 8 miles but the deep sands made it more difficult to traverse. There is a junction in the middle of the trail that leads to “foot traffic only” The last section requires scrambling up the steep canyon. Be careful as it has lots of erosion and loose rock. The view of the badlands is massive. Check your footing. The edge can easily collapse given the soil quality. I think its more impressive if we were able to catch the sunrise or do it by sunset and do this hike in spring were there will be desert blooms. Saw the usual cholla cactus but ddnt spot other animals aside from the black beetle...