Discover the Enchanting Sculptures of Borrego Springs

Somewhere in the harsh, sparse desert of Borrego Springs roam massive mammoths, serpents, saber-toothed cats, Gomphotherium, camels, birds, and sloths. This is not a Hollywood movie set; it is one of the most awe-inspiring sculpture displays you might not have heard about.

The artistic and sculptural secrets around San Diego include unique attractions, but the magnificent collection of sculptures in Borrego Springs stands out thanks to the stark desert backdrop that amplifies their visual impact.

A Sculpture Vision for Galleta Meadows Estates

Dennis Avery, landowner of Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs, had a visionary idea of incorporating free-standing art into his property. He commissioned artist and welder Ricardo Breceda, based in Perris, California, to create original steel sculptures.

The life-size or larger sculptures depict creatures that once thrived in the Borrego Valley when it was a lush forest. From mammoths to camels, turtles to wild horses, and giant sloths, these remarkable works of art draw curious visitors from all over.

Avery, associated with the Avery Label fortune, owns around three square miles of undeveloped land in Borrego Springs. He commissioned Breceda in 2008 to bring to life a collection of metal prehistoric creatures, which has since become a prominent attraction in the area.

The Creation of Borrego Springs Sculptures

The exhibit, aptly named “Sky Art,” was initiated in the spring of 2008, starting with a family of gomphotheres—prehistoric elephant-like mammals that roamed North America nearly 4 million years ago. The largest of Breceda’s creations stands an impressive 12 feet tall and stretches 20 feet long.

Over the years, the collection expanded to include various animals that once inhabited the area, such as saber-toothed cats, giant tortoises, prehistoric camels, Columbian mammoths, ground sloths, and massive birds.

Avery’s whimsical collection, many pieces of which are clearly visible from Borrego Springs Road, grew even more intriguing with the addition of human figures, including a gold miner, a Spanish padre, a Native American, and farm workers, alongside popular dinosaurs like the Spinosaurus, Velociraptor, Allosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus rex. Overall, there are 129 figures within Breceda’s creations.

The centerpiece of Breceda’s work is undoubtedly a 350-foot sea serpent, which appears to burrow and emerge from the desert sand. Featuring the head of a dragon and a rattlesnake’s tail, this spectacular serpent cost around $40,000 and took four months to craft, plus an additional three months to erect in Borrego Springs.

While Ricardo Breceda’s sculptures are part of Avery’s Galleta Meadows Sky Art collection, they are not confined to a single location. The majority can be found along Borrego Springs Road, both to the north and the south of Borrego Springs’ downtown area.

Most sculptures are strewn across the area north of Christmas Circle, the roundabout at the heart of Borrego Springs. Additional sculptures are displayed to the south of Christmas Circle along Borrego Springs Road before reaching Yaqui Pass Road.

How to See the Sculptures

The Breceda creatures can be easily viewed from your car as you drive along the roads. You can safely park off-pavement to get closer for photos. However, exercise caution while in the desert environment, as it is home to rattlesnakes. Additionally, remain aware of traffic, which can travel at high speeds along Borrego Springs Road.