GALLETA MEADOWS in BORREGO SPRINGS - Mile Marker Memories

In this portion of our guide to Anza-Borrego State Park, we will cover the marvel known as the Galleta Meadows Estate. You may recognize these iconic sculptures from photos you have seen of the Anza-Borrego Desert and Borrego Springs. The Galleta Meadows Estate is a stop you do not want to miss when visiting Anza-Borrego State Park!

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WHAT SHOULD WE DO IN ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK?

STOP BY THE ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER
EXPLORE THE TOWN OF BORREGO SPRINGS
YOU ARE HERE (PART 3) – MARVEL AT THE LARGE ANIMAL SCULPTURES OF GALLETA MEADOWS
ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF DESERT WILDFLOWERS
EXPLORE THE GEOLOGY OF THE AREA ON THE TRIANGLE TOUR DRIVE
OFF-ROAD TO THE THE WIND CAVES
HIKE BORREGO PALM CANYON
HIKE SLOT CANYON

WHAT IS THE GALLETA MEADOWS ESTATE?

Galleta Meadows is the unique creation of Ricardo Breceda that can be seen throughout Borrego Springs. Locals refer to the sculptures as “Sky Art.” The free-standing sculptures attract visitors of all ages to Borrego Springs. The sculptures were commissioned by Dennis Avery (yes, Avery, like your printer labels). He loved the town of Borrego Springs and purchased over 3,000 acres in the 1990s to keep it protected from development. He wanted his land to become an outdoor gallery for all to enjoy. As a result, Galleta Meadows now has over 130 statues scattered across the estate.

The giant free-standing statues can weigh up to 1000 pounds. The sculptures are a tribute to the prehistoric animals that once roamed the desert land. The designs have cultural and historical significance to the area. Fossils similar to many of the prehistoric designs have been found nearby. You will see giant birds, sabertooth cats, mammoths, dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, and the famous Borrego serpent.

HOW TO TOUR GALLETA MEADOWS

Touring the statues is fun for kids of all ages. As you head into the dirt roads of Galleta Meadows, the paths around the statues curve around cactus and other native plants. There is no one correct way to drive in or out. There are multiple areas to explore around Borrego Springs. Although we have visited several times, we still have not seen all 130 statues! Several creatures are located behind the Borrego Chamber of Commerce, making it an excellent stop for pictures and information!

WHERE ARE THE GALLETA MEADOW STATUES?

If you want to see all the statues, you can pick up a hard copy of this map at the Anza-Borrego State Park Visitor Center. In addition, you can purchase a similar map at the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association Desert Store or Anza-Borrego Foundation Store. Both stores are located one block west of Christmas Circle.

SUNSET IN GALLETA MEADOWS

In my opinion, there is no better way to end a day in the desert with kids than to watch the cotton candy skies appear in Borrego Springs in Galleta Meadows. We love to pick a new statue from the map, park our car, and set up our camping chairs or picnic blankets to watch the sun go down. Then, as the pink fades away, the stars come out, and you are left in awe of the incredible sight.