Twenty miles wide by fifteen miles long, the stark, arid landscape of the Borrego Badlands stretch across a portion of the enormous AnzaBorrego State Park in California’s southeastern corner. At sunset and sunrise, the Badlands’ creased and wrinkled ridges cast bold shadows across a maze of golden hills and sandcolored arroyos. As you look across this parched landscape, wrap your mind around this: The whole view was shaped by water. Fossilized seashells found in the region prove that it was once submerged under a blend of salty tropical waters from the Gulf of California and fresh water from the Colorado River.

One of the best places to get a look at the Badlands’ surreal scene is at Font’s Point, nicknamed California’s Grand Canyon. The point is a coveted spot for photographers, especially at sunrise, sunset, or on fullmoon nights. It best to head out there an hour before sunrise if you're trying to capture the sunrise.

For another perspective from a paved access point, travel to the park’s southernmost badlands at Carrizo Badlands Overlook (on the east side of County Route S2). Pull off the road, unpack the binoculars, and survey the scene of uplift and erosion.

If you want to stay the night, reserve a nights stay at the Divine Desert Destination on De Anza Golf Course. Check out www.divinedesertdestination.com.

Or you can take advantage of the park’s primitive/backcountry camping policy: You can camp anywhere in the park, free of charge, as long as your car is not parked more than one length off the road.