One of my favourite discoveries from last year’s snowbird trip is Anza Borrego State Park in California. It’s only about half an hour from Palm Springs and there are tons of excellent boondocking locations in the park.
“Boondocking,” in case you don’t know, is where you camp off the grid for free.
You wanna know the best part about boondocking in Anza Borrego State Park? Sunrise.
Because I’m not really a morning person … okay, I’m a terrible person in the morning is probably more accurate … I don’t want to get up any earlier than I absolutely have to. Even when it’s winter and sunrise doesn’t happen until 6:15 am, it’s still too early for me 🙂
So being parked right in the sunrise location means I can stumble out of bed ten minutes before sunrise and still get the shot.
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I have to share with you this snapshot I made of our beautiful, private boondocking spot just above Clark Dry Lake.
You can see in this panorama view that there are no other boondockers in the frame, but there are a few other rigs around. Everyone is about a 5 minute walk away at minimum so there is lots of space.
That’s Clark Dry Lake there between our rig and the mountains.
Because we’re snowbirds I’ve only been here in winter, but I hope to come back to see the wildlflowers in spring.
Anne,
Your photos are breathtaking. I plan on visiting Clark Dry Lake, but have no specific idea of how to get there. Everything I’ve researched is all pretty general. Any chance you can help send directions? I’m coming from Spring Valley, San Diego.
Thank you thank you!
Omg, this is amazing!
I always see your articles through my e-mail newsletter, but now and then I just have to come here to say again how much I love your landscape pictures! =)
Much appreciate Lanna!
Yeah Anne, and you probably like to stay up to after midnight, ugh.
We wake up between 4 & 5AM and get going in the morning. However, we are asleep by 9PM in the evening.
Takes all kinds of personalities to make up the world.
I also love the desert Southwest and its imagery at all times of the year except July and August.
Cheers,
Charles
You sound like Ray who is always trying to get me onto his schedule! I’m trying really hard to get up earlier but I never feel like I totally wake up until evening. Maybe it will get easier as I get older 🙂 Thanks for your comments Charles.
The vertical shot is outstanding, I really love the warm-cool colours in it.
Greetings from Switzerland – Sandra
Thank you very much Sandra!
Great images, thanks for sharing, Anne!
I have been to Anza Borrego SP years ago and I think it is time to go back…! 🙂
It’s definitely time to go back! Thanks for your visit and comments Heidger!
Looks like a perfect spot for some deep meditation 🙂
Indeed it is!! Thanks Devlin.
Awesome sunrise, Anne. It’s got a wintry feel to it too – don’t know whether that’s my interpretation because it is winter anyway or not.
I kept the white balance on the cold blue side, so maybe that’s why it seems like winter. Well, it is winter! But it was pretty warm here 🙂 Love winter in California. Thanks for your comments Len.
Oops, sorry Andy! I know who you are!!!
What an amazing sky you have captured here, Anne!
Many thanks Lisa!
Very nice shot of the Sunrise.
Thanks Harvey!
lovely capture…the sky looks dramatic
Thank you very much Anupama!