Despite the SoCal heat during Memorial day weekend and exhaustion, we are finally on ” the top of the world” and enjoy this magnificent view. It is truly one of a kind!!!

As you continues on Route 78 East for 6.6 miles to the desert hamlet of Ocotillo Wells in Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area after Borrego Springs Rd., turn south on Split Mountain Road. About 8 miles from Route 78, and 2 1/4 miles past the Elephant Tree Trail Area, the pavement comes to and end. Turn right on Fish Creek Wash sign onto a dirt road up the center of a sandy wash. Road conditions may vary, but the route is typically not entirely suitable for low clearance vehicles because of all the big rocks scatter (Jeep or similar 4WD is recommended) .

The canyon narrows and steep stone walls rise up around the road, adding gravity to the drive up the split between Fish Creek Mountain and Vallecito Mountain. Drive about another 3.2 miles to get to the trailhead, located on the left, on the inside of a curve in the road just after it exits the mountains.  There’s a sign for Wind Caves right after you turned left.

The mesmerized view overlooks Carrizo Badlands through natural nooks

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park holds some of the richest fossil deposits on Earth, bearing marine reefs, lake deposits and silt dating from 500,000 to 5 million years ago. Once you arrive at the wind caves, take your time and explore the caves. There are plenty of shady areas and nooks where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery while having a picnic lunch or resting up for the hike back down the mountain.  A trip through Fish Creek Wash guarantees visitors an upclose view of history as it is preserved in layer upon layer of mud, rock, silt and fossils. 

Under the dry heat 86°F in the middle of desert , we have to walk through the dirt road since we took a Sedan there 😥

The tire mark left on the rocky dirt road. SoCal heat could wrinkle up even the mud road , so you better cover yourself up with sunblocks.