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 10, 2026

65k Raised! Borrego Springs Rotary Mardi Gras Fundraiser

Event Raised $65,000

Borrego Springs Rotary held a Mardi Gras–themed fundraiser on February 7, raising about $65,000 to support local scholarships and Rotary programs. Rotary Club President Diane Johnson welcomed guests and highlighted Rotary’s work in the Borrego Springs community. The event was also supported by Rotary Foundation leadership, separate from Rotary club leadership.

The evening centered on education support and featured live and silent auctions, raffles, and community gathering activities. Auction items included hosted dinners, private chef experiences, original artwork and photography, handcrafted quilts, wine collections, spa packages, and gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals. Several packages drew competitive bidding throughout the night.

One of the most sought-after offerings was a private chef experience led by Chef Kurt Hauser of de Anza Country Club. Final bidding for the experience went to Jimmy Smith, of the upcoming Jimmy’s Front Porch Revue.

Beverages also reflected local support. Beer was supplied by Julian Beer Co., and wine was donated by Borrego Outfitters.

Food, service, and décor were provided by Rams Hill Golf Club, with Jessica, Food and Beverage Manager, and Chef Eduardo overseeing hospitality and event operations.

The Mardi Gras theme carried through the program, with music DJ’d by Mike Rue and a costume element judged by high school S-Interact students along with Miss Borrego and her court. Monica Rue was named Best Dressed.

Raffles ran throughout the evening and included donated baskets, wine and dining packages, nursery gift certificates, and spa services. Participation in both the raffles and auctions contributed to scholarship funding.

During the program, Rotary Foundation President Martha Deichler and the event auctioneer noted that local students often rely on multiple sources of scholarship support to continue their education.

“Our students rely on multiple scholarships from Rotary, BASIC, Soroptimist, and Bike4BorregoKids to make it work,” Deichler said.

Rotary’s scholarship structure was also outlined, noting that awards can increase as students continue their education.

“First-year students receive $1,000. If they stay in school with good grades, the amount increases each year,” the speaker said.

A student scholarship recipient described how community scholarships directly affect their ability to remain enrolled.

“I don’t receive financial aid through FAFSA, so scholarships like this are how I’m able to continue my education,” the student said. “Every scholarship helps reduce the burden on my family.”

S-Interact students assisted throughout the evening, and members of the Miss Borrego Court supported event activities and engagement. The February 7 fundraiser continued Borrego Springs Rotary’s local focus on education, service, and community-based fundraising.