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.

H. Myers, Paramedic • August 29, 2026

Before the Ambulance Arrives: What Borrego Springs Residents Should Know

Simple steps to prepare for an emergency.

After five years working in EMS, I have learned that some of the most helpful things residents can do during an emergency happen before responders ever arrive.

In Borrego Springs, a few simple preparations can help us find your home, reach you quickly and understand important medical information when time matters.

Start With a Vial of Life

One of the most useful things you can have is a Vial of Life — a simple record of important medical information kept in an easy-to-find location, typically on or near the refrigerator where emergency responders know to look.

If you are unable to answer questions, are confused or simply overwhelmed during an emergency, having this information readily available can be extremely helpful.

Your Vial of Life should include:

Name and date of birth
Current medications
Medication allergies
Important medical conditions and history
Emergency contacts
Information about medical devices, such as a pacemaker
Advance directive, POLST, DNR or health care power of attorney information, if applicable

For people taking several medications or managing multiple medical conditions, this information can be especially valuable.

Most importantly, keep it current. Update your Vial of Life whenever medications, emergency contacts or other important medical information changes.

English and Spanish Vial of Life forms are available below to download, complete and keep at home.

Download: Vial of Life – English [PDF]

Descargar: Vial of Life – Español [PDF]

Make Your Address Easy to Find

Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the road. Large or reflective numbers can be particularly helpful at night.

If you have a locked gate, gate code or another access issue, think ahead about how emergency responders will reach your home.

Finding the correct house and getting through the door should not be what slows us down.

Keep a Clear Path

Responders may arrive carrying several pieces of equipment, and we may need enough room to safely move a patient out on a gurney.

Try to keep a clear path from the entrance to the areas where you spend the most time.

Cluttered entrances and narrow walkways can make reaching and moving a patient more difficult.

Secure Pets

Even friendly pets can become frightened or protective during an emergency.

If possible, secure dogs and other animals in another room, bathroom, yard or other safe area before responders enter. This allows us to focus on the person who needs care and helps keep everyone safe.

Tell Dispatch What You See

You do not need to know what is medically wrong before calling 911.

Simply describe what is happening — someone is having trouble breathing, has fallen, has chest pain, is confused or otherwise appears unwell.

Nobody expects you to be perfectly calm during an emergency. Give dispatch the clearest information you can and answer their questions. That information can help responders prepare before they reach your door.

Do Not Be Afraid to Call

People sometimes hesitate because they are unsure whether a problem is serious enough for 911.

If you are genuinely concerned, it is better to call and have someone evaluate the situation than to wait until the problem becomes more serious.

Paramedics can assess a patient, take vital signs and provide emergency treatment when appropriate. Some conditions may require further evaluation or treatment at a hospital.

I would rather evaluate someone early and find that they are doing well than arrive later when their condition has become more serious.

Be Prepared for Borrego’s Heat

Borrego Springs heat can quickly become dangerous. Drink fluids regularly, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours and take frequent breaks in cooler areas.

Older adults and people with certain medical conditions or medications may be especially vulnerable. If someone becomes ill from the heat or you are concerned, seek medical care or call 911.

Prepare Before You Need Us

Before an emergency happens, take a few minutes to look around your home.

Can responders clearly see your address? Can they get through your gate and front door? Is there a clear path to reach you? Can pets be secured quickly?

And most importantly, is your Vial of Life completed, current and easy to find?

When EMS arrives, we may know very little about the person we are there to help. Having medications, allergies, medical history, emergency contacts and important documents readily available gives us valuable information from the start.

A little preparation now can make it easier for us to help when you need us.

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Please contact us if you would like to request printed copies of the Vial of Life. Borrego Sun will print and deliver them to you or coordinate a pick-up location.

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This article is intended for general emergency-preparedness information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 and follow the instructions of dispatchers and responding personnel.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Featured Among California Retirement Towns

By Andrea McKenna • August 29, 2026

Borrego Springs highlighted as a retirement destination.

New tool makes applying for benefits faster and easier

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office • August 28, 2026

A new BenefitsCal feature called Truv now helps CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and County General Relief applicants save time, reduce paperwork and avoid mailing costs. The tool launched July 20, 2026, and verifies income and employment electronically during the e-application process. How Truv Works When applying through BenefitsCal, customers can securely sign in to their employer, payroll provider or financial institution. Truv uses secure, encrypted channels, and no information is shared outside the County of San Diego. If the employer participates in Truv, the system automatically pulls available income and employment information. Applicants can then review and confirm the information before submitting their application. “With Truv, it is easy for customers to opt in while applying through the online application tool BenefitsCal app,” said Alberto Banuelos, Interim Director of County Self Sufficiency Services. “It is a win-win, helping our customers save time and money and staff manage higher workloads.” Why It Matters Using Truv means customers don’t need to search for documents, manually enter income details or pay postage to mail paperwork. It also reduces the chance of manually entered errors. Application processing timelines vary: CalFresh reviews can take up to 30 days. Medi-Cal reviews can take up to 45 days. When income information is verified upfront, processing time can be shortened, helping eligible households get connected to critical resources faster. Self-Sufficiency Services supports more than 1.2 million San Diego County residents by providing access to essential public safety net programs. With customer-focused tools, multilingual help and community partnerships, Self‑Sufficiency Services works to make applying for benefits easier, faster and more accessible. Our mission is simple: to help people stay healthy, safe and on a path toward long‑term self‑sufficiency. Cassie N. Saunders is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact