Anza Borrego Springs State Park is a gem of unbelievable quality. At over 600,000 acres it is the largest state park in the entire country. It is about 3/4 the size of Joshua Tree National Park. To visit this lovely place one first has to go below sea level and to truly appreciate all the park has to offer you then rise to over 5,000 feet! Here’s a pic looking down to sea level from a couple of thousand feet up. The red blossoms in the foreground are ocotillos.
There is an extensive “badlands” area that is accessible only by 4×4. We visited a desert portion at the base of the mountains.
Then we ascended into the mountains for a gorgeous 65 mile drive through desert mountains and high lush green valleys. There was a bit of snow on top of the mountains and the roads had signs warning of ice.
Growing up in the midwest and spending 20 years in Wisconsin I was led to believe that cheese was made from milk. At Anza Borrego State Park I learned the truth.
Paul
Travels With Picasso 
I see that you have hit the paradise of photographers. Your pixes are stunning and make me very happy. As for the cheeses, it is good to know that we do not need cows after all.
Last but least, I could not read the previous posting, and feel deprived.
Continue to enjoy and to share with us.
Those cacti pictures are amazing! And thank you for clearing up the cheese issue. Imagine all of us being mislead for all our lives! Great trip-great pictures, thank you.