How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Jake Hinton • October 19, 2025

ABDNHA 2025-26 Activity Calendar is Out!

Explore the ABDNHA 2024-2025 Activity Schedule

The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering appreciation of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Founded in 1971, ABDNHA offers educational programs, hikes, and community events to connect people with the desert's unique environment.

ABDNHA ACTIVITY CALENDAR

The 2023-2024 activity calendar is now available, filled with exciting opportunities to explore and learn.

>> Click Here

ABDNHA's Mission and Impact

ABDNHA's mission is to educate residents and visitors about the ecology, geology, and cultural history of the Anza-Borrego region. Through expert-led programs, hikes, and lectures, the organization promotes sustainable practices and encourages stewardship of the desert.

Educational Programs and Activities

Nature and Science Education: ABDNHA offers webinars, stargazing events, and other programs to explore the desert's wonders.

Guided Hikes and Field Trips: Led by knowledgeable volunteers, these hikes immerse participants in the desert landscape, highlighting native plants, animals, and geology.

ABDNHA Desert Garden: The Desert Garden showcases native and adapted desert plants, providing insights into desert landscaping and the ecological importance of desert flora.

Conservation Efforts: ABDNHA promotes sustainability and protects the region’s unique habitats for future generations.

Community Engagement: Events like the Borrego Days Parade and member appreciation days foster community spirit and celebrate desert life.

Visit the Nature Center

The ABDNHA Nature Center in Borrego Springs offers interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and information on activities. It’s an ideal starting point for learning about the region and upcoming events.

Join the ABDNHA Community

Get involved by attending hikes, workshops, or supporting conservation efforts. The 2023-2024 activity calendar features a variety of events—many of which are free. Some activities require registration due to limited space. For the latest schedule, visit ABDNHA's Activity Calendar or call 760-767-3098.

Connect with nature and join a community passionate about the wonders of Anza-Borrego.

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

NWS monitoring possible tropical cyclone that could affect San Diego County

By City News Service • September 2, 2026

The National Weather Service is monitoring Tropical Storm Marie, which developed near Baja California and could bring a chance of showers to San Diego County over Labor Day weekend.