Small Group Mountain and Desert Tour from San Diego

San Diego, United States of America

Stand on top of Font's Point, nicknamed California's Grand Canyon. Marvel at 40 foot high walls shoulder length apart as you squeeze through Slot Canyon. Enjoy the incredible 2400 foot descent from the historic gold mining town of Julian to the largest desert state park in the nation. Learn about the formation of the region as well as it's native plants and animals inside the visitor's center at Anza Borrego State Park. See the town of Borrego Springs before heading up the grade to start our 95 mile journey back through the mountains and onto highway 8 as we follow the setting sun back into San Diego.

Head north along the 15 freeway and east up the Poway grade through the mountains on our way to the old western town of Ramona. Our 1st stop is at Dudley's bakery in the 1 corner town of Santa Ysabel. Amazing breads and other fresh baked goods for your pallet.

Back on the winding mountain road to our lunch stop at Wynola. Take a look at the old gold mine across the street. 3 miles down the road we arrive in Julian. Lots of interesting shops and buildings to explore and some famous apple pie and cider for desert. A long but stunning drive winding around the sides of the mountain on our way down to the dessert floor and the town of Borrego Springs. Driving around Christmas Circle and the main shopping area till we arrive at the visitor's center at Anza Borrego State Park.

Inside Anza Borrego State Park are the descriptions of all the native plants and animals that are indigenous to the area as well as some history about the area going back several million years. Outside are trails with plaques telling you the names of the different plants. A stop for a cool drink at the lounge overlooking the Rams Hill golf course is a must before we begin our trip back. We climb back up the grade and chase the setting sun as we come through the mountains on highway 8 heading towards the ocean and downtown San Diego.