Thanks for moving this thread to yet another location (moved twice). I wouldn't have known this forum existed if it hadn't been moved here. If I can find this forum again in this maze of links, I'll be sure to return when I'm making plans to off road in So Cal. This is a good source for finding trips in So Cal.

Bookmark the SoCal section or go to the top of the page click on forum jump>so cal .very easy to find that way.

bookmarks are a wonderful thing.

Sorry for commenting on an old thread, but I just got a 4Runner and was looking for suggestions in Anza Borrego

What you looking for in difficulty and scenery? Anza is enormous, you can overland it for weeks.

Easy to intermediate at first. I'm relatively new to this style of off roading (I've been in sand dunes my entire life). Also it's still my daily driver, so I'm ok with pinstripes, but want to avoid dents

It is very easy. I would say 2WD for most of the park and 4x4 optional off shoots. Just make sure to air down. I was just there earlier this month for an overnight trip. I started at Sin Nombre Canyon > Arroyo Mud Caves > Diablo drop off > fish creek wash and then camped in Sandstone Canyon. Then just made my way out the wash and hit all the little things on the way out. This route goes from South to North. I ended up on Split Mtn Road on the north side and stopped by Julian on the way home. PM me if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help.

Thanks for the tips. Used these forums to plan my first off road trip at Anza Borrego with my gf and new 4runner. Couldn't have gone more smoothly. Saving up for offroad and emergency preparedness gear now so I can do more confidently.

The easiest thing to start with is to navigate to the "wind caves" hike, which is about .5 miles off of a paved road... I have seen minim vans make it there.

The hike is one mile with some cool vies

From there, you can press on to SandStone canyon. Depending on how dense the sand is there, you may need 4x4. It's not overly technical otherwise and it's wide as a 4 lane highway until you get to SandStone.

Alternatively -

Check out Blair Valley dispersed camping, i love that place, very open and magical at sunset.

From there you can press on to Arroyo mud caves - easy trails, just drive slow and have to look up coordinates as they are easy to miss.


Happy Exploring, feel free to PM w/ any specific questions

Yeah always go with a buddy or at least tell your family/friends where you'll be for the night/weekend. I am glad I was able to help you with your trip, hope to see you out there!

Planning to head out to Anza-Borrego in July for a half day run before it gets too hot on a weekend. Any advice on other historical or geological areas to check out?

I went to Blair Valley (and what remains of the house), Morteros Trail, and the Pictographs last time. The mud caves were incredible. Hoping to practice airing down this time around to get more comfortable off paved road.

@primanti Fish creek has a clear marker of the fault line in California. I'll have to dig up a picture. I camped right under it the first time i went there by myself lol, unknowingly.

@DannyLlama - Thanks for that tip. I had no idea about the geological significance of the area from a fault line perspective. Plenty to read now. Would love to see any photos you've got.

Here you ago actually



It's hard to see but look for the straight lines that are being pushed up by the fault line

for everyone's future reference, ground fires are a big no-no in ABDSP. they leave scars along the landscape that take forever to disappear. bring a fire pit and pack out your ashes next time, please. leave no trace.

having said that, i headed out fish creek for the first time this weekend with a few friends. set up camp at the end of olla wash. blue skies, perfect weather.