Want to learn about the Borrego Springs sculptures in Galleta Meadows? Just outside of Anza Borrego, sculptures made of metal are strewn across the desert landscape. Let’s talk about who created the Borrego Springs metal sculptures and how they got to Galleta Meadows.
Large metal elephants, horses, and dinosaurs grace the desert landscape here. They appear to be almost alive, running, fighting, or frozen in time on the rugged terrain.
No trip to the California desert would be complete without visiting this expansive public art installation in Borrego Springs. They are sprinkled throughout the fields in Galleta Meadows and are easily accessible to visitors.
Art fanatics, children, and travelers alike will no doubt be wowed by the Borrego Springs’ sculptures! They are a must see when visiting this California desert town.
Let’s talk about exactly where to find them, when to visit, and discuss who made them and why.
Where Are the Borrego Springs Sculptures?
Just outside – or, technically inside – of Anza Borrego Desert State Park sits the small town of Borrego Springs. If you look at the map provided, you will see that Borrego Springs is surrounded on all sides by this expansive state park, creating a circular pit where this wild west of a town exists.
Borrego Springs is full of wild west saloons, old time-y hotels, and mom and pop desert shops. It is charming, and also rustic, to say the least! There are plenty of things to do in Borrego Springs after viewing the sculptures, too.
The Galleta Meadows Estate is privately owned by a man named Dennis Avery, and consists of many separate plots across Borrego Springs. He wanted to create a freestanding art installation on his land, and hired artist Ricardo Breceda to do so.
Breceda is the owner of Perris Jurassic Park in Perris, California – the studio where he welds these massive creatures to life. He created over 130 large metal sculptures in the desert who now call the Galleta Meadows Estates their home.
When you visit Borrego Springs or Anza Borrego, sculptures will crop up right out of the wilderness as you drive!
Galleta Meadows is also only a 1.5 hours drive from Palm Springs and roughly two hours from Twentynine Palms near Joshua Tree National Park,
About the Artist Who Made the Borrego Springs Sculptures
Ricardo Brecada is a Mexican-born artist from Durango. He has now lived in California for over 25 years, but had humble beginnings as an artist.
Brecada got his first welding machine while working as a cowboy boot salesman. He decided to trade a pair of cowboy boots for a welding machine, and the rest is history.
Brecada is a completely self-taught metal artist. He first welded as a hobby, for family and friends. When his then-six-year-old daughter asked for a dinosaur for Christmas, he created a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex just for her. And, his hobby turned into a career.
Now, Ricardo Brecada is a well-known artist. The wild Borrego Springs sculptures in Galleta Meadows are easily his best-known works. And, the Borrego Springs serpent sculpture is probably the best known of all.
You May Also Like: A Complete Guide to Visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
How Many Sculptures are in Galleta Meadows?
To date, there are over 130 sculptures. To see them all is quite a feat!
Head toward Borrego Springs on your GPS. Be sure to have maps downloaded ahead of time because cell reception can be spotty. On Google Maps, you can even directly type “Borrego Springs Serpent Sculpture” and he will come right up!
From the serpent, you’ll find metal sculptures strewn across Borrego Springs’ valley across the next 10 square miles. Some sculptures are right off the roadway while others are tucked back in the desert. Most are easily accessible by foot, too.
Since the surrounding landscape is relatively barren, they usually aren’t too difficult to spot as you drive through the town.
However, if you are on a mission to see all 130 of the Borrego Springs sculptures, here is a Borrego Springs art map to help you out! You can also pick up a paper copy at the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, or enhance your experience by purchasing one of the informative guides below:
Visiting Borrego Springs & The Sculptures
Here is a quick rundown of what to expect in Borrego Springs in each season. Remember, you are in the desert so things can get extreme!
Spring (March – May): Expect high temperatures to range between 68° – 88° during the daytime. The sun will usually be shining bright. Nighttime may still bring a chill, especially in March, with lows between 50° – 65° overnight. Spring is also a great time to experience a superbloom here, if you are lucky!
Summer (June – August): Anza Borrego is one of California’s desert parks, so it’s probably no surprise that it can get hot here. Summer daytime temperatures range from 94° – over 100° from June to August. The heat is relentless. Overnight, expect 71° – 77° lows and highs.
Fall (September – November): Fall will typically start out ton the hot side, and then start to cool off when November rolls in. Expect daytime highs to range from 67° – 95° and lows between 52° – 71° typically. This is a great season for hiking and camping.
Winter (December – February): In the winter, some days may even feel chilly in the desert! Daytime highs range from 58° – 61° and overnight lows will hover around 45° in all months. The sun will typically still be shining.
I’ve visited this area in all seasons.
In any season other than summer, I recommend hiking the slot canyon or to the palm oasis in Anza Borrego. In spring, I recommend scouting out the colorful wildflower superbloom.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Galleta Meadows Sculptures?
While you can visit the Galleta Meadows sculptures in any season, spring and fall are the best in terms of weather. Winter can be great, albeit chilly, and summer is beautiful, albeit hot.
As far as time of day, you can choose! The sculptures are accessible 24/7/365. So, literally anytime you wish.
I often opt for sunrise views of the sculptures, but also scout out the others in full sun. On my last visit, my friend Dana and I watched the sun rise over the Borrego Springs serpent sculpture and it was incredible!
Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit. Just be aware that it gets very dark here once the sun goes down.
You May Also Like: Hiking The Slot Canyon in Anza Borrego
How much does it cost to visit the sculptures in Galleta Meadows?
The sculptures in Galleta Meadows are free to visit. You do not need a pass or ticket of any kind to visit the sculptures near Anza Borrego State Park.
