3.19.2009

Anza-Borrego Visitor Center





To get oriented and obtain information on weather and wildlife conditions, stop by the Visitors Information Center. Last weekend, there were park rangers and volunteers steering the many visitors to areas where the flowers were in bloom. Designed to keep cool during the desert's blazing hot summers, the information center is built underground, beneath a demonstration desert garden. A nature trail here takes you through a garden containing examples of most of the native flora and a little pupfish pond. 200 Palm Canyon Dr., Hwy. S22.

Hi temperatures reaching 120°F are not uncommon in the desert during the warmer months. The average July maximum is 110°F - and a 30°F difference possible between the often cloud covered western peaks and the parched deserts far below. Such is the heat in summer that the visitor center is open only on weekends, as far fewer people visit here than in the cooler seasons.

7 comments:

~ Julie ~ said...

I've always found so much beauty in the desert and I miss it so much. This week I can live vicariously through your posts! :)

Anonymous said...

It certainly looks beautiful.

Lowell said...

The only time to visit places like this is during the spring or fall (and maybe winter)...

Been in the desert in the summer; no need to do it again!

Nice shots, Nancy. The park ranger appears to be a friendly sort, too.

Anonymous said...

120 degrees?! WoW! The difference before there & here is the humidity! It's awful around here! 120 w/ out humidity? I wonder, but 120 is 120 no matter if there's humidity or not!!!

Anonymous said...

I meant to type the difference BETWEEN - not before

Barb said...

It feels that hot here in late summer, love the photos they are beautiful....Barb

Virginia said...

wehn I taught 3rd grade I always did a huge unit on the SW desert. I made a desert in an aquarium complete with cactus and rubber lizards! These are just great photos. I like your portrait too.
V