GALLETA MEADOWS

DESCRIPTION

Galleta Meadows is located in Borrego Springs a small desert community located in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Desert Park. Galleta Meadows is a private underdeveloped property owned by Dennis Avery a multi-millionaire and business man.   Avery brought back to “life” the extinct Pliocene and Pleistocene animals that once roam the Anza-Borrego Desert State park millions of years ago by placing metal sculptures in his land. He has also included many animals that exist today and historical sculptures. Avery wants for everyone especially children to be amazed at these metal sculptures and become interested in the Plio-Pleistocene animals of the area. The best part of Galleta Meadows is that it is free to the public.

​There are roughly 129 Sky Art sculptures in the Galleta Meadows Estate. The sculptures fall into four categories; pre-historic animals, people, desert animals and fantasy.  The sculptures are made of sheets of iron which will rust over time giving the sculpture that life-like quality. Each sculpture very in size and weight.

Ricardo Breceda is the artist behind these amazing sculptures. His start as an artist was accidental as described in “The Accidental Artist,” by author Diana Lindsay. It was a combination of events that paved the road for Ricardo Breceda to become the “Picasso of Metal.”  It all starts with his unfortunate construction accident that leads him to find other means of earning money. He started selling boots to customers; those who could not pay cash would trade. One day a man traded a welding machine for a pair of boots. The welding machine was put aside for a while until Ricardo decided to learn to use it. Around that time Jurassic Park movies were at their peak of popularity. His daughter Lianna one day asked her father for a life size T-Rex for Christmas. With no artistic background or knowledge of welding, Ricardo begin making the T-Rex. His first sculptures were boxy and unrealistic but he kept making them.  With each new sculpture his skills and craftsmanship improved, each sculpture became more life-like. It was only a matter of time before Dennis Avery hired Ricardo to make the amazing sculptures and install them in his property.  

The sculptures were strategically placed by Breceda to give the illusion that they belong in the environment this is called Sky Art.  Anza-Borrego Desert Visitor Center has made a map identifying the location of each sculpture.  This is a great place to take children, let their imagination run free.  Enjoy your trip to the desert. 

INFORMATION

WARNING:
The sculptures are located on soft desert sand.  YOU WILL GET STUCK if you do not drive a 4x4 vehicle (many have).  AAA will no assist you if you are a few yards from the main road (believe me we know).  Park on side of road and walk to the sculptures.  
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Temperatures can reach over 110 degrees in summer, bring plenty of water. 

ADDRESS:  There is no address however drive to Borrego Springs Foundation, 587 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. You will be able to access Galleta Meadows from there. 
ADMISSION: Free (unless you are parking at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center). Bring cash. 
HOURS: 24/7
RECOMMENDATIONS:  To find the sculptures get a visitor's guide from the visitor center or any shop in Borrego Springs.  Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and to avoid the afternoon heat. Bring a snacks or lunch if you plan on visiting all sculptures the only food available is in Borrego Springs. Take your camera and enjoy.
BEST TIME TO GO: Fall, Winter or Spring