Hiking and Spelunking in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
(CC) Anza-Borrego Desert State Park by Marco Bernardini/Wikimedia Commons
Situated in San Diego County, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers ample desert hiking and mud cave spelunking opportunities. Depending on the season, you will notice flowering cacti, mule deer, pupfish and iguanas as well as rattlers. The park encompasses 600,000 acres and is home to the Carrizo Badlands and mud caves. Adventure seekers reach these spelunking opportunities via primitive roads that might make them wish for a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Some caves offer cathedral ceilings, while others have people walking stooped. Copious hiking trails allow outdoor enthusiasts and desert aficionados to come face-to-face with the atmosphere of the desert. As for accommodations, visitors can stay in Borrego Springs, which is a small desert community, or opt for the state park RV campground.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
200 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-4684
Hiking Across Santa Catalina Island
(CC) Avalon, Catalina Island by Horst Frank/Wikimedia Commons
A part of Los Angeles County, Santa Catalina Island is the most famous of California's Channel Islands. You may gain access by ferry from the ports of Dana Point, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Pedro or Marina Del Rey. The Trans-Catalina trails measures more than 32 miles in length, and spans the entire length of the island, making it possible to hike from one end to the other without having to change trails. In addition to this long trail, the island features over 200 miles of trails that include easy to traverse terrain as well as the steeper and rockier paths that seasoned hikers may favor.
Catalina Conservancy and Visitor Center
125 Clarissa Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1445
Swimming, Boating and Fishing Lake Gregory
(CC) Lake Gregory by Phil Scoville/Wikimedia Commons
Lake Gregory is a man-made lake in Southern California's San Bernadino County. It is close to Lake Arrowhead, which is a popular tourist destination. Visitors to the region frequently receive disappointment upon learning that Lake Arrowhead is actually a private lake and restricts access by non-residents. This leads to the popularity of nearby Lake Gregory, where seasonal boathouses open from April to October.
Water sports aficionados enjoy kayaking, rowboat use, paddle boards and sailing. They may also fish for catfish or trout from the shore; or swim or ride an aqua cycle. A man-made water slide augments the swimming opportunities the lake offers. Since there are grills and picnic shelters, hiking trails and also a dog park, Lake Gregory is a popular destination for day-trippers and tourists staying in adjacent towns.
Lake Gregory
24171 Lake Drive
Crestline, CA 92325
(909) 338-2233
