Scattered across the open desert landscape around Borrego Springs is an extraordinary collection of over 130 large metal sculptures created by renowned Southern California artist Ricardo Breceda.
The figures range from prehistoric beasts and wild animals to fantastical creatures and historical characters, blending art with the stark beauty of the desert.
Where to Find the Ricardo Breceda Sculptures
The artwork is spread throughout the Borrego Valley, often along roads and trails that wind through the desert. There’s no single entrance or ticket to enter — the land is open to the public year-round.
Key areas to explore:
- Borrego Springs Road (South of Christmas Circle): A cluster of horses, dinosaurs, and desert creatures can be seen close to the road.
- Borrego Springs Road (North of Christmas Circle): More sculptures including serpents, grasshoppers, and regional figures.
- Big Horn Road & Henderson Canyon Road: Side roads lead to additional installations like bighorn sheep and other desert animals.
Maps of the locations of Ricardo Breceda’s sculptures are available from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association store or the local visitor center.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
Some of the most talked-about pieces include:
- The newest installation: A roadrunner and snake facing off against each other (pictured below).
- The crowd favorite: A 350-foot long serpent/dragon that seems to weave in and out of the desert terrain.
- Tyrannosaurus rex, mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers that evoke the prehistoric landscape of the region.
- Human figures referencing historical explorers and workers connected with the desert’s past.
- Wild horses, bighorn sheep, scorpions, and grasshoppers that playfully mingle with the environment.
