Anza-Borrego Adventure!

----Trail Leader----

Justin Pascarella

----Trip Dates----

November 1st through November 9th

----Trip Description----

Let's escape the oncoming Winter in Colorado and head to Anza-Borrego! This has been on my overlanding destination wish list for years and it's finally time to make it a reality. Named for Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word Borrego, or bighorn sheep. Join me, as we explore and immerse ourselves through the otherworldly and fascinating canyons, washes, mud caves and badlands of Anza-Borrego for a week long adventure.

Our journey will begin just outside Ocotillo California. We’ll venture North through Anza-Borrego state park, Ocotillo Wells Recreation area and witness the Santa Rosa Mountains. Some activities will include short slot canyon hiking, fossil hunting, mud caves, desert palm oases, gas domes and observing some other incredible geological history and viewpoints throughout our trip.

----Trail/Region History----

The plate tectonic story of Anza-Borrego opens around 450 million years ago—the approximate age of Anza-Borrego’s oldest rocks:

• Sedimentary Rocks: The park features a variety of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone, siltstone, and shale, formed from ancient lakebeds and river deposits.

• Fault Zones: Anza-Borrego is located along the San Jacinto Fault Zone, which is part of the larger San Andreas Fault System. This fault activity has created dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains and deep canyons.

• Badlands: The Borrego Badlands are characterized by heavily eroded hills and valleys, revealing layers of sediment that tell a story of changing environments over millions of years.

• Volcanic Features: Evidence of ancient volcanic activity can be seen in the form of volcanic ash layers and lava flows, particularly in the Vallecito Mountains.

• Fossils: The park is rich in fossils, including marine fossils from when the area was covered by a shallow sea, and terrestrial fossils that provide insights into prehistoric life.

• Unique Formations: The park is home to various unique geological formations, such as the Wind Caves, carved by wind erosion, and the Slot Canyons, formed by the rapid flow of water through narrow rock passages.

----Off-Road Miles----

220mi

----Trail Difficulty----

Easy to Medium: Canyons, desert terrain and washes with deep and/or sandy silt, graded dirt roads with washboards. Some steep sections where 4-low is recommended. Proper tires are also highly recommended for other rocky terrain.

----Vehicle Recommendations----

High Clearance 4x4

Off-road capable tires (plus wheel key)

Full-size spare

Frame mounted tow points front and back

---- Recommended Equipment----

20,000+lb Tow Strap or Recovery/Snatch Strap

2x Shackles

----Minimum Recommended Equipment----

Fire Extinguisher

First Aid Kit/Personal Medication

Extra Water

Extra Fuel

Vehicle Unique Tools

Warm Emergency Clothing

----Radio Comms: HAM or GMRS ----

Primary 146.550 

Secondary 146.580

----Meeting Location/Time----

Maverik Adventure's First Stop - 7AM

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ioL11FrKpRpDjUUG8

----Time to Trail Head----

We have a long drive to Ocotillo CA for the start of our trip, which we will be traveling over the course of a couple days to avoid driving fatigue. Camp will be around ½ way there in the Southwest corner of Utah (tentative). Please make sure you arrive with a full tank of fuel and all of the necessities required for the duration of the trip if not meeting at a gas station. We will always aim to top off fuel prior to hitting the trial.

---Camping---

We'll be camping in random wild/dispersed locations. With that in mind, bring appropriate gear for packing out your trash, and potty waste.

Elevation will vary from -79ft to 1900ft with desert like conditions. Even during the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes below freezing. Be sure to pack layers and prepare for cooler temperatures.

---Cost---

$200 Per Vehicle

Price includes a fully guided trip and I will do my best to provide some special refreshments, treats and/or snacks/meals while we're at camp during breakfast and dinner times, but you're expected to be self-sufficient throughout the duration of the trip. If you have any questions please email me at justin@rockymountainoverland.com

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

2 Weeks Before Trip = 50% Refund

1 Week Before Trip = No Refund

No Show = No Refund

*While we understand unforeseen circumstances and emergencies occur, if there is any reason that you need to cancel within these timeframes, please reach out to us to discuss.