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.

February 3, 2026

Borrego Springs Community Vigil Walk

Community vigil and sing-along

A vigil and walk with songs of hope, peace, and love was held Sunday evening, February 1st, in Borrego Springs.

Participants gathered at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on Church Lane, where the route and plan for a silent walk were shared. The group then walked up the street to the Peace Column near Community United Methodist Church.

The vigil was coordinated by Pastor Mateo Mamoa of Community United Methodist Church. At the Methodist church parking lot, members of the upcoming Jimmy’s Front Porch cast were waiting for the walkers and led a sing-along. Songs included “Stand by Me,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and others.