Borrego Springs, California -
Dinosaur Statues

We didn't know we could download a map of where the statues are and we missed half of them. Don't do as we did. There is a lot of information on galletameadows.com. As of 12/2008, there was a beautiful mammoth, wild horse and saber tooth tiger exhibit. [Nichole G., 12/24/2008]

Surrounding the little town of Borrego Springs there are numerous (10 plus!) life-sife metal statues of dinosaurs. My husband surprised me with a drive from San Diego out to the desert last month and I had no idea these were in our back yard. We did learn, though, to park and walk up to the statues if you do not have a 4x4, or else you will be calling the local guy to have your truck wenched out of the sand like we did when we drove up to the camels. (Not fun in 100 degree heat) The tow truck driver and his friend were there within 10-15 minutes of us calling them and were very nice and told us of the rest of the statues south of Borrego Springs my husband did not know about.

Best to go during the fall, winter or spring. There are tortoises, saber tooth tigers, mammoth elephants, camels, sloths, Gomphotherium (weird looking ancient elephants). A local Perris (North of San Diego) aritist Ricardo Breceda made the satues and did a beautiful job that was commissioned by Dennis Avery (land owner of Galleta Meadows and Avery stationary supply). I do hope they add more! [Cindy Thompson, 09/22/2008]

[RA: The statues began arriving in 2008. Dennis Avery owns several square miles of Borrego Springs, and has commissioned over 70 statues. Sculptor Breceda has said that he's done making them, but he's said that before.]