Borrego Badlands in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA

© Tom Hogan/plainpictur

Sunset in the badlands. Borrego Badlands, USA

Let’s forget about the bleak winter weather for a bit and take in this beautiful sunset over the Borrego Badlands, a 20-mile stretch of desert in south-east California, USA. Here in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the landscape is one of rolling hills, canyons and steep-sided gullies, dotted with sparse vegetation, creating a surreal and stunning view.

What are badlands anyway? The term refers to landscapes of rock and soil that have been heavily eroded, can’t be farmed and support little vegetation, often with steep slopes. This particular arid landscape was once submerged underwater – as evidenced by fossilised seashells discovered here. Over time, water and wind erosion shaped the Borrego Badlands into their current form – now a favourite spot for campers and photographers, seeking picture-perfect sunsets.