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 • January 8, 2025

Jan. 14th Acoustic Eidolon Live in Concert

Guitar & Cello, Vocal Duo

When: January 14, 2025

Where: Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

Address: 590 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Acoustic Eidolon brings a one-of-a-kind sound that blends the warmth of cello with the distinct tones of the double-neck guitjo. Performed by husband-and-wife duo Hannah Alkire and Joe Scott, this concert promises a “genre-bending” mix of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Flamenco influences.

Their repertoire includes breathtaking arrangements of beloved songs like:

Bohemian Rhapsody
Hallelujah
Stairway to Heaven

A Story of Musical Destiny

The pair’s journey began when fate led Hannah, a cellist, to a studio three doors from her own home—where Joe, the guitjo virtuoso, awaited. The unique combination of Hannah's soulful cello and Joe's harp-like guitjo created an immediate spark, leading to their first performance and the birth of Acoustic Eidolon.

Why You’ll Love Acoustic Eidolon

With over 1,500 performances worldwide, this duo captivates audiences with their harmony, passion, and musicianship. Whether you love classical strings, folk rhythms, or stunning covers of popular hits, Acoustic Eidolon will leave you inspired.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center—where artistry, love, and melody unite on stage.

Acoustic Eidolon
Guitar & Cello, Vocal Duo
January 14, 2025

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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.