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.

Borrego Springs Local • August 3, 2023

Borrego Springs Residents Now Served by County Fire

County of San Diego Communications Office

Enhanced Fire and Emergency Services Arrive in Borrego Springs

The Borrego Springs community now benefits from enhanced fire protection and emergency services thanks to a collaboration between the San Diego County Fire Authority and CAL FIRE. As part of this partnership, the County Fire Authority has bolstered its staffing levels, providing expanded services to the region.

The Quick Facts:

Borrego Springs is now under the vigilant watch of San Diego County Fire, working in partnership with CAL FIRE, ensuring a fortified defense against emergencies.

The infusion of additional personnel and resources marks a significant leap in our capacity for swift and effective emergency response.

A commendable 14 members from the Borrego Springs Fire Protection District have joined forces with the County Fire and CAL FIRE teams, exemplifying unity and dedication to community safety.

The Fire Station 60 in Borrego Springs proudly continues to operate as an Advanced Life Support Station, equipped to handle critical medical emergencies with procedures such as endotracheal intubation and intravenous drug delivery, ensuring the highest level of prehospital care.

Advanced Life Support: A Closer Look

Advanced Life Support (ALS) stands as the cornerstone of prehospital emergency care, providing invasive life-saving interventions that are crucial in trauma and critical care situations. This includes expert airway management through endotracheal intubation and the administration of vital medications and fluids via intravenous catheters. The ALS capabilities at our local fire station are indispensable for the prompt and effective resuscitation of trauma patients, right at the scene.

A New Chapter for Borrego Springs Fire Department

The integration of the Borrego Springs Fire Department into the San Diego County Fire framework is a milestone in our community's history. Established in 1972, our local fire department has been a beacon of courage and service for over half a century. However, constrained resources and limited manpower had often hampered our ability to respond to large-scale emergencies effectively. This merger heralds a new dawn, expanding our horizons with a more robust fleet of firefighters and advanced equipment at our disposal.

Community Reaction: A Collective Sigh of Relief

The sentiment across Borrego Springs is overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing a newfound sense of security and confidence in our enhanced emergency services. The merger not only augments our life-saving capabilities but also presents an opportunity for cost efficiency, enabling better negotiation rates for essential equipment and supplies.

Join Us in Building a Safer Community

The Borrego Springs community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged with the ongoing developments in our local fire and emergency services. For more information on the merger and how it benefits our town, visit the San Diego County Fire Authority's official website or reach out to the Borrego Springs Fire Department directly.

Together, let's embrace this change and contribute to a safer, more resilient Borrego Springs.