October 16, 2020
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"First Grove" after the January 2020 fire |
New growth can be seen in April 2020 |
Recovery continues in October 2020 |
Iconic Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Reopens Post-Fire
All photos courtesy of California State Parks
After a ten-month public closure due to fire damage, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) is excited to announce the Fall 2020 seasonal opening of Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. The modified trail, trailhead and parking lots, are open to “Limited, Day-Use” activity from sunrise to sunset for the upcoming 2020-21 season. The “First Grove” remains off-limits to visitation for the foreseeable duration; however, the trail will allow visitors to hike to Trail Marker #15, where you will be able to see the grove as pictured here.
Many of you feared the worst when the news and photographs of the fire came out in January, but we are excited to bring you some good news! Since the fire, the ABDSP Natural Resources Team, aided by time and Mother Nature, has worked to help manage, restore and ecologically monitor the affected area, and we are seeing steady growth!
Ecologic recovery is a long process that will take years and cannot happen without your support. Yes, YOU can help! Many biologic factors will determine how quickly and efficiently an area can recover after a fire, but one of the biggest factors we can all personally affect, is our direct impact on this fragile area. So, for our collective recovery efforts, and for the future generations for whom we preserve our land, please help us keep this fragile habitat safe by staying on the designated route and out of the recovery area during your visit.
Thank you for your patience as the Park continues its ongoing Grove Restoration Strategy, and we all look forward to enjoying a shady oasis at the end of a beautiful hike in the future.
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In-Season Store Hours Begin October 16
Starting today, our State Park Store will be open every day from 9:00am-5:00pm! If you’re planning a visit, count on us for a safe shopping experience and stop in for park information, maps, guides and more!
587 Palm Canyon Dr #110 | 760-465-2605
You can also help support while keeping your distance. Visit shop.theabf.org to see the latest our online store has to offer!
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New Partnership: Leave No Trace
Did you know nine out of ten people in the outdoors are uninformed about their impacts? WOW! And with many parks experiencing record visitation, this issue is more important than ever. That’s why ABF has teamed up with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to help share best practices for low impact and educate park visitors on how they can protect the Park they love with each experience. Stay tuned for fun facts and updates on how you can recreate responsibly in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Learn How LNT Helps Protect Parks
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Photo: Ernie Cowan |
Visiting Anza-Borrego and Looking for Information?
The parking lot at the Visitor Center is now open for visitors looking for park information, Friday through Monday from 9:00am-5:00pm. State park staff and volunteers will be outdoors and ready to answer your questions and get you ready for a fun (and safe!) experience in the Park. The museum exhibits and other amenities inside the building are not currently open, however restrooms are available.
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Job Opportunity in Anza-Borrego
Our friends at California Overland Desert Excursions, an Anza-Borrego Desert State Park concessionaire, are looking for a part-time driver/guide. With California Overland, you can make money doing what you love while showing the Park to visitors from around the world. Qualified applicants must be personable, in good general health, have a clean driver record and be adept with use of manual transmissions. A commercial driver's license and general knowledge of the desert are a plus, but not required. If you're interested in joining their team, contact Joe at joe@californiaoverland.com.
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