Photograph the Super Bloom in the Anza-Borrego Desert SP

Wildflowers occur every spring in the Anza-Borrego Desert beginning in mid-March for about a month. These annuals pop up every spring but only very rarely is there a super bloom. A rainy fall and a cold winter can help lock moisture into the ground and can create an explosion of flowers.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is 600,000 acres, making it the second largest state park in the contiguous US. As you drive east into the park along Montezuma Valley Rd, you will drop 3,500 ft towards the town of Borrego Springs, CA. This is one of the most spectacular views in all of southern California. Flowers litter the sides of the road and the mountain walls. 

Drive around Borrego Springs, the small unincorporated town of San Diego County, located at the center of the park. Pull off to the side of the road and photograph the flowers as you see them. As you get your bearings, head out of town and discover the state park. No need to book a hotel as you can disperse camp literally anywhere in the state park. Find a turn off and drive down the dirt road into a canyon. Find an open spot and set up for the night. Make sure to bring a metal container if you plan to build a fire. The park does not allowed visitors to build fires directly on the ground and they ask you to pack out the ashes in the morning.

If you want to see the wildflowers at the opportune time, arrive early in the morning. The hotter temperatures in the afternoon can cause flowers to close up. 

Cellular service can be sparse when people crowd the town so make sure to print out directions and a map before your trip. If you still need help, head to the Visitor's Center when you arrive.

Just make sure your camera battery doesn't die the minute you arrive in the park. If it does, wifi and outlets are available in the Christmas Circle, the roundabout in the middle of town.