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.

Borrego Sun Community News • May 6, 2026

Large-Scale Animal Rescue Underway in Julian

Hundreds of Animals Rescued From Julian Sanctuary During Major Investigation

San Diego Humane Society officials say hundreds of neglected animals are now receiving care after a large-scale rescue operation at Villa Chardonnay in Julian.

Villa Chardonnay had been described online as an animal sanctuary focused on giving animals a safe place to heal and live peacefully. But investigators say the conditions they encountered on the 40-acre property revealed widespread neglect involving hundreds of animals.

According to San Diego Humane Society, the rescue effort began after concerns about conditions at the property continued for years. The case was transferred from San Diego County Animal Services to SDHS in late April due to the scale of the situation and legal complications connected to bankruptcy proceedings.

Officials said a search warrant was served on May 1 after veterinary evidence documented severe neglect, including malnutrition, untreated injuries, infections, and lack of basic care.

Video courtesy of KPBS YouTube

Animals found on the property included approximately 165 horses and ponies, more than 300 cats, 30 dogs, and dozens of other animals such as goats, pigs, alpacas, chickens, ducks, geese, peafowl, ravens, and sheep.

San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman called the case one of the most complex rescue operations in the organization’s history. Teams from several agencies and humane organizations are now assisting with medical care, transport, and ongoing animal recovery efforts.

While many animals are expected to recover, some in critical condition had to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering, according to SDHS.

San Diego Humane Society said the investigation remains ongoing.

“The actions that we’ve taken and will continue to take are going to be guided by what the facts of the case are and what our legal responsibilities as humane agents here in the state and here in San Diego to assure that justice is served,” said Jace Huggins, Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for the Humane Society.

People who previously surrendered or boarded animals at Villa Chardonnay can submit reunification requests through San Diego Humane Society’s rescue page at sdhumane.org/julianrescue.

Full Update: SDHS_Julian-Rescue_Villa-Chardonnay-Update

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$1.6 billion, 150-mile power line gets strong pushback from residents

By By John Carroll / General Assignment Reporter & Anchor • September 18, 2026

People wearing yellow shirts, who are opposed to the proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink, are shown at San Marcos City Hall on Sept. 17, 2026 . Photo by: Carolyne Corelis /KPBS

New True Crime Book Explores Murders With Anza Desert Connection

By Andrea McKenna • September 17, 2026

Los Angeles in the 1950s drew young women with promises of work, independence, and a chance at something bigger. Harvey Glatman saw an opportunity of another kind.

Annual Trunk-or-Treat Returns to The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 17, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE