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.

Press Release • February 4, 2025

Celebrate a Night Under the Stars with the Borrego Art Institute

Get Tickets Today!

The Borrego Art Institute will celebrate 20 years of bringing art and art education to Borrego Springs with “A Night Under the Stars” gala on Saturday, February 22 from 5-8 pm at the McQuown/Wermers Gallery.

On tap at the gala are live and silent auctions featuring 50-plus works of art and other collectibles from the BAI Collection, including pieces from Armand Vallee, John Richen, John Eagle, Larry Bute, and Carol Lindemulder. Option B Entertainment will present the world-renown Jazz Salon All-Stars featuring sax legend Rickey Woodard and jazz chanteuse Sacha Boutros. Mikan Zlatkovