Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (Trip Review)

Jessica Masek
Jun 14, 2025
11 min read

Updated: Jun 19, 2025

Anza-Borrego has something for everyone — whether you're looking to lounge luxury-style by the pool, discover giant structures like you're trekking the playa at Burning Man, or going on unique slot hikes that bring out your inner daredevil, this State Park is for you. And yes, it will look great on your grid.

Here's my detailed review of my trip, and my stay at Casa del Zorro.

I drove into Borrego Springs in early June, windows cracked, music blaring, and nothing but open desert all around me. I had recently graduated college, and just started my first "big girl" job at a PR firm. So naturally, it was only a matter of time before I craved the quiet, wide open spaces of the desert, SO far away from civilization that I wouldn't have cell service. It's truly the only way to take a real break in the fast-paced world of Los Angeles PR. And I was ready for it.

And even just on the drive, for the first time in… I don’t even know how long… my brain just quieted down. The scenery was so vast and open, it almost felt like someone hit a mute button on the inside of my head — in the best way. I mean, how could it not. I had to pull over and document the moment. It was so special.

If you need a playlist to go along with your scenic drive in, here's what the vibe was like in my mind (best when shuffled, as with all my playlists).

My Experience at Casa del Zorro (Cute Casita-Style Resort)

Casa del Zorro is a vibey resort tucked right on the edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. And when I say it felt peaceful, I mean zero stress, zero chaos, zero noise. Check-in took about two seconds, and it genuinely felt like I might’ve been the only guest there (although I’m sure I wasn’t — I’m just really good at manifesting empty resorts apparently). In fact, they take the serene vibe so seriously, there are reminder signs all along the resort reminding you to slow down. Like, literally:

The very first thing I did? Threw on a swimsuit, wandered over to the poolside bar (The Fox Den Bar, more on that below), and ordered a cocktail like I had nothing in the world to do except sip and sun. The bartender was so sweet, and really made me feel like I was at home there. And it's right next to the pool, what more could a burnt out girly ask for?

Then I parked myself by the pool for hours, in full lizard mode. Physically and mentally. Here's me settling in, waiting for the cocktail to do it's thang before I stripped off my shawl and jumped in the refreshing pool. I grabbed one of the many little cabana-stlye lounge areas, and seriously, I was the only person at the pool. The whole place has this desert oasis energy.

Onto the practical, logistical stuff... Getting There

Casa del Zorro is located in Borrego Springs, minutes from the entrance to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It’s about a two-hour drive from San Diego or three from LA. And honestly, the drive is half the magic. There are scenic, empty roads with big-sky energy that start soothing your nervous system before you even arrive.

Rooms & Casitas

Casa del Zorro offers two main categories of rooms: Deluxe Rooms and Casitas. And honestly, which one you pick comes down to how many people you’re traveling with — and what kind of vibe you’re chasing.

The Deluxe Rooms are more minimalist and serene, while the Casitas bring full desert-luxury-with-a-private-pool energy. The pricing reflects the amenities and the space.

I stayed in one of the Deluxe Rooms. Mine had a big marble bathtub, a separate shower, and a little private patio that looked out onto the garden. It felt peaceful, warm, and genuinely cozy. These rooms start around $200–$250 per night, depending on the season.

If you want something even more tucked away, there’s also a smaller option called the Garden Room — slightly more compact than the Deluxe, with just a kind bef and a private patio entrance. Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a simpler setup without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re going with a group or just want more space, check out the Casitas. These are private desert houses scattered throughout the property — some with private pools or hot tubs, living rooms, fireplaces, and even kitchenettes. The larger ones can sleep six or more, with a mix of king and queen beds, and most start around $350+ per night. Definitely worth it if you’re splitting the cost or want a more “live here for the weekend” type of stay.

No pull-out couches from what I could tell — so what you book is what you get bed-wise.

Also worth noting: there’s a $44/night resort fee, plus a refundable deposit around $100/night. And if you’re bringing a dog, some rooms are pet-friendly with a $50 pet fee and an additional $50 refundable deposit.

Overall, I felt like I got way more than I paid for. In fact, it felt like kind of a steal for how calm, comfortable, and recharging the whole experience was — especially if you’re coming off a burnout spiral and just need somewhere to exist for a little while.

Pools

There are five pools on the property. Five. (!!!) That includes a main pool with a bar (where I was posted up at), a lap pool (ok vacay overachiever), and a few smaller, tucked-away ones depending on your casita. It never felt crowded, like seriously I was the only one there. In the hot June air — where was everyone?! Not complaining, though.

They also have jacuzzis, which I imagine would hit differently in the cooler months. Even in the June heat, I stayed poolside for hours. No noise, no chaos — just breeze, sun, and hydration (cocktails count on vacation).

