Alternatives to Joshua Tree National Park map

A map for when Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) isn’t an option (whether it’s too crowded or completely closed). This is pavement-based (no off-reading, so 2WD is ok) and each location is within about 2 hours of JTNP.

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Please carry water and be aware of weather conditions, etc. Wear closed-toed shoes and a hat/sunscreen.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center

@travelingengineer

The State Park visitor center is a great place to start because the staff there are experts in current conditions. The building is built into the side of a hill, and you get a great view by standing on the roof (but you might not know that you’re on top of it, until you come down).

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Galleta Meadows

@travelingengineer

Sculptures are located throughout the Borrego Valley, many are accessible by parking on the shoulder and walking in. Choose a few interesting ones (there are over 100), and make sure the serpent is among them.

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Borrego Valley Inn

@travelingengineer

This hotel is beautiful, and in a great location. Adults only / quiet. Breakfast and afternoon cookies are included. There are 2 swimming pools, including one that’s clothing optional (but you’ll have to look for it - you won’t accidentally stumble into it). Walk to the center of town, but it’s also tailored to dark sky viewing.

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Stanlunds Inn & Suites

@travelingengineer

I haven’t yet stayed at Stanlunds, but it’s got a good reputation if your budget isn’t ready for Borrego Valley Inn. Great location near town, but far enough away.

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La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa

@travelingengineer

If you’re looking for a full service resort, La Casa Del Zorro should be your choice. Pools (some private), tennis courts, cafe, restaurant, bar, and spa. Lovely!

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Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead & Parking

@travelingengineer

Palm Canyon is the most popular hike in the area for good reason - it’s a good walk to a beautiful oasis. Can be hot, so it’s good to go in the morning. Might even see sheep if they’re in the area.

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Carlee's

@travelingengineer

Local favorite bar and grill. Great cocktails, surprisingly wide selection of beers. Great burgers, grinders (toasted sandwiches), onion rings, and ribs. Get the soup if it remotely appeals - soup and chili are homemade, and the Clam Chowder on Friday is excellent. Live music is available most in-season weekends.

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Carmelita's Mexican Grill

@travelingengineer

Carmelita’s is one of my favorite restaurants in town. Ask for patio seating. And make sure to have a Margarita. One of the first times I stopped in, someone sitting at the bar asked if I got lost. 🤣 Borrego Springs isn’t the sort of place many people stumble into; most of the time it’s recommended.

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Click below for a detailed 2-night itinerary in Borrego Springs.

Traveling Engineer

Available for hire

Borrego Springs highlights weekend

Visit a pavement-based (no off-roading, so 2WD is ok) sample of favorite places in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the community at the center of it. This is a 2-night itinerary.

$20.00

Itinerary

A PLACE IN THE SUN Garden Hotel

@travelingengineer

This is a cheerful, centrally located small hotel with a variety of room choices, from tiny suites with kitchenette to large apartment-style places with separate living room, kitchen, etc. The pool area is beautiful, and there’s a neat covered grill area for picnicing.

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station

@travelingengineer

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you up to the Mountain Station, where you can grab food and drinks (I don’t love the food, but having a drink at the top is very cool). Then you head outside and go hiking. Mountain setting, about 30 degrees cooler than the valley floor.

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Indian Canyons

@travelingengineer

There are several different hiking options here, and each is beautiful. There’s a fee area with parking and restrooms at the trailhead. Lots of pretty palms. I’m particularly fond of Tahquitz Canyon because the turnaround point is a swimming hole / waterfall. Really refreshing. The first time I went, I pictured more like a wading pool, so I went swimming in hiking gear.

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Pappy + Harriet's

@travelingengineer

Pappy + Harriet’s is an institution. If you’re in the area and they’re open, it’s a must-do. The food is filling, but the music and music history is the reason it’s worth visiting. All sorts of famous and not-so-famous bands perform there.

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Salvation Mountain

@travelingengineer

Salvation Mountain is an outdoor art exhibit in Niland (far away from the crowds of the Coachella Valley) that uses found items to portray the message of God’s love. You can hike up and see the view from the top, and poke around the crevices, seeing lots of painted items, but also car doors, microwaves, etc.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Traveling Engineer

Available for hire

I’ve lived in California my whole life. I’m an engineer (so was my late husband). I’m very detail-oriented and an extreme introvert. I’m known for planning fabulous adventures, and look forward to helping others plan the best trip they can have. I like adventures, stargazing, hiking, solitude, and food. The people I hike with most frequently know I’ve usually got trail beers in my Camelback for the halfway point (in addition to a full water bladder). My favorite hikes offer something unexpected or spectacular.

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