Pumpkin Patch

Located just east of theAnza-Borrego Desert State Park border is a collection of funny-looking boulders known as the Pumpkin Patch.  These geologic oddities are found only in this small area and are definitely worth seeing. 

Getting to the Pumpkin Patch is done via the Desert Oasis Road Trip.

StatsRead More Tour Gallery    Map   

PumpkinSldr1
Consistently-sized boulders make up the Pumpkin Patch
PumpkinSldr2
Most of the “pumpkins” look the same
PumpkinSldr3
Close-up of some of the “pumpkins”
PumpkinSldr4
Not all our perfectly round
PumpkinSldr5
The Pumpkin Patch from the distance

Trip Stats

Trip Length

  • About 7.5 miles one-way

Attractions

  • Rare geologic oddity
  • Views of the Borrego Badlands
  • Incorporate with other trips, such as Desert Oasis Trip

Difficulty

  • 4WD may be needed
  • High clearence
  • Deep sand may be present

Non-subscriber Info

What’s in our Guide:

  • Directions to the Pumpkin Patch
  • Road conditions and what to expect
  • What type of vehicle you’ll need
  • Nearby attractions:
    • Fonts Point
    • Calcite Mine Road Trip
    • Calcite Mine Slot Canyon Hike
    • Seventeen Palms Oasis
    • Five Palms Oasis
  • Science behind how the “pumpkins” were formed
  • Our unique interactive maps
  • Lots of beautiful and informative pictures

Virtual Video Tour

Options available on the video player can enhance your viewing experience – learn more.

Image Gallery

Click picture to view full screen.  Learn more how to use the picture gallery, along with options for mobile devices.

Driving up to the Pumpkin Patch
Driving up to the Pumpkin Patch
The patch isn't very big
The patch isn't very big
Kiosk signs from 2013
Kiosk signs from 2013
Sign explains the geology
Sign explains the geology
Sign explains the geology
Sign explains the geology
Sign explains the geology
Sign explains the geology
Average boulders at the Pumpkin Patch
Average boulders at the Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin08
Pumpkin-sized boulders
Pumpkin09
Scale of the "pumpkins"
Pumpkin10
Pumpkin11
Many of the pumpkins are cracked
Pumpkin12
Looking down on the pumpkins
Pumpkin13
Entrance to the Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin14
Some are eroded at the bottom from water
Pumpkin15
The top-half of this one may have been washed away
Pumpkin16
Some pumpkins are broken open
Pumpkin17
Pumpkin18
Some pumpkins are perfect for sitting on!
Pumpkin19
The Pumpkin Patch landscape
Pumpkin20
Some pumpkins have odd shapes
Pumpkin21
This one is slowly being weathered and cracked
Pumpkin22
The one on the right has been cracked in half

Getting There Map

See tips on using the interactive map.