What to Pack
No matter what time of year you visit, you will need to plan ahead. Borrego Springs is pretty remote, and you don’t have a ton of nearby options for food, clothing, or necessities.
Rugged Trekking Sandals
I wear these these exact sandals everywhere. They have traveled with me across six continents and counting! Comfortable, sturdy, and with a closed toe for protections, these are ideal for the Anza Borrego desert. Get yours here!
A Moisture Wicking Top
If you visit in spring or summer, the heat is no joke! Grab a moisture wicking top to keep yourself comfortable and dry. Columbia products have never let me down yet. Get yours here!
A Hydration Backpack
I am obsessed with my Camelbak backpack, particularly for desert hiking. Though my exact model is no longer available, this one has a large water bladder (like mine!) and has room for packing additional snacks and gear. Get yours here!
A Wide Brim Hat
This is my current favorite hat and it’s perfect for the strong desert sun! The wide brim keeps the sun off of my face and out of my eyes. It is fully adjustable so you can get the perfect fit! I love mine. Get your own here!
Eco Friendly Sunscreen
Make sure you pack a strong sunscreen for the desert sun, and that goes for all seasons. While the sun is strongest during the summer, months you can still get a solid burn year round if you’re not prepared. Get yours here!
A Cooling Bandana
This bandana is a great choice if you plan to do any desert hiking, especially in warmer months. It absorbs water and instantly cools you off, even in the triple digits. It also has built in UPF 50 protection from the bright desert sun. Get yours here!
Lightweight Hiking Shoes
In the winter, I recommend trail shoes or sneakers like these. There will be too much of a chill for sandals typically, and these lightweight and durable waterproof shoes are designed for hiking. Get yours here!
Lots of Trail Snacks!
There is nowhere convenient to buy any wide variety of food within Borrego Springs, so I always pack my own. Trail mixes, snack bars, and fruit based treats are good options that won’t go bad in the heat. Get yours here!
Where To Stay in Borrego Springs
I’ve stayed overnight in this small town a few times now, and I have some favorites! I’ll share the best places to stay in Borrego Springs Below.
1. The Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort
This is where I stayed on my most recent visit to Borrego Springs, and it was awesome!
The hotel is designed as a wild west town, so you could end up staying in the Saloon or the Sheriff’s Station as per the paint job outside. Inside, the rooms are decorated very clean, comfortable, with a touch of the wild west, too.
Rows for RV parking are available out back, and the pool and hot tub is just perfect after long hot days. The only drawback is that the wifi here is sometimes spotty, but I suppose in the middle of the desert one can’t complain. BOOK THE PALM CANYON HOTEL AND RV RESORT HERE!
2. Borrego Springs Resort and Spa
Last year, I stayed at the Borrego Springs Resort and Spa, and it was also a great option.
The rooms were comfortable, and this hotel has a lot of amenities on site, like tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a hot tub. Everything was comfortable and parking was a breeze. It is also reasonably close to areas like the Anza Borrego Visitor Center and the Palm Canyon Trail. BOOK THE BORREGO SPRINGS RESORT AND SPA HERE!
3. Borrego Valley Inn
Last but not least, the Borrego Valley Inn is a cute, southwestern style hotel reminiscent of New Mexico. It also has a great pool – something you cannot discount in the desert! – and and air conditioned stylish rooms. You can get everything here from a basic double room to a King Suite with a private jacuzzi. Win! BOOK THE BORREGO VALLEY INN HERE!
For anyone who stays overnight – and you absolutely should – you can find the top things to do in Borrego Springs in this post.
Where To Go Next
Once you’re in Borrego Springs, you are perfectly situated for a lot of California desert adventures.
1. Relax in Palm Springs.
Just an hour and a half away sits Palm Springs, the retro desert town full of desert hiking trails, unique art, mineral springs and lots of shopping. After spending time in Anza Borrego, a good soak in healing waters may be just what you need!
2. Hike or camp in Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of my all time favorite places on the the entire planet.
I love this parks unique plant life, incredible rock formations, and rugged hiking. If you have the chance to came in Joshua Tree, the stargazing at night is unmatched. Plus, in the morning, an epic sunrise will greet you.
3. Go offbeat with Salvation Mountain.
If you are into the truly odd and wonderful, then Salvation Mountain is for you. It is a giant, brightly colored public art installation in the middle of nowhere, near the Salton Sea, created by Leonard Knight.
4. Head to the coast for Torrey Pines.
For a completely different vibe, head west to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Torrey Pines has some of the best hiking in San Diego. The views of the Pacific are unreal. When I visit Torrey Pines, I am always reminded of just how blue our ocean can be! Tae Razor Point Trail for crazy rock formations, blue waters, and colorful wildflowers in spring.
FAQs About the Borrego Springs Metal Sculptures
Is Borrego Springs worth visiting?
Yes! I’ve seen them many times now, and I still get a kick out of finding new creatures I haven’t previously discovered. They are fascinating, whether you like art, oddities, or are traveling with kids.
If you are visiting Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or Anza Borrego State Park, make a side trip here for sure.
Who owns Galleta Meadows?
A man named Dennis Avery owns the Galleta Meadows Estates. The land is spread out around several separate plots across Borrego Springs.
How many metal sculptures are in Borrego Springs?
There are currently over 130 welded metal sculptures at Borrego Springs, and rumor has it that more get added occasionally.
How long to spend at Borrego Springs sculptures?
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours tracking them down. And if you are determined to see all of them, it may even take longer than that! Afterwards, explore the other great things to do in Borrego Springs.
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I hope that this guide to the Borrego Springs sculptures at Galleta Meadows helps you plan an excellent trip! I have a feeling you wont be disappointed.
Let me know below which creature is your favorite!
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