Caves to Cliffs: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

SCORCH returns to California’s largest state park for a full south-to-north desert traverse. Caves to Cliffs is a single-day off-road adventure that crosses Anza-Borrego from near its southern edge almost to its northern border, combining dramatic geology, wide open washes, optional challenges, and a grand finale overlooking one of Southern California’s most breathtaking desert landscapes.
This is our first time back to Anza-Borrego since 2023, and we are building a deep desert experience with adventure, exploration, and jaw dropping views.

THREE WAYS TO JOIN

Option 1 – Full Experience
Meet at 9:30 AM at the S2 turnoff onto Vallecito Wash Trail at coordinates 32.915370, -116.240581. You can find it by typing “mud caves on S2 turnoff” into Waze or Google Maps. Air down immediately upon exiting S2. It is about 7.5 miles of dirt to the Mud Caves. We will caravan in, hike the caves for approximately 90 minutes, and regroup at the vehicles.

Option 2 – Skip the Hike
Self-navigate to the Mud Caves parking area at **32.92577, -116.19126 **or type Arroyo Tapido Mud Caves into Google/Waze and arrive by 11:45 AM to join the group returning from the hike.

Option 3 – Self-Guided Hike
Arrive at the caves on your own schedule, explore independently, and be back at your vehicle by 11:45 AM for rollout.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Mud Caves hike includes low ceilings, requiring some low stooping to progress through the caves. Do not attempt this hike if you do not have that mobility.

Drivers meeting is at 12:00 PM at the caves. We depart shortly after.

All vehicles arriving at the caves should already be aired down. It's a 7.5 mile dirt drive from the S2 turnoff to the mud caves entrance. A GPX file mapping from the S2 meetup point to the caves will be posted in the event chat after the 2/22 scouting run.

THE ROUTE
We begin with exploration of the Mud Caves, a maze of wind carved chambers and narrow passageways formed by centuries of erosion cutting through ancient sedimentary deposits. Bring a headlamp. You will want one.
From there we head to Diablo Dropoff, a soft sand descent with easy, medium, and hard lines. We will spend some time here so drivers who want to test different approaches, including climbing back up, can play while others watch and spot.
Next, we enter Fish Creek Wash and run the out-and-back through Sandstone Canyon, a stunning slot canyon framed by towering rock walls that rise dramatically from the desert floor. Conditions will be confirmed after our 2/22 scouting run.

We then head north through Fish Creek Wash, transition briefly to pavement, drop back into the dirt, weave through several washes, and make our way into the Badlands, a surreal landscape of mud formations carved into jagged ridges and winding canyons.

Our final destination is Fonts Point. We aim to arrive late in the day when the sun is low and the lighting is optimal, estimated between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, with final timing confirmed after scouting. From this overlook, the desert opens up in a sweeping panorama of deeply carved badlands stretching to the horizon. The shifting light reveals layers, shadows, and textures that make this one of the most jaw dropping viewpoints in Southern California.

From there, it is about 15 minutes of dirt to Highway 78.
If there is interest, those heading west on the 78 can roll into the charming little town of Borrego Springs together to share ride stories over a drink and a bite. It is just 15 minutes down the road along the way and a perfect way to close out a big day in the desert.

HOW HARD IS THIS RIDE?
Average difficulty 3 out of 10.

This is beginner friendly and suitable for any 4WD SUV with standard clearance and proper tires. The most technical feature is Diablo Drop, where an easier line is typically available, to be confirmed after scouting.

Expect soft sand in washes, grapefruit to watermelon sized rocks scattered along sections of trail, washboarding, and typical desert variability. There will be short social stops along the way, but no extended lunch break since we are not rolling out until afternoon. Plan for a 5 hour moving desert run.
4WD and functional tow points are required.

BE PREPARED
Here is shopping list. We make a little commission to help keep the lights on...

• Food for day-tripping
• VHF Radio ( good one / better one )
• A Camp Chair for Chilling ( good one / better one)
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Headlamp

DISCLAIMER
SCORCH organizers are not responsible for any damage to your vehicle or person before, during, or after this event. Off-roading carries inherent risk and requires preparation, awareness, and personal responsibility. Participate at your own risk.

4WD vehicles with functional tow points are required for this ride.

Drivers who operate recklessly, disregard trail etiquette, or create unsafe situations for others will be asked to leave and may be removed from future SCORCH events.