Photo of 17 Palms Oasis

By May 23, 2007March 8th, 2020California, Desert, The American Southwest

17 Palms Oasis is located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, several miles down the lunar-looking Arroyo Salado wash. The drive along Arroyo Salado is fun and relatively simple, although a four-wheel drive car is recommended. Seventeen Palms Oasis, consisting of (not surprisingly) 17 palms, appears out of nowhere as you drive down the wash and is a curious finding in the middle of such a barren landscape. It exists because of a shallow, subsurface supply of fresh water.

Seventeen Palms Oasis, Borrego Badlands, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza Borrego, California

Seventeen Palms Oasis, Borrego Badlands.
Image ID: 05538
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza Borrego, California, USA

Seventeen Palms Oasis, Borrego Badlands, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza Borrego, California

Seventeen Palms Oasis, Borrego Badlands.
Image ID: 05539
Location: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza Borrego, California, USA

17 Palms Oasis photos, Seventeen Palms Oasis photos, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photos.

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!