Anza-Borrego South: Carrizo Badlands Overlook

Photo of the Carrizo Badlands from the Carrizo Badlands Overlook showing the Canyon sin Nombre jeep trail, thick mesquite by Carrizo Creek, the Vallecito-Fish Creeek Badlands, and the distant Fish Creek Mountains
Carrizo Badlands from the Carrizo Badlands Overlook

On the east side of County Road S-2, south of Sweeney Pass, a turnoff called the Carrizo Badland Overlook is a popular place to stop and study the terrain. The location is in the north end of the Coyoto Mountains.

Down the hill in front of you, you can see the popular Canyon sin Nombre jeep trail. Canyon sin Nombre provides access to slot canyons and can be followed to popular badlands areas such as Arroyo Tapiado and Arroyo seco del Diablo.

In the left middle distance, you can see the dark green of mesquite around the dry Carrizo Creek. Just past it are the rugged Vallecito-Fish Creek Badlands, and beyond that are the Fish Creek Mountains.

This is 4-wheel drive country. If you enter it, be sure to carry plenty of water.