The serpent sculpture is designed in segments, allowing it to appear as if it is weaving in and out of the sandy desert floor.
Dennis Avery, the philanthropist who commissioned the works, was the heir to the Labels for Education fortune.
The sculptures are located on private land that the owner allows the public to traverse for free.
Ricardo Breceda began creating these sculptures after his daughter requested a dinosaur, leading him to research metal fabrication techniques.
The collection includes a diverse range of subjects, including a gold prospector, a prehistoric camel, and a variety of desert bighorn sheep.
Galleta Meadows features over 130 large-scale, rusted metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda and commissioned by philanthropist Dennis Avery. These sculptures are scattered across several square miles of private desert land surrounding the town of Borrego Springs. The collection includes life-sized recreations of prehistoric creatures, such as a 350-foot-long serpent, alongside historical figures and desert wildlife. The Under the Sun Foundation manages these properties, which are integrated directly into the natural landscape. Visitors drive between various installation sites located on dirt roads throughout the Anza-Borrego desert basin. The sculptures are fabricated from welded steel and undergo natural oxidation to blend with the surrounding desert environment.
The massive serpent sculpture crossing the road near Borrego Springs Road offers the most iconic perspective.
Download a map of the sculpture locations beforehand, as cellular service is intermittent or non-existent in many parts of the desert.
Stick to the established dirt paths; the desert crust is fragile and easily damaged by off-road driving.
Bring substantial water and sun protection, as there is zero shade or amenities available at the sculpture sites.
Attempting to visit during the summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (43°C).
Practice Leave No Trace principles; do not climb on the sculptures to prevent damage and personal injury.
