“Road trippin’”
Galleta Meadows Estates
Borrego Springs, CA
When I found out there was a giant dragon swimming through the sand in Borrego Springs, I had to see it for myself. So I hopped in my clown car and hit Hwy 86.
Hwy 86 is particularly interesting when thriving farmlands end and Salton Sea begins. Borrego/Salton Sea is the exit you want to turn right on. When you get into the canyons of Ocotillo Wells, some of the views will literally take your breath away, and once you see the vast expanse that is Anza-Borrego Springs state park you may have to pull over to take in the beautiful pink rock formations and windblown canyons.
Borrego Springs is a tiny little thowback to the 1970’s kind of town. You will go through a roundabout and go straight into town. Stop at the little market and grab a cold pop for the full small town effect. Go back to the roundabout and go left down Borrego Springs road and in about 2 minutes you’ll think you’re seeing things. It’s the main attraction and the reason we just drove 80 miles. Galleta Meadows estates. This is a private estate owned by the Avery family, of the Avery label company. They sponsored these 129 metal sculptures by Ricardo Breceda, and they are an incredible sight to see against the mountain backdrop.
Scattered all through the area these welded sculptures seem to pop out of the desert everywhere you look. You can drive right up to the giant dragon that looks like its burrowing under the road. Most of the others are easily accessible by automobile as well. Make sure to drive though the open gate at the Golden Indian Head Ranch. More dinosaurs and imaginary prehistoric creations are down this road.
Search for more information online, punch up Borrego Springs dragon and you’ll find information on the artist Ricardo Breceda and the Galleta Meadows estates.
Drive safe and enjoy the scenery.
Story and pictures by Mike Bennett
