Spring is the perfect time to visit the Southern California desert, when temperatures are pleasant and wildlife is active. The Oasis Hike in Borrego Springs is a few hours drive from San Diego and feels a world away. This is a family friendly 3-mile trail with a mellow incline. You hike along a stream and sometimes cross over it, ultimately reaching an actual dessert oasis of palm trees and waterfalls at the top.
The boulders towards the top of the trail allow for rock scrambling as shown in the video. Our group had kids ages 5 through 11 who loved the hike. On this particular day, we lucked out with a sighting of over a dozen long horned sheep. In the video, I catch the herd running away, probably because our kids were fighting.
A visit to Borrego Springs wouldn’t be complete without a drive on the sand dunes at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Although compared to everyone else is their dune buggies and razors, I feel like we’re driving an RV on ski slopes.
Desert success tips
- Bring a cooler with beer. Need I say more?
- For lunch, hit Keslings Kitchen for the best casual dining in town and decent beer on tap.
- Beware that dogs are not allowed on the trail, unless it’s a service dog. Park rangers are present.
Curly Vagabond 