The Salton Sea was formed by natural and inadvertent diversions of the Colorado River which created very fertile soil for farming. The area also has extensive geothermal energy below the surface. There are 11 geothermal plans that produce about 2400 megawatts of electric power.
There are also huge solar electric fields. This one was about one-half mile long and wide.
Bird watching is excellent at Salton Sea and our favorite spot is the Sonny Bono National Wildlife Refuge.
The Imperial Valley has over 550,000 acres of active farmland and produces massive numbers of vegetables. The above truck and trailers is filled with only carrots. The Imperial Valley also has huge dairy farms and produces 20% of the nations dairy output.
Certain areas of the desert are open to 4 wheeling and used by dune buggies and various off-road vehicles.
We visited Borrego Springs on the west side of the Imperial Valley. The area features "desert art" which are large metal figures placed out in the desert.
Another piece of desert art..."fighting mustangs."
We also visited Anza-Borrego State Park. The visitor's center is earth sheltered and underground because of the very hot summers.
The Ocotillo cactus was in bloom at Anza-Borrego. The cactus was used by early settlers to make fences.
I had to put in one bird picture. This is the Gambel's Quail.