Rugged Adventures Episode 4: Anza-Borrego Explorer’s Loop
With Chloe Kuo
Join in as Chloe Kuo explores the California desert from Ocotillo Wells to the Anza Borrego Desert. Fossilized sea beds and rock concretions, views of the Carrizo badlands, and mud and wind-formed caves await along the Anza-Borrego Explorer’s Loop.
New onX Offroad Route:
Anza-Borrego Explorer’s Loop
This Southern California route has it all—hidden desert gems, fun driving challenges, and iconic trails. Starting in Salton City, it takes you through Ocotillo Wells, Anza Borrego, and the Yuha desert, with highlights like 6 million-year-old fossil beds, mysterious geoglyphs, and wind-carved caves. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a weekend warrior, this trail makes the desert accessible to all with a perfect balance of driving and exploration for solo trips, friends, or family.
Day 1; Night 1
Start your adventure near Salton City, where the eerie Salton Sea area sets the tone. After fueling up and airing down, explore Ocotillo Wells SVRA, with its mix of washboard roads and sandy washes. Stop at the Pumpkin Patch for unique rock formations, then head to Shell Reef for hill climbs and desert views. Finish the day in the quiet Yuha Desert, choosing a dispersed campsite to unwind.
Day 2; Night 2
Start Day 2 with a drive to the Fossil Shell Bed, where 6 million-year-old marine fossils dot the desert. Continue to Yuha Well, a Spanish-era watering hole, then visit the impressive geoglyphs—ancient ground carvings best seen from above. Head to the Cazario Badlands Overlook by sunset for stunning views, then camp nearby, soaking in the desert vistas or tucked into the canyon’s rugged walls.
Day 3
On your final day, drive to the Mud Caves, unique natural formations requiring a capable 4×4 (and caution after rain). After exploring, head north through Fish Creek to the Wind Caves trailhead, where a short hike reveals desert-carved formations. Finish your Rugged Adventure by looping back through Ocotillo Wells, retracing your steps across open desert, capping off a route full of history, hidden gems, and desert character.
Save The Folder; Explore The Route
Download the Anza-Borrego Explorer’s Loop trip Folder to save it right to your onX Offroad App and share it with friends. You’ll have all the information you need to prepare and safely execute the Route, including Photo Waypoints that mark suggested campsites, side hiking trips to explore palm springs and wind caves, route details, famous sculptures and more. In the episode, this desert route was done in three days and two nights, but it can be easily adjusted to fewer days as desired.
