Anza Borrego - Christams trip - December 2014

[Questor]

Hello All.

It seems like a lot of us went to the Anza Borrego area over Christmas. So did we.
I had never been there before, so my girlfriend and I spent six days there exploring and enjoying the wide open spaces.

Our first day was a simple drive to Borrego Springs, got more fuel, and went out to Font's point to watch the sunset.

We were not disappointed.

We camped nearby in a wash and had a small campfire.

The next morning I work up early made coffee and waited for the sunrise.

My girlfriend enjoyed the morning too.

After a nice breakfast, we packed up camp, and headed to Seventeen palms.

It was a nice drive and soon we arrived and did some exploring.

It was a happy day!

The plan was to see the Pumpkin Patch, but I went down the wrong wash, and we had to take the Cut Across Road to re-route. but along the way we came across this French family that had rented quads. The wife had taken a back crash, rolled the quad and they needed help getting back to Ocotillo Wells.

We put the French lady in the Tacoma, and my girlfriend rode the quad out.

Sections of the Cut Across road were very dramatic.

Due to this rerouting, we decided to go visit Fish Creek and the Wind Caves.
The Split.

And then we hiked up to the wind caves.

It was getting late, and we drove up a wash and found a place to camp.

It was windy out, but fortunately, it was warm and snuggly in the tent.

End of Day 2.
Q~

 

[Questor]

Anzo Borrego Trip - Continued

The next morning, I didn't feel like getting up.
Life in the sleeping bags was too comfy.

Eventually we did pack up camp, and headed to the Mud Caves.

Down Canyon Sin Nombre.

And up Mud Cave Wash.

We parked in the shade near the caves.

And went exploring.

After our caving and exploring, we went and found a quiet spot to spend the afternoon / evening and camp.
We found this nice place.

We watched the sun set.

And later had a relaxing evening by the fire.

The next morning, the light was perfect.
You could see all the details of the Southern Badlands surrounding our camp.

We wanted to see if we could see any Mountain Goats, plus we needed gas so we drove back to Borrego Springs.
But I wanted to see the giant Desert Serpent!

But first I had to fight giant Scorpions!

After my victory, we were able to continue!
And we found the Desert Serpent.

He seemed very happy and relaxed.

After saying goodbye to the serpent, we went hiking up Palm Canyon all the while looking for Mountain Goats.
It was a nice hike, but we didn't see any Mountain Goats.

After the hike we found another wash to camp in and had a restful evening.

The next day, we headed over to Joshua Tree National Monument.

We hiked out to the Lost Horse mine, but my goal was to photograph the Cholla Cactus at sunset.
I got a few nice pictures.

After sunset we drove out of the park and camped on the BLM lands...

The next morning we packed up camp.

And drove home.

All and all it was a nice trip and we will definitely be going back.

If you are interested I also put together a short video.

Thanks for viewing.
Q~

 

[v_man]

great pics and nice set up on the Tacoma...

 

[SmoothLC]

Nice! I gotta get down there someday.

Great write up and very nice photos.

 

[Cascade Wanderer]

Particularly like the night photos. Very nice.

I think the critters you were seeking are bighorn sheep, not mountain goats. As I recall, it's the bighorns that live out there, not mountain goats.

Good report, and I like the way you've got that truck set up for overlanding!

CW

 

[Yuman Desert Rat]

Awesome trip report. If bighorn sheep you seek head east into AZ and spend some time exploring the KofA NWR.

 

[Borrego60]

Some of the best pictures of the area and trail report I have seen in a long time. You guys covered some area.

 

[Questor]

I think the critters you were seeking are bighorn sheep, not mountain goats. As I recall, it's the bighorns that live out there, not mountain goats.

Good report, and I like the way you've got that truck set up for overlanding!

CW

Thanks for the compliments.

You are right. We were looking for Big Horn Sheep.
I kept making fun of my girlfriend and telling her we were looking for "big horn goats".


I can't wait to go back there, and I will soon.
Q~

 

[DVD]

Great report and photos, and great area to explore. We were there from the 29th - 1st, but I don't recognize your rig. First time in AB for us too. Enjoyed seeing it through your lens!