Along Fish Creek Trail
After this inland sea receded millions of years ago, seismic stresses uplifted the area, resulting in the cracks, splits and folds we see today.
More erosion from wind and water give the area an appearance of the Virgin River Gorge in southwestern Utah; Interstate 15 runs through this area east of Las Vegas, Nev., and south of St. George, Utah, but that’s another drive.
It’s important to follow the road ruts thorough this area for several reasons. First, you don’t want to disturb any more of the desert, as tire ruts can take years to disappear. Outside of the trail it’s also very rocky, and the sharp stones can damage standard SUVs. So, keep to the path.
The riverbed slowly narrows until drivers are in the middle of Split Mountain. Sandstone strata swallow travelers; I wouldn’t like to be here in an earthquake (and further up, according to the map, is damage from a 1968 temblor).
A fossilized reef, Oyster Shell Wash, hills that look like elephant knees and spectacular views are along the trail. Hiking areas are identified on the maps and sometimes posted.
There’s more than enough to explore in one day, but at the same time, I’m told that if you’re going to explore one area in Anza-Borrego, this is it.
And frankly, I like to leave a little left unexplored...
it gives me an excuse to return. 
Fish Creek Continued
Heading toward Split Mountain, Fish Creek is wide and flat, flanked by up-thrusting cliffs. If it doesn’t remind you of Indiana Jones, it might evoke images from a science fiction movie, as the area looks like Hollywood’s idea of another planet. Dry, dusty and just a few scrubby shrubs dot the riverbed.
About a mile before the turnoff to Fish Creek is the Elephant Trees trail, a 1.5-mile hike from the parking area, leading to a stand of rare Elephant Trees. It’s worth the stop if only to get your desert “legs” after the drive from Borrego Springs.
Back on the road to Fish Creek, drivers may have noted a “primitive” campground listed on maps in this area. Believe me, when the maps say “primitive,” they mean it. There are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring everything with you, including water.
Nearby sites include an abandoned strontium mine (over your shoulder to the northwest) and the active gypsum mine (to the southeast).
But the best is ahead, as the road crisscrosses through Fish Creek. Geologists tell us that this area was once the northern finger of what’s now the Gulf of California. The sea was responsible for laying down layers of soil, rocks, plants and animals that give cliffs their striped look.
