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.

Andrea McKenna • August 8, 2026

Borrego Springs Library Expands Cool Zone Hours and Offers Free Community Programs

Cool Down at the Library

As summer temperatures remain high, the Borrego Springs Library is extending its Cool Zone hours, providing residents and visitors with another comfortable place to escape the heat while also offering free community activities throughout the week.

The library, located at 2580 Country Club Road, participates in San Diego County's Cool Zone program, offering an air-conditioned space where people can cool off during periods of extreme heat.

Extended Cool Zone Hours

The library has announced the following extended hours:

Friday, August 7: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 8: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 9: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday, August 10: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The Cool Zone program provides a free indoor space for anyone seeking relief from high temperatures.

Free Saturday Movie Matinees

Visitors can also enjoy free Saturday afternoon movies in the library's air-conditioned meeting space from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The August theme is "True Stories."

Upcoming films include:

August 8: Florence Foster Jenkins
August 15: The Founder
August 22: The Lost Leonardo
August 29: Midway

Knitting & Crochet Meet-Up

Creative crafters are invited to gather every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the library's Knitting & Crochet Meet-up.

The informal gathering welcomes knitters and crocheters looking to work on projects, share ideas, and enjoy time with fellow crafters.

Poets & Writers Group

Local writers and aspiring authors can participate in the library's Poets & Writers group every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

The group welcomes both new and experienced writers interested in workshopping poetry and creative writing in a friendly, supportive environment.

Visit the Borrego Springs Library

The Borrego Springs Library is located at:

2580 Country Club Road
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

For more information, call 760-767-5761 or visit sdcl.org.

Whether you're looking for a cool place to spend an afternoon, catch a free movie, learn a new craft, or connect with fellow writers, the Borrego Springs Library offers a variety of free programs while serving as an important cooling center for the community during the summer months.