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 • June 12, 2024

Borrego Springs Film Institute Brings Movies Back to the Theater

The Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) is bringing the magic of cinema back to the community!

In collaboration with the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC), the BSFI presents free movies on the big screen at the Performing Arts Center theater. This initiative offers a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy high-quality films in a communal setting, adding to the cultural fabric of Borrego Springs.

Free Movie Screenings: A Cultural Revival

The Borrego Springs Film Institute is dedicated to enriching the local community by providing access to cinematic experiences. Twice-monthly screenings run from June through December each year, offering a diverse range of films that cater to various tastes and interests. A full schedule of screenings is regularly updated and posted on the BSFI website: www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org.

Why This Initiative Matters

Bringing movies back to the theater in Borrego Springs is more than just entertainment; it's a way to strengthen community bonds and provide cultural enrichment. The screenings are entirely free, making them accessible to everyone. While the costs of the movies and venue are covered, donations are appreciated to support the continued success of the program.

A Perfect Setting for a Relaxing Getaway

Borrego Springs is the ideal location for a relaxing retreat, offering everything needed for a serene escape:

Beautiful Accommodations: Stay within walking distance of the theater at places like Borrego Springs Resort and Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort. Many resorts offer shuttle services to and from the movies.

Bike-Friendly Town: Enjoy the convenience of biking around town, making it easy to attend screenings and explore the local scenery.

Welcoming Community: The friendly and supportive atmosphere makes every event feel special and inviting.

Join Us at the Movies

All BSFI movie screenings presented at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center are free and open to the public. Screenings are held on selected Wednesdays at 7pm, with doors opening 30 minutes before showtime. It's a perfect way to spend an evening enjoying quality films with friends, family, and fellow movie enthusiasts.

For more information and the complete screening schedule, visit www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org. We look forward to seeing you at the movies!

Experience the joy of cinema and the warmth of community with the Borrego Springs Film Institute.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, 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.