Food & Drink

The Fox Bistro

The Fox Bistro is Casa del Zorro’s main restaurant. It strikes a nice balance between rustic and refined. The vibe is warm and slightly upscale — whitewashed adobe walls, exposed beams, hardwood floors — without being stuffy or overdone. Warm, cozy, and refined.

The menu is broad enough to satisfy most cravings, with options ranging from light, fresh dishes to heartier, classic meals. It’s the kind of place where you can roll in after a hike or dress up a little and make it feel like a night out

Check it out on Yelp! Here's the menu! And here's a review from December, 2024: "We had a lovely dinner here. The restaurant has an old Spanish hacienda atmosphere, it's quite pleasant. They had a piano player and he played the whole time which was nice, not too overwhelming and he played some holiday tunes. Our server was attentive. They had delicious special cocktails and a wide variety of main dishes and desserts. Food was excellent. The only negative was that we had made a reservation for outside and they didn't have a table reserved for us. They offered us a less than great table that wasn't made up with no heat lamps, so we opted to eat inside, which actually turned out just fine. There were some large families with kids dining outside, so inside was a more formal atmosphere. We were dressed up but most folks were in jeans."

The Fox Den Bar

The Fox Den Bar is Casa del Zorro’s on-site bar and casual dining spot — it has a cozy, old-school vibe with a desert twist. There’s a big, hand-painted mural on the wall that captures the whole “La Casa lifestyle” thing, and the space itself has a bit of history (celebrity diners, live music nights, that kind of energy).

The menu leans into Southern California comfort food — think salads, burgers, and snacks that won’t weigh you down in the heat. You can grab a craft beer, a glass of wine, or one of their signature cocktails, and either hang at the bar or take it poolside, which is exactly what I did. Great spot to relax without having to leave the resort. Check it out on Yelp! Here's the menu! And here's a review from January 2025: "Came here late for a night cap before heading back home to SD. The service was great! Gerry was very friendly, knew his cocktails, and even gave my husband his coffee refill in a to-go cup for the drive home. I really appreciate when people go the extra mile." The Casa Cafe and Market

The Casa Cafe and Market is a small café/gift shop in the lobby with Starbucks coffee, snacks, and some cute desert-themed merch if you're looking for more of a grab-and-go vibe.

Here's what they have!

Amenities & Extras

Casa del Zorro has just enough going on to keep you entertained if you want to do things — but not so much that it overwhelms you with options. The fitness center is small but fully stocked with all the basics: cardio machines, free weights, and enough space to stretch or foam roll if you're trying to stay limber after a desert hike.

They also offer spa services — think massages, facials, and other treatments if you’re in the mood to get fully pampered. I didn’t book anything this time around, but if I go back in cooler weather, I’m absolutely scheduling a massage post-hike.

Check out their spa menu here!

If you’re feeling sporty (or traveling with someone who is), there are tennis and pickleball courts on the property. I personally opted for "lounge chair cardio" by the pool, but I love that the option exists. It's aspirational.

Stargazing at the Stargazing Theater

Okay — this is where it gets really good. One of the most unexpectedly charming parts of my stay was discovering the Stargazing Theater. The bartender casually mentioned it to me, like a local secret: “You should check it out tonight, it’s kind of amazing.” And he wasn’t wrong.

Until then, I honestly wasn’t sure if there were other guests at the resort (haha). But they all came out for this. People trickled in quietly with their kids, blankets, and their cozy desert energy — and just... looked up. It was sweet. And there were people there who really knew their stuff!

The Stargazing Theater is basically a dedicated space designed specifically for looking up at the cosmos. And since Borrego Springs is a certified Dark Sky Community, you can actually see the stars — like really see them. No light pollution, no pretending. Actual constellations, planets, the whole deal. I found myself going, “Oh wow, that is the Big Dipper,” and not just nodding and saying "wowww yeahhhh..." (I'm constellationally challenged.)

The stargazing is open to all guests, no reservation needed. Just ask the front desk what time things usually kick off, grab a blanket or a drink, and prepare for a genuinely peaceful, awe-filled moment. Desert magic at its finest. Of course, stargazing music is very different from daytime desert music, so here's my playlist for your introspective, reflective night (best when shuffled):

It looks like stargazing is still going on — along with summer movie nights, yoga, and an Astrophotography Class? Which all sounds like so much fun. Oh, and they have complimentary bikes, which I missed my time around, but would be so cool for exploring.

Check out their Happenings here!

And finally, there was a stone labyrinth, which was incredibly charming and whimsical. I did my rounds in it, meditating in my head and deep breathing. It was just the little treat I needed. I'm not sure if this is a permanent fixture or not, but I would assume there are similar fun things to do from time to time. Ask your neighborhood bartender! ;)

Slot Canyon Hike

If you do one hike in Anza-Borrego, make it The Slot. I absolutely loved this one — every twist and turn felt like walking through a surreal rock maze, and the deeper you go, the more the desert quiet starts to wrap around you like a blanket. It’s not a long hike (just under 2 miles out and back), but it’s narrow, winding, and way more fun than I expected.

