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Writer's pictureDavid Maiwald

Sonoran Desert Part IV - things to do in California's Imperial and Coachella Valleys!

Updated: Dec 14

Part IV of the Sonoran Desert Series


In this article:


The westernmost portions of the Sonoran Desert are located in California’s Imperial and Coachella Valleys which are both situated around the lower colorado valley just south of Joshua Tree National Park. This part of the Sonoran Desert is also called Colorado Desert which describes the low-elevation areas of Southern California as well as the far northwest of Mexico. The Californian part of the Sonoran Desert is characterized by vast plains that are bordered by the coastal ranges of Southern California to its west, the high desert plains of the Mojave Desert to its north, and the gradually rising elevation of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to its east. 


Due to its isolated location in the lower colorado valley as well as its low elevations this area is one of the driest areas in the southwestern U.S. which experiences considerably less rainfall than its Arizona counterpart. This also means that the typical “Green Desert” landscape of Arizona changes into more of a sandy desert the farther west you travel. The area between Palm Springs and the Algodones Sand Dunes therefore offers perfectly warm and mostly dry weather from September thru May - which makes this part of the Sonoran Desert the perfect destination to get away from those cold and gray winters further up north!


Imperial Sand Dunes & Salton Sea basin

The easternmost portion of the Imperial Valley near the Arizona border is covered by the Algodones Sand Dunes - one of North America’s largest dune fields. The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is located in the southern portion of the dune field and consists of BLM land that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities. One of the most popular outdoor activities in this area during the peak season - which is during the winter months - includes riding the dunes with an ATV which can be rented at nearby Glamis. I myself explored the BLM portion of this expansive sand desert on foot during the far less crowded shoulder season around April / May. There are parking spots and public restrooms located at Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park in the center of the Imperial Sand Dunes.


Towards the northwest of the Algodones Dunes lie the vast plains of the Salton Sea basin. An area filled with once-thriving seaside resorts and towns from the 1950s and 60s that are now mostly abandoned ghost towns. Much of the area around the Salton Sea is characterized by such lost places from the long-gone golden days of the 1950s that have since turned into alternative communities and artist havens. Some of these communities have become popular tourist attractions over the years - the most famous of which are Slab City and Bombay Beach. Simply abandoned and lost places for some, dramatically beautiful for others - in the end, it is up to everyone’s individual preferences how they experience these places.


Quick facts about the Imperial Sand Dunes & Salton Sea basin:

  • perfect for: sightseeing, camping, hiking, biking, off road driving, picnics, watching the sunset 

  • best sights: Slab City & Bombay Beach: wild & partially off-grid desert communities and artist havens

  • best viewpoints: across the dune field around Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park

  • no fees for day use activities in and around Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park / all other recreational activities require a permit ($35) during winter season (October thru April)

  • services: day use area, ranger station, ATV rentals in Glamis, campgrounds

  • more information on blm.gov




Coachella Valley and Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Returning to the natural attractions of the area, the Coachella Valley and the Anza Borrego Desert both offer expansive badlands, deep canyons, and some of the region’s popular spring-fed palm oases. Coachella Valley offers a large number of exceptionally lush and impressive oases with Willis Palms and Thousand Palms being the most popular and impressive in the area. I hiked the area around Willis Palms during the spring of 2023 when the temperatures already reached the high 90’s (Fahrenheit) / upper 30’s (Celsius). I was impressed by the lush greenery in the middle of the barren desert landscape. Walking just a few meters into the oasis was a surreal experience where I suddenly found myself inside a lush, green, and jungle-like scenery while the temperatures immediately felt considerably more tolerable!


South of the Coachella Valley and west of the Salton Sea lies the Anza Borrego Desert which offers a variety of hiking and camping opportunities as well as plenty of off-road trails leading deep into the rugged desert landscape. During my visit in the fall of 2024 I explored the short but partially very rough and sandy Fonts Point Trail which brought me to the spectacular Fonts Point viewpoint. This was another destination that I was able to enjoy all by myself. The seemingly endless views across the vast badlands far below and all the way to the Salton Sea basin out east were just stunning. A place well worth a visit when in the area!


Quick facts about the Coachella Valley and Anza Borrego Desert State Park:

  • perfect for: sightseeing, camping, hiking, biking, off road driving, picnics, watching the sunset, wildlife viewing 

  • best sights: palm oases: in and around Coachella Valley are several isolated spring-fed palm oases with Thousand Palms (Top Pick!) near Palm Springs being one of the largest and most popular

  • best viewpoints: Fonts Point & Vista Del Malpais (Top Pick!): great views of the vast Borrego Badlands (Anza Borrego Desert State Park) especially during the sunset!

  • best routes: numerous 4x4 trails lead through sandy washes in the Borrego Badlands area of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park with Fonts Point Wash leading to Fonts Point (4 mile one way) - be aware of potentially hazardous road conditions!

  • $10 day use fee for Anza Borrego Desert State Park

  • services (Anza Borrego Desert State Park): visitor center, day use areas, campgrounds

  • more information on parks.ca.gov / cnlm.org





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