Set across the Wind Caves, Elephant Knees is a butte that is said to resemble an elephant’s knee. The butte is surrounded by fossils of aquatic animals like seashells, oysters, and more. This area was once submerged in the deep waters of the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. Hikers can walk along the rugged trail that leads to the butte. At the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Set in Borrego Valley, Galleta Meadows Estate is owned by the late Dennis Avery. This estate is home to many metal sculptures that were designed by the well-known artist Ricardo Breceda. Drive along Highway S3 and you will spot life-sized sculptures of a band of horses. These horses are seen to be running wild, galloping, and grazing.

Located inside Anza Borrego State Park, Slot Canyon is a beautiful attraction. Replete with dramatic rock formations, it's a must-visit for avid hikers. The trail, albeit tiring, is accentuated with several jaw-dropping sights, thus rewarding visitors for their effort. Certain sections of the canyon are quite narrow and require hikers to squeeze themselves through the rocks, but it's all part of the experience.

One of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park's most picturesque natural features is this craggy peak. Granite Mountain's slopes are covered in juniper and chaparral, making for exhilarating hiking expeditions. The mountain's scenic surroundings are a treat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Due to its height, the mountain's crest offers a number of vantage points from which tourists can observe the landscapes developing nearby.

Located inside the Anza Borrego State Park, Slot Canyon is a beautiful attraction. Replete with dramatic rock formations, it's a must-visit for avid hikers. The trail, albeit tiring, is accentuated with several jaw-dropping sights thus rewarding visitors for their effort. Certain sections of the canyon are quite narrow and require hikers to squeeze themselves through the rocks, but it's all a part of the experience.

Galleta Meadows is quite different from the general image of meadows that one would conjure up in their mind. The place isn't filled with colorful flowers but instead is replete with whimsical metal sculptures. Located inside the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this plot of land belongs to the late Mr. Dennis Avery. The interesting sculptures that it occupies have come to life out of the imagination of artist Ricardo Breceda. The sculptures include dramatic replicas of a scorpion, dragon, bugs, dinosaurs, and many other animals. The place is open for visitation all year long and is a popular stopover for hikers, horseback riders and even photography enthusiasts exploring the desert.

Pumpkin Patch is a unique place that is set in Ocotillo Wells in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It is scattered with orb-shaped rocks which are called concretion and may contain a shell or a fossil mixed with sediments. These sandstone formations are usually formed around a fossil or a leaf. Follow the rugged Pumpkin Patch Trail that begins at Borrego Springs and explore the area’s geological background. The trail is moderately easy and is a great one to catch if you want to witness this beautiful spectacle of nature.

Located close to the Mexican border, the stunning Jacumba Mountains are a beautiful sight to behold. Scattered with unique rock formations and shrubs, this rugged mountain is an Eldorado for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Walk along the Carrizo Gorge that leads to the mountains and discover a variety of cacti and other plants like sugarbush, goldfields, and Mohave groundsels. Climb up to the summit and revel in the panoramic views of the cities of California and Mexico.

Set against the backdrop of the Laguna Mountains, Volcanic Hills is located off Sweeny Pass Road. These hills are part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Follow the long dirt road and you will find that the area is scattered with volcanic rocks. Hike along this rocky hill and you will find shrubs like desert agave, creosote, and a variety of cacti. Even as you head closer to the volcanic area you will find the colors of the rocks change and create a beautiful landscape.

Located off Sweeny Pass Road, Carrizo Badlands Overlook offers stunning views of the badlands in Carrizo, Coyote Mountains, Carrizo Creek, and more. Set in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, this area offers facilities for camping. Check out the different campsites near the overlook and enjoy a lovely excursion with your loved ones amidst nature. Nature lovers and geologists can study the rocky and dry terrain and the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Located down the hill is a popular jeep trail which you can take if you wish to explore the area further.

Carrizo Badlands is encompassed by the beautiful Fish Creek Mountains, Coyote Mountains, and Tierra Blanca Mountains. This area is characterized by dry undulating terrain that is scattered with shrubs. Mud caves are also a prominent feature of this geological area and worthy of exploring. You can choose to go on the popular jeep trail which is slightly difficult at first due to the rough terrain but eventually smoothens out. Ensure to keep yourself hydrated as you explore these unique badlands.

Set in Carrizo Badlands, Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves is a labyrinth of caverns and sinkholes. Some of the caves that are found here are the Big Mud Cave, Chasm Cave, Hidden Cave, and Plunge Pool Cave. It is interesting to note that these caves are formed due to fluvial and eolian erosion that is caused by wind and rain. Before you descend into the caves, make sure to pack a pair of hiking boots, a helmet, and enough drinking water. It is recommended to use a 4WD along the dirt road that leads to these caves.