First time Anza-Borrego camping (Feb 28th weekend) — 4Runner access, Font’s Point road, Little Blair Valley, and nighttime temps?

[u/PurchaseAvailable180]

Hi everyone — I’m planning my first trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and wanted to sanity-check my plan with people who actually camp there regularly.

I’ll be coming the weekend of Feb 28th with my girlfriend and her dog. We’re planning to car-camp (sleeping in the back of my vehicle) and are hoping to basecamp around Little Blair Valley / Little Blair Road.

A few questions:

Vehicle / Roads

I have a 2018 4Runner TRD Pro with a ~2” lift, 4x4 and all terrain tires (no crazy mods).

I’m trying to figure out what roads are realistic vs. a bad idea.

1.  Can a vehicle like mine reasonably make it out to Font’s Point?

I’ve read mixed things — some people say it’s easy, others say deep sand and 4x4 can get stuck. Would airing down be necessary? I also have no recovery gear, but hope my vehicle should have minimal issues getting there?

2.  How are the road conditions getting into the Little Blair Valley dispersed camping areas?

I’ve heard of people also having trouble and getting stuck on this road.

Temperatures

Another thing I’m confused about — I’ve seen multiple people say nights can be surprisingly cold, but the weather app currently shows a low around 65°F for that weekend in Borrego Springs.

I’ll be sleeping inside the car using the REI Siesta Hooded 20 Double sleeping bag.

Do I still need extra layers (puffer/blankets/beanies), or is that overkill for late February?

Any other first-time tips you think a beginner to Anza-Borrego usually doesn’t realize would be super appreciated too.

Thanks!

[u/ex-glanky]

I'm in the park now. Daytime highs in the low 90s; a bit hot for strenuous activity. I have an AWD Subaru, and I get to Font's Point with zero problem. Sand can get deep, but still no problem.

I just drove through Blair Valley to the pictograph trail (near Little Blair Valley), and the roads are fine for an AWD. I wouldn't air down; it's not that bad.

I'm not familiar with your sleeping bag, but for a double 20...less clothing may keep you warmer ;). It should be fine, you've got more than enough warmth.

Everything you mention (Font's, LBV, and temps), you're covered, you'll be fine. And the 2" lift will help if you decide to do, say, Fish Creek / Split Mountain.

If you'd like an added level of safety, stop by the ABDSP visitor center in Borrego Springs and ask these same questions to a Ranger.

You'll be fine. Have fun. Forgettaboutit....

[u/DudeNiceCow]

You'll be more than fine on both fonts and out to Blair. As far as airing down, its always helpful. 20psi is a safe bet.

I have a stock 2017 4runner with 4x4 and it did pretty much every trail in the park, minus the squeeze and heart attack hill, cause I can't get there. If you feel the vehicle bogging down in deep sand, do not stop. Keep driving. I don't suspect it'll be too bad this time of year with all the traffic in those areas.

As far as low temps, those are pretty high for this time of year. I'm seeing mid 50s for this weekend. Always good to have an extra layer or two and not need it. There's also plenty of folks around who are willing to help, IF you do get stuck.

Cell service can be limited in some of the canyons and behind mountains and hills. Verizon and ATT do best out there.

Edit: there are two entrances to little Blair. Closer to shelter valley, on the north side of Blair valley, there is a road that leads in. That road has always been pretty flat, not sandy and manageable. The main way through Blair valley may have a section or two rutted out closer to the morteros trail. Nothing a 4runner shouldn't be able to handle.

[u/MTB_Mike_ → u/DudeNiceCow]

I almost had a heart attack watching a youtube video of someone doing heart attack hill lol. That is a nope from me.

[u/Every_Fish_1350]

A few years ago a saw a Nissan Altima at Font's Point. I'm sure you will be fine.

[u/Easywheelin]

Yo! Wanted to add my two cents here.

Your rig will be fine! More than enough. I have 98 4Runner and I’ve been out to fonts point w no issues. Blair and little Blair will be totally fine, with one exception! After it rains, the roads in Blair can have, what look like, fun little mud bogs in the road. Do not drive through them lol. My brother did in his truck and we spent an hour digging him out of the sludge. Sometimes they’re even cautioned off, mainly in the front entrance as you’re just getting into Blair.

Get there with plenty of daylight. You can spend about an hour driving Blair, then looping around to little Blair, and you’ll have the area totally mapped out and you can search for the best spots. Don’t just settle for ones right by the entrance! Get out there, explore, and find a killer spot. Just know that you will never get lost out there. You’ll either hit a dead end, hit a mountainside, loop around to little Blair, etc etc etc. But yea, definitely recommend giving yourself plenty of time to just explore the area first. Cell service can be spotty. I usually have great service in Blair but little Blair is a roll of the dice.

Sleeping in the rig w a 20 degree bag will be fine. Bring long Johns if you want to be safe, you can always pull them off in the middle of the night if you’re too warm.

They recently put in fire pits so no need to bring your own for most spots. There’s a bathroom at the front of Blair, but if you don’t want to drive 20 mins every time you need to go, prepare accordingly.

Have fun! Blair is one of my favorite places ever.

[u/aSillyGooseTime]

I did Fonts Point in a Chevy Blazer EV on eco tires not aired down. I saw someone do it in an Infiniti M37 sedan aired down on ATs. Your rig should do most of the park with no issues

[u/exrvplover]

Keep in mind Borrego Springs vs Blair Valley have an elevation difference and i think in the valley the cold air pools at lower points so Blair Valley will prob be a little colder than Borrego Springs. Also I have seen 2wd sedans make it on all those roads.

[u/Background_Cow_4887]

Did Fonts Point work a Tesla Model 3, as well as a good portion for little Blair valley. You will be fine

[u/PurchaseAvailable180]

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the tips and advice. I figured my rig would be fine and the temps wouldn’t be too bad, but this gives me peace of mind

[u/JillButterfly]

Do your girlfriend a favor and research what is needed when nature calls. Especially if you are going to camp away from port-potties. Not considered polite to just dig a hole anymore.