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 • April 2, 2024

BAI Welcomes Wade Beane as Interim Executive Director

Wade Beane Takes the Helm at Borrego Art Institute

For more updates from the BAI subscribe to the >> Borrego Art Institute's Newsletter

In a recent update from the Borrego Art Institute's newsletter, a significant leadership transition has been announced that is poised to shape the future of the institute. Wade Beane, formerly serving as the ArtPark Director, has been appointed the Interim Executive Director, succeeding Steve Fisher who has left a lasting legacy at the BAI.

Beane's appointment, effective from April 1st, marks a new chapter for the institute, with plans to continue his active involvement in the community through his work in the gardens.

Wade Beane is well-regarded within the Borrego Springs community, having carved a niche for himself through his extensive background in environmental and arts education. His journey from environmental educator to a pivotal figure at the Borrego Art Institute underscores his dedication to merging the realms of nature and artistic creativity.

During his tenure as ArtPark Director, Beane was instrumental in enhancing the visitor experience through his management of the organic garden and leadership on desert tours, emphasizing the institute's dedication to art's role in environmental consciousness.

Beane's educational credentials are impressive, with bachelor's degrees in Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Science Education, and a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. His career transition from teaching to developing nonprofit programs illustrates a diverse approach to community service and education.

In his own words shared in the BAI Newsletter, Wade Beane expressed his honor in leading the institute, acknowledging the significant role it plays in the Borrego community. His vision for the BAI's future is one of optimism and continued growth.

Supporting Beane in this new phase is Kim Wyatt, stepping into the role of Communications & Development Director in May, promising a strong leadership team for the institute's forthcoming endeavors.

As the Borrego Art Institute transitions under Wade Beane's interim leadership, the local and wider art community watches with eager anticipation for the innovative directions the institute will explore. Beane's commitment to environmental advocacy and artistic passion is expected to usher in an exciting new phase for the BAI, further enriching the vibrant cultural landscape of Borrego Springs.

Visit the BAI Website

>> Read The BAI Newsletter About This Exciting Update

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Artist Carol Lindemulder Featured in Changing Terrain Exhibition

By Andrea McKenna • August 25, 2026

Borrego Springs artist featured in regional landscape exhibition.

Borrego Art Institute Calls for Artists for ‘Of Earth & Sky’ Exhibition

By Andrea McKenna • August 25, 2026

The season’s first exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the plants and animals of the natural world. The Borrego Art Institute is inviting artists to submit work for Of Earth & Sky, an exhibition centered on the plants and animals of the natural world. The exhibition will run October 17 through November 29, 2026 , at the Borrego Art Institute gallery, 665 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Artwork in any medium may be submitted. Artists may enter a maximum of two pieces, with work received at the gallery on October 10 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wall art must have wire on the back so it can be displayed using the gallery’s cable-and-hook system. All work must be clean, presentable and reasonably priced. BAI members pay no entry fee. Nonmembers pay $20 for each accepted work. The institute will not accept artwork that has previously been shown in the gallery. For questions or entry forms, contact Cody at gallery@borregoartinstitute.org. Summer Show Artwork Must Be Picked Up by October 11 Artists with work remaining in BAI’s Celebrating the Summer Show must pick it up no later than Sunday, October 11. Artwork may also be collected before that date. Beginning October 1, gallery hours are: Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. BAI Membership Borrego Art Institute members pay no entry fees for BAI exhibitions, with the exception of the Plein Air Invitational. A variety of membership levels are available. Borrego Art Institute 665 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Growing this Summer August 2026

By Wade Beane • August 18, 2026

Growing this Summer If you have landscaping or a garden, you have probably spent time this summer wondering if your plants are going to make it. There have been many days I’ve walked outside, looked at a plant and said, “Sorry little feller, I feel your struggle!” Be patient with your plants. In Borrego, nighttime heat is one of the biggest challenges. During the summer, plants need cooler nights to breathe. When night temperatures stay in the 80s, plants struggle because they conserve water by closing their stomata, which are tiny pores used for gas exchange. On hot nights these pores stay closed to prevent plants from losing more water than they can afford. But then they struggle to breathe. Cool nights are what allow desert plants to absorb carbon dioxide so they can create energy. In simple terms, hot nights keep plants from breathing, which slows the creation of sugars they need to be happy and survive. Look at the plants that naturally grow around us. There is a reason so many desert plants have small, thick leaves covered in wax. A smaller leaf has less surface area where water can escape. Waxy leaves create another protective layer that helps hold moisture inside the plant. Creosote and other plants have spent a very long time figuring out how to live wisely in the desert. Other landscape plants are less adapted to living through a Borrego summer. Even cacti struggle with the heat and get sunburned. And when a plant looks stressed, giving it more water is not always the answer. Too much water can complicate problems even further for many desert plants. Summer is a good time to practice patience. Pause for a moment and let the plant tell you what it needs. Sometimes plants need an extra drink and some shade cloth. Other times a little pruning will focus good energy on what is still alive. And when all else fails, slow down for a moment and talk to your plants. They are good listeners and appreciate words of encouragement. It has been a hot summer, and the plants are struggling just like the wildlife and many of us are. Wander outside and offer a little extra attention to everything that is surviving this summer. A few caring words and a little patience can make all the difference.

BSFI Free Summer Movies -- AUGUST 2026 at BSPAC!

By Matt Bosson • August 15, 2026

Monthly

Imagining Children’s Visions | Santa Ysabel Gallery

By Sally Walsh • August 15, 2026

Celebrating Young Artists and the Future of Creative Education

The Fun House: Where Airplanes and Everyday Life Meet | Historic Borrego Sun

By Andrea McKenna • August 4, 2026

Originally published February 1999.

Virtuoso Cellist Ruslan Biryukov to Open East County Performing Arts' 2026–27 Season in Julian

By East County Performing Arts • July 29, 2026

Award-Winning Cellist Ruslan Biryukov Performs Two Concerts in Julian

Imagining Children's Visions Opens August 1 at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery

By Andrea McKenna • July 26, 2026

Santa Ysabel Art Gallery Showcases Young Creative Talent

Free & Fun: Explore Balboa Park's Museums for Free on Tuesdays

By East County News Service • July 18, 2026

East County News Services Looking for an affordable summer outing? San Diego residents can visit select Balboa Park museums free every Tuesday through the park's popular Free Museum Tuesdays program. Each Tuesday features a different participating museum, but on the first Tuesday of every month , residents receive free admission to both the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) . Visitors simply need to bring a valid photo ID or other proof of San Diego County residency. The recently updated San Diego Natural History Museum offers five floors of exhibits, including displays on Southern California's unique wildlife, fossils and conservation. One featured exhibit showcases artwork created from plastic collected along shorelines, highlighting the impact of marine pollution. Just steps away, the Fleet Science Center has also undergone recent renovations and features hands-on science exhibits, interactive displays and activities designed for visitors of all ages. Parking can also help keep the day budget-friendly. Several free parking lots are available throughout Balboa Park, and the City of San Diego has temporarily paused parking enforcement in many areas through early next year, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the park without added expense. Free Museum Tuesdays rotate participating museums each week, giving residents the opportunity to explore many of Balboa Park's cultural attractions throughout the month. For the current schedule and additional information, visit balboapark.org . ---------- Located about 90 miles southwest of Borrego Springs, Balboa Park makes for an easy day trip, offering San Diego County residents free admission to select museums every Tuesday through the Free Museum Tuesdays program.

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