NEXT EVENT
Caves to Cliffs: Anza Borrego State Park
3/28/2026 @9:30am
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.
We are managing our RSVPs on Meetup. Come on out! Read on for more info.
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THREE WAYS TO JOIN
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Drivers meeting is at 12:00 PM at the caves. We depart shortly after.
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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.
Here is a GPX file mapping from the S2 meetup point to the caves... Download GPX / View Route on OnX. / View on Google Maps
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THE ROUTE
Average difficulty 3 out of 10. Great for beginners. Some optional challenges.
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We begin with exploration of the Mud Caves on foot, 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.
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We then head north through Fish Creek Wash and Loop 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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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 easy line is available, plus harder options for those who want to play.
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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 are some recommended items to bring along. We get a little kickback from Bezos if you buy any with our links. You can also visit our store for more gear suggestions.
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Food for day-tripping
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VHF Radio ( good one / better one )
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A Camp Chair for Chilling ( good one / better one)
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Sunscreen
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Water
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Headlamp ( good one / better one)
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NEW: TRAIL REPORT
We scouted the run over on 2/22/2026
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We took two vehicles out to scout this run. Everything looked pretty clear. There was no residual mud from the recent rains. There were no difficult challenges that could not be avoided. The "easy" route down Diablo Dropoff was smoothed out by the rains, making it very safe to go down. The hard line, on the other hand, has been chewed up a bit by the rain, so good luck with that to those who want to give it a shot.
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There is one small descent later in the ride that has a small rut which we can guide new new riders down. That spot also has 3 other possible lines are that are harder for those looking for a challenge.
The route will pass by the base of Blow Sand Hill. Vehicles with lockers will take a soft sand trail while the rest will be led down a packed sand alternative.
Many of the washes can be taken in 2WD, providing some fun opportunities for intentional fishtailing.
Sandstone Canyon was clear all the way in and back, and it looks like there will enough room to turn everyone around fairly easily at the end.
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We also went ahead and scouted spots in the town of Borrego Springs for a drink afterward. Most of the restaurants were hopping and probably would not have room for more than a few people. but Red Ocotillio was not busy and has a large outdoor area we could occupy.
See you out there!
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- Jonathan Z
Founder & Lead Scout
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THE 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.
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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.