May 29, 2024

Anza-Borrego State Park: Your Base in Borrego Springs

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Explore Over 100 Trails Without Camping


If you're planning a trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs is the perfect base for your adventures. Nestled in the heart of California’s largest state park, this small desert town offers everything you need to explore and return to comfort each day.




Why Borrego Springs is the Perfect Base


Borrego Springs is the only town located within the park's boundaries, making it a strategic starting point for all your park explorations. From here, you’re just minutes away from trailheads, scenic spots, and the park's Visitor Center. You can venture out in the morning and return by evening without the need to camp.


  • Central location: Easy access to trails and park attractions


  • Amenities: Restaurants, hotels, and local shops make it easy to relax after a day of hiking


Over 100 Trails to Explore


Anza-Borrego Desert State Park spans over 600,000 acres, offering more than 100 hiking trails. From short, family-friendly hikes to more challenging treks, there's something for every level of explorer.


  • Palm Canyon Trail: A 3-mile round trip to a hidden palm oasis


  • The Slot: A narrow, winding canyon perfect for photography


  • Font's Point: A scenic viewpoint overlooking the rugged badlands


Most trails can be completed in just a few hours, allowing you to enjoy multiple hikes without needing overnight camping gear. This makes Borrego Springs a convenient hub for day trips.


A Park for Everyone


Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers much more than hiking. Whether you’re into birdwatching, stargazing, or exploring the unique desert landscape, there’s something for everyone.


  • Wildlife: Spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert reptiles along the trails


  • Stargazing: The park is recognized as a Dark Sky Park, offering incredible views of the night sky


Experience the Best of Both Worlds


One of the key benefits of staying in Borrego Springs is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and town charm. Spend your days exploring the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, then return to Borrego Springs to unwind and enjoy the town's unique offerings.


  • Dining: Savor local cuisine at Borrego Springs’ restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining spots featuring regional flavors.


  • Rest: Choose from an array of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, off-grid bungalows, and short-term rentals, many with mid-century modern architecture, giving the town a distinctive style.


  • Shopping: Explore local boutiques and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind items, from artisanal goods to unique souvenirs. Borrego Springs’ small, uncrowded shopping scene adds to the relaxed, intimate experience.


  • Art and Culture: Visit the Borrego Art Institute and its ArtPark for a mix of fine art and outdoor sculptures. Explore the surrounding Galleta Meadows for its striking metal sculptures that dot the desert landscape.


  • Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy more than just hiking! Head to Borrego Springs County Park for tennis, basketball, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s stunning courses, all surrounded by desert beauty. For those seeking a more serene experience, take a yoga class at La Casa Del Zorro resort, where wellness meets the peaceful desert landscape.


  • Nature Exploration: Don’t miss the ABDNHA Desert Garden and Nature Center, offering insights into the local flora and fauna.


These spots are perfect for peaceful walks and learning about the desert ecosystem. With so much to do in Borrego Springs, you can balance adventure and relaxation, making your visit a complete desert experience.


Plan Your Adventure Today


With its central location, comfortable amenities, and easy access to over 100 trails, Borrego Springs is the ultimate base for exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Whether you're seeking a quick hike or an all-day adventure, the park offers endless possibilities—all within a short drive from town.


Here are five great websites for more hiking information and experiences in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:


  • AllTrails
    AllTrails offers comprehensive trail information, including detailed maps, user reviews, and difficulty levels for hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Perfect for planning your next outdoor adventure.


  • California State Parks - Anza-Borrego
    The official California State Parks website provides detailed information on Anza-Borrego's trails, rules, maps, and visitor center hours, making it a key resource for your visit.


  • Experience Borrego
    Experience Borrego offers personalized hiking tours and guided explorations throughout the park. It's a fantastic resource for discovering lesser-known trails and enhancing your desert adventure.

Holiday Memories at BSPAC

December 1, 2025
A Musical Celebration at BSPAC

Charlie Brown Christmas Piano Concert

November 30, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.

Meet the Maker Cindie Horn – Desert Lovers and Co.

November 26, 2025
Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004

ABF Photo Contest | Dec 10th Deadline!

November 24, 2025
Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs

December Art Classes at BAI

November 24, 2025
A full month of creative workshops, hands-on learning, and holiday projects  December at the Borrego Art Institute brings a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels—from drawing and sculpture to kids’ art, yarn-making, and an olive oil tasting at the ArtPark Café. Whether you’re a resident, seasonal visitor, or weekend explorer, Studio West offers plenty of ways to create, learn, and enjoy the season.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

November 23, 2025
The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude, reflection, and the shared bonds that carry Borrego Springs through each year. Guided by local clergy, and volunteers, the service offered a mix of music, readings, and stories that highlighted both faith and community care. Coming Together in Gratitude Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, setting the tone for an evening of reflection. Rev. Michael Plekon followed with the opening prayer, encouraging gratitude for daily blessings and the natural world that surrounds Borrego Springs. Readings, Music, and Reflections Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick. Pastor Mamea offered the homily, focusing on gratitude and living with intention. Music added depth and warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed an uplifting anthem. Voices From the Community Martha offered stories about the Borrego Ministers Association—how it began, how it supports people in crisis, and why its work matters. Her remarks helped newcomers and longtime residents better understand the BMA’s role in meeting urgent needs throughout the year. Supporting Local Needs An offering was collected to support the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association , which provides emergency assistance and support services for individuals and families in Borrego Springs.
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