It’s early March as I drive down Highway 78 toward the town of Julian.
California is cool right now at sea level, and at about 4000 feet in elevation, there is snow.
That means snow tourists are flooding into the area, for more reasons than apple picking or getting a slice of pie.
The charming town of Julian is known it’s pie. In the warmer months it hosts PCT hikers, and Mom’s is famous for giving hiker a free slice of pie.
Highway 79
As I turn off onto Highway 79, heading south through the town, fresh snow is falling.
It’s an adventure, driving a Honda in these conditions.
Normally, a sedan is adequate for socal roads, but not today.
Inspiration Point
I pass a viewpoint, called Inspiration Point, and join the crowd there.
The views were nothing short of spectacular, looking down into Anza Borrego State Park, a vast 600,000 acre park, which backs to the Cuyamaca Rancho State park in Julian.
Here is a map of Anza Borrego and the park brochure.
Lake Cuyamaca
I drive further south past frozen Lake Cuyamaca, and see many folks sledding on the hillsides to my right, and parked all along the road.
I decide to turn around at this point, as the road will soon climb higher, and my car is not properly equipped for snow.
Borrego Springs
I had planned to explore Borrego Springs, with its famous sculpture park.
I had a brief glimpse of, on a previous trip to the area.
I began traveling East, turning back onto Highway 78, heading away from Julian, and toward Borrego Springs.
Banner and Shelter Valley
I passed through an area called Banner, and then drove through another area called Shelter Valley.
This is a a classic high desert landscape, that is not quite as warm as Borrego Springs, but close.
There were several hikes in this area I found on alltrails, such as Whale Peak, but those would be saved for another time.
A Winding Road
The road became very winding, on the final descent into Borrego Springs. I passed by scenic rock formations, in a narrow canyon, and passed an overlook, perfect for taking photos of the valley below.
The town of Julian may be full of snow right now, but the temperatures in the valley below, vary drastically. They are now just about perfect, and in the 60’s.
Anza Borrego’s History
Anza-Borrego’s history includes being explored by Juan Bautista de Anza. The Southern Emigrant Trail passes through the town. The Butterfield Stage once traveled through this valley, carrying people into Julian, which was an old time stagecoach stop. The Mormon Battalion also traveled through here enroute to the coast.
Native Tribes
For 5,000 years native tribes resided here. There are petroglyphs, throughout the surrounding hills of Anza Borrego State Park.
There is even evidence of ancient mammoths, who roamed these parts until about 8,000 B.C.
100 Degrees Fahrenheit
Much of the year Borrego Springs can remain over a hundred degrees.
This was a rare opportunity to explore it, without getting overheated in the process.
Ocotillo
The ocotillo cactus were now in bloom. They retreat from hiberation, green up, and burst with red blossoms, whenever there is rain.
In contrast, my ocotillo at home is green, but has not flowered yet.
A Water Moratorium
There is a moratorium on water right now in the town of Borrego Springs, which is part of the reason it has not grown much.
With water restrictions, no building can occur, and all the open space, with so many vacant lots gives it an empty feeling.
Sculptures in the Desert
I remembered some strange monumental sculptures I happened to notice off in the distance in a field on my last trip here.
Upon further research I found they were part of an outdoor sculpture park, called Galetta Meadows.
There Be Dragons
This dragon, is one of the sculptures you may just find, in the wide expanse of Borrego Springs. He was easy to find, and one of the few which I was able to walk to, from the road.
It was created by artist Richard Brecera, and has seemingly emerged from its den, and is bathing in the deep desert sands. Snakes like to bury themselves in the sand to stay cool, so it’s fitting this serpent is also half submerged.
The sculptures blend in amongst the creosote and cottonwoods. Getting to each of them sometimes requires a bit of off-roading.
A Sculpture Hunt
I had a rough idea of where the sculptures were, since I had brought a map with me detailing the name of each one, along with its placement on a map.
You must drive on sand to reach the some of the sculptures, or walk in from the road.
There are no designated parking areas.
The Story of Galetta Meadows
Mexican born California artist Richard Breceda, was approached by the owner of a large amount of empty acreage in Borrego Springs, named Dennis Avery, to commission these sculptures.
The result was a herd of dinosaurs, fantastic creatures, and insects, some reminiscent of the wild west.
People have come from far and wide to enjoy these sculptures ever since.
He has a a gallery just past Warner Springs on the way to Anza, where you can see more of his sculptures, with a $10 admission fee.
More About the Park
The park was recently renamed the “Sky Art Sculptures of Galleta Meadows,” and is under the care of the Under the Sun Foundation.
Admission is free, but you may donate to the Under the Sun Foundation, to help maintain the park.
Learn more about artist Richardo Breceda here and the Under the Sun Foundation here.
A dragon unleashing its fury on an unsuspecting RV.
A Quick Detour
My visit to the sculpture park, ended with a stopover at Hellhole Canyon for a short hike past some beautiful ocotillos, barrel cactuses, and chollas at sunset
A Desert Sunset
One of the best times to see the desert is at sunset. Borrego Springs was having a bit of a windstorm.
The hills became illuminated, in so many colors.
It was a memorable end to a beautiful day visiting Borrego Springs.
Desert Attire
I covered myself in my sun hoodie, in an attempt to block the wind blown sand particles. If you have hiked in wind, on a beach, or anywhere with sand, you know the importance of protecting your face from flying particles of dust or sand.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip to Galleta Meadows and Borrego Spring! I hope this helps you plan you trip, and shows you a bit of what to expect if you visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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