Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
State park · Indio, California
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
A state park on the shore of the Salton Sea, the saline lake south of Indio, with a visitor center, shell beaches, campgrounds and many birds in winter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Salton Sea State Recreation Area
The Salton Sea is one of the largest inland lakes in the world, in a valley below sea level between Riverside and Imperial counties. It formed in the early 20th century when floodwaters from the Colorado River breached into the valley. With no outlet to the ocean and high evaporation, the lake is saline, and its level has been dropping while salinity increases.
Created in 1955, Salton Sea State Recreation Area protects about 22 km of the northeast shoreline. The visitor center is next to the park headquarters near Highway 111 and explains the lake’s formation, the valley’s geography and the environmental changes.
The lake lies on one of North America’s major bird migration routes. From October, migratory birds often arrive at the shores in large numbers, and in winter the variety of species is greater.
The beaches are covered with fragments of barnacle shells, and the flat landscape with mountains in the background is popular with photographers. The park has picnic areas and lakeside campgrounds.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 3 hours.
Best time
Between October and April, when temperatures are bearable and migrating birds tend to concentrate at the lake. In summer the heat is extreme. The visitor center operates during daytime; confirm before you go.
How to get there
Entrance is via State Park Road, which turns off Highway 111 after Mecca; it’s about 48 km from Indio. A vehicle entrance fee is charged.
Tip
Wear closed shoes for walking on the shell beach and bring binoculars to watch birds on the shore.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salton Sea State Recreation Area
How was the Salton Sea formed?
By a Colorado River flood in the early 20th century that filled the valley depression. Because the water has no outlet and evaporates, the lake is saline.
What is the distance from Indio to the Salton Sea?
About 48 km via Highway 111 to the state park headquarters, roughly a 40‑minute drive.
When to see birds at the Salton Sea?
From autumn to spring. Migratory birds begin appearing in October, and winter months usually gather the most species.