What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Pictograph Trail
The Pictograph Trail is a serene out-and-back trail found within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The area features fascinating pictographs, as well as unique flora and fauna. During the hike, you'll also get to see a small waterfall and plenty of pretty wildflowers. If you want to spend the night in the area, there are some great camping opportunities near the trail, and you should be able to enjoy plenty of solitude during your stay. The ideal time to visit the trail is between March and October.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Calcite Mine Trail
The Calcite Mine Trail lies near Borrego Springs, CA, and is a frequently visited trail for hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving. The out-and-back route is relatively challenging but not prohibitively difficult for beginner hikers. Visitors will enjoy views of unique rock formations, the nearby Salton Sea, and the surrounding badlands. Remember to leave your dogs at home as they aren't permitted on this trail.
Length: 3.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Cactus Loop Trail
If you're looking for a quick, leisurely hike, the Cactus Loop Trail is a perfect option. Located within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the popular trail should only take around thirty minutes to hike. In addition to hiking, many visitors also use the rocky route for mountain biking. If possible, try to make your visit to the Cactus Loop Trail between October and May.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing & Boating
Much of the region surrounding the Cottonwood Campground is arid, but there are some great angling opportunities to be found. One solid option is Lake Cuyamaca, located roughly twenty miles northwest of the BLM site near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. There are a variety of fish species that live in the small lake, including trout, bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. Boating is also permitted on the placid reservoir; you can either bring your own watercraft or rent one at the state park. Motorized boats, kayaks, pedal boats, pontoon boats, and rowboats are all available to rent and take out on the water.
Climbing
If you want to do some rock climbing, your best option may be to travel north to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. There, you'll not only find many peaks of various heights, but you'll also find many geological formations that provide the opportunity for bouldering. One of the most popular sections of the park for climbing is the Culp Valley area.
Wildlife Viewing
If you enjoy wildlife viewing or photography, one destination you may want to visit is Cleveland National Forest, located about thirty miles northwest of the Cottonwood Campground. There, you can hike through some of the lush trails and watch for gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, ringtail cats, long-tailed weasels, mountain lions, black-tailed jackrabbits, opossums, and many other species.
Picnicking
The Cottonwood Campground is a fantastic spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic. The camping area not only contains picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but it's also surrounded by beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Many of the tables are found in shady, lush parts of the site, and sitting down for a snack or meal is sure to be a serene experience.
