Anza Borrego

Campsite 5, March 27 - We drove up the wash, anticipating what was around each new bend of the dry river bed. This was an entirely new landscape for us. Around one bend we found a flat spot, higher than the wash floor that was big enough for our camp. We set up the tent then explored the area.

Walking down the wash behind our camp, we realized this was peak wildflower season. 

Wildflower Season in the Wash

The temperature had been 71F when we pulled into camp.  We weren’t expecting it to drop too far over night. Besides, with so little wind, our fire pit would provide any warmth we needed after dark. 

Sitting by the fire after dinner we watched two crows play in the air currents. 

In case you wondered what Anza Borrego means, “Anza” is for Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish explorer and one time governor of New Mexico. Borrego means sheep in Spanish.

We found the appeal of this place to be in its oddity. When you are in the wash, it’s a maze. The walls contort in unbelievable shapes. Around any bend you could emerge into a wide gravel bed or find you have entered a slot canyon.

Above the wash is another world of plants and wide views.

Reading about the place, we discovered that the sand and rock came from the Grand Canyon and settled here. The material has a depth of up to 19,000 ft in places. But the sand and rock is still on the move resulting in the deep washes we have been exploring.

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