Anza-Borrego North: Mines & Geology: Garnet Wash

Closeup photo of a fingernail-size piece of garnet embedded in a chunk of quartz in Garnet Wash
Red Garnet Chip in a Piece of Quartz in Garnet Wash

True to its name, Garnet Wash is a place where you can find garnets on the ground. To be sure, they are small garnets, no bigger than the nail on your little finger, and they will be embedded in larger rocks which means that to collect one you will have to somehow chip it loose without cracking it. Is it worth the effort? Only a dedicated rockhound can say for sure.

Garnet Wash lies outside of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. According to the Oasis topo map (7.5 minute series), it is in the Indian Reservation, but there are no signs.

Getting to Garnet Wash. From Borrego Springs, drive east on County Road S-22 to Salton City. Turn north on Highway 86 and west on Avenue 86, just past Travertine Rock at the Riverside County line. Avenue 86 is a rough and rocky dirt road. Note the grape orchard on your left. Look for the first or second dirt road past the orchard and turn south. Four-wheel drive recommended from this point.