Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Buena Park, California to Yuma, Arizona
Buena Park, California and Yuma, Arizona are two places that are worlds apart, but traveling from one to another makes for an exciting road trip. This journey takes drivers through some of Southern California's scenic routes, winds through mountains and valleys, and along the Colorado River's eastern border, and ends in Arizona's southwestern desert landscape. The halfway point on this journey is Ramona, CA, a small town situated in the heart of San Diego County.
Here are the top five things to do on this road trip:
Driving through Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park in San Diego County, California, is a must-visit spot on this road trip. The park's mountainous roads, lined with tall trees and stunning views of the valleys below, make for a surreal driving experience. Travelers should take this route during daylight hours to enjoy the views in their full glory but be cautious while driving on the winding roads.
Interesting Fact: Palomar Mountain State Park has a famous observatory, which has a 200-inch astronomy telescope.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest desert state park and one of the road trip’s highlights. The park's beautiful desert landscape is full of geologic wonders, unique flora and fauna, and ethnic and cultural history. The park's accessibility and scale make it an ideal spot for off-roading, hiking, and camping. At times During the late winter and spring, the park's wildflower blooms make for a spectacular sight worth stopping to see.
Interesting Fact: There are unique animal species found only in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, such as the desert bighorn sheep and the elusive desert tortoise.
Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is a navigable inland sea situated in California's Imperial and Riverside counties. Its complex and varied ecosystems host a wide range of fish, birds, and other wildlife species, making it a great spot for birdwatching and fishing. The Salton Sea also has numerous state and federal recreation areas for camping, boat ramps, and boat launches, making it a perfect place for water-based activities.
Interesting Fact: Salton Sea was created by accident in 1905 when the nearby Colorado River breached an irrigation aqueduct.
Painted Rock Petroglyph Site
The Painted Rock Petroglyph Site is a unique archaeological site situated in California's Imperial County. It is known for its ancient petroglyphs, which were carved around 2000 years ago by the Kumeyaay and Quechan tribes. The petroglyphs depict a range of images, including animals, humans, and abstract shapes. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the petroglyphs. However, it is crucial to keep an eye on the weather conditions in the park, as the heat and the sand can be challenging to deal with.
Interesting Fact: The petroglyphs at Painted Rock Petroglyph Site were rediscovered by European explorers in the 1860s.
Imperial Sand Dunes
The Imperial Sand Dunes in southern California are a must-visit spot on this road trip. The dunes cover around 40 miles of the eastern side of the Imperial Valley and reach heights of over 300 feet tall. The area has been the backdrop for numerous sci-fi movies, which might make it a familiar sight to some movie buffs. Visitors to the area can enjoy a range of activities, including dune buggies, ATVs, or simple hiking.
Interesting Fact: These dunes are a perfect spot for sandboarding and surfing, making it California's mystical version of snowboarding.
Driving from Buena Park, California, to Yuma, Arizona, takes about 5 hours on a relatively straight route covering around 268 miles. But a trip through the route highlighted above would take around 8 hours, and drivers won't regret taking the scenic route. From mountain landscapes, desert plains, ancient petroglyphs and many off-roading opportunities, this road trip has something for everyone.