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 • June 1, 2024

ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop

Visit ABDNHA's Desert Nature Center, Gift Shop In Borrego Springs

If you find yourself in Borrego Springs, don’t miss the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop on Palm Canyon Drive. This visitor center and store, run by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), offers resources for desert explorers and unique local items. Enjoy outdoor educational panels and a desert garden for a hands-on learning experience.

Your Gateway to the Desert

The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop is more than just a store – it’s a hub for knowledge and adventure. Here, you’ll find the most comprehensive selection of desert books and guides in the area.

Dive into titles covering:

Anza-Borrego Hiking: Discover the best trails and hidden paths.
Birding: Learn about the diverse bird species that call the desert home.
Geology: Unravel the ancient stories written in the rocks.
Reptiles and Wildlife: Get to know the fascinating creatures of the desert.
Desert Flowers and Plants: Identify the stunning flora unique to this arid landscape.
History and Native People: Gain insights into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Unique Desert Gifts and More

Beyond books and guides, the Nature Center & Gift Shop boasts a delightful selection of desert-themed gifts and necessities:

Clothing and Hats: Stay cool and stylish with desert apparel.
Jewelry: Adorn yourself with pieces inspired by the natural beauty of the desert.
Kitchenware: Bring a touch of the desert into your home.
Educational Toys for Kids: Spark a love of nature in young explorers.

Expert Guidance and Programs

The knowledgeable staff at the ABDNHA Borrego Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop are always ready to offer expert advice and up-to-date information. Planning a hike? Stop by to register for one of their many guided desert hikes and other programs. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

ABDNHA Outdoor educational Panels for visitors

ABDNHA Visitor Plaza: Learn While You Explore

Right outside the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop, you'll find a series of educational panels designed to enrich your visit. These informative displays offer fascinating insights into the local area, its unique wildlife, rich history, and more.

As you stroll by, take a moment to learn about the desert's diverse ecosystem, the animals that inhabit it, and the historical significance of Borrego Springs.

These panels provide a perfect introduction to the wonders you'll discover inside the center and throughout your adventures in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Spring Flower Season

Springtime transforms the desert into a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers. During flower season, the center provides free flower maps, updated daily, to help you find the best spots to witness this spectacular bloom.

Plan Your Visit Today

The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop is conveniently located at:

652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the desert, find the perfect gift, or embark on a new adventure, the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop is your local source for all things desert-related. Come visit us and immerse yourself in the wonders of Anza-Borrego!

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Discover More at the ABDNHA Borrego Desert Nature Center & Gift Shop – Your Desert Adventure Starts Here!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store Is Open for the Season

By Andrea McKenna • September 1, 2026

As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the store's proceeds benefit the Borrego Springs Children's Center, making every purchase impactful and meaningful.

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.

Ocotillo Wells SVRA to Celebrate 50 Years of Desert Adventure

By Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area • August 26, 2026

Anniversary celebration set for Nov. 21

Lucky Tongue Poolside Live

By Andrea McKenna • August 20, 2026

September 19 from 2–6 p.m.

August Beading Classes

By Andrea McKenna • August 17, 2026

Saturdays from 11 to 1 p.m

BSFI Free Summer Movies -- AUGUST 2026 at BSPAC!

By Matt Bosson • August 15, 2026

Monthly

UCI Nature Hiring Chief Administrative Officer

By Andrea McKenna • August 14, 2026

UCI Nature Chief Administrative Officer Job Posting

BASIC Seeks Managing Director to Lead Programs, Fundraising and Community Partnerships

By BASIC • August 12, 2026

BASIC (Basic Assistance for Students in the Community) is hiring a Managing Director to lead programs, fundraising, operations, and community partnerships that support education for students and families in Borrego Springs. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who can build trust, get things done, and champion BASIC's C2G cradle to graduation mission. Key Responsibilities Partner with the Board to set priorities and support strong governance. Manage general daily operations, including use of technology, tracking data and written information, running meetings and supervision of a small staff. Guide BASIC programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learning Academy, and Scholarships. Manage fundraising and communications (external and internal). Build strong partnerships and serve as a trusted community ambassador. Ideal Candidate Bilingual in Spanish and English Proactive, organized, and comfortable in our small community. Strong communicator (written and verbal) and relationship-builder. Leadership experience in nonprofits, fundraising, programs, administration, education or community service. How to Apply Send your resume to basic2026job@borregobasic.org by September 15, 2026 Learn more about BASIC: www.borregobasic.org