There’s something about squeezing between massive sandstone walls that makes you feel tiny in the best way. Though I will say — my brain did take a moment to whisper, “Imagine if there was an earthquake right now” while I was wedged between two walls. Thanks, intrusive thoughts. Very helpful.

Important note if you’re going in summer: Bring water. Like, a full bottle, minimum. Even though it’s a short hike, the heat out there hits different. There’s zero shade once you’re out of the canyon, and that dry desert sun can sneak up on you fast. Don’t let the relatively short mileage fool you — dehydration is not a cute look.

All that said, this trail was a total highlight. Stunning, manageable, and a great payoff for a relatively low-effort hike. Just bring water, wear shoes with grip, and be ready to crouch or slide a bit in the tighter spots. Totally worth it.

Galleta Meadows Sculptures

After the hike, and one of the best showers of my life, I decided to do the sculpture loop — and wow. These massive metal creatures are scattered all over the desert like they just wandered in from another dimension. There are dinosaurs, a scorpion and grasshopper facing off, a serpent that slithers across the road... and they’re all just there. No gates, no crowds, no admission fee. Just you, your car, and these wild, welded beasts.

This is when I experienced what might honestly be the most complete silence I’ve ever heard in my life. I got out of the car to take a photo and instantly noticed it — no cars, no wind, no insects. Just silence. The kind that makes your ears feel like they’re straining to find something to latch onto. It was eerie in the best way — like the desert was holding its breath.

Highly recommend carving out an hour or so to just drive around and see what you can find. Bring snacks, good music, and a charged phone — cell service is spotty but navigation apps still work offline. It's weird and wonderful and one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip.

Would I go back?

Most definitely. 10/10. In fact, I haven't stopped thinking about that blissful moment of silence since I experienced it. Even in 109 degree weather, the beauty of this place made it absolutely stunning and worth every single bead of sweat. Anza-Borrego is the perfect mixture of luxury, relaxation, adventure, and whimsy.

If you need an escape from daily life that really feels like you've left the planet, this is the place. Put your phone on dnd (my favorite thing to do) and get out there! Oh, and just because I know you're wondering...

Why is it called Casa del Zorro?

If you’re like me, at some point during your stay you’ll pause and go… wait, who’s the fox?

Turns out, zorro means fox in Spanish, and Casa del Zorro literally translates to “House of the Fox.” It’s named after the desert kit fox, a tiny, big-eared fox native to the Borrego Springs area. Not a reference to the masked vigilante (although that would’ve been fun too).

The resort originally opened back in 1937 as the Desert Lodge, but in the 1960s, a new owner renamed it to La Casa del Zorro — supposedly as a nod to the local wildlife. There’s even some lore that the name might have also been inspired by his future wife, who worked for him at the time. Scandalous? Unconfirmed. Adorable? Absolutely.

Either way, the name stuck — and now you know why there's fox artwork and branding everywhere. Little desert details like that are what make this place feel so rooted in its location.

Casa del Zorro Details (Easy-Read)

Here's the stuff you need to know about where I stayed, so you can enjoy it, too! And here's a link to review the details yourself. Casa del Zorro — Room Types & Pricing Summary

Deluxe Rooms
- Size & style: Spacious (~590 sq ft) with high ceilings, wooden shutters, plush duvets—feels upscale and polished
- Beds: Choice of one King or two Queens. Includes a sofa or armchairs in the room
- Bathroom: Marble-surround tub, separate glass shower, and dressing area
- Outdoor space: Patio or balcony—poolside or garden-view
- Extras: Some are pet-friendly with direct courtyard/pool access
Garden Rooms
- Size & style: Cozy (~500 sq ft), high ceilings and contemporary furniture—great for solo travelers or couples
- Beds: King-sized bed only
- Bathroom: Full bathroom with resort-level amenities and upscale finishes .
- Outdoor space: Private ground-level patio entrance
1-Bedroom Casita
- Bed: 1 King or Queen
- Features: Living room, kitchenette, fireplace (in select rooms), some with private hot tub or pool
- Price: ~$350+ per night
2-Bedroom Casita
- Beds: Mix of Kings and/or Queens
- Features: Larger layout, full living space, kitchenettes, some with private pools
- Price: Higher — varies by season and amenities
3- to 4-Bedroom Casitas
- Beds: Multiple Kings and Queens (up to 5 total beds)
- Features: Spacious group-style layout, full kitchen or kitchenette, private pools (with select rooms)
- Price: Premium rates — best for groups or families
Good to Know Extras
- No pull-out sofas — bed setups are fixed
- $44/night resort fee
- $100/night refundable deposit
- Pet-friendly rooms available — $50 pet fee + $50 refundable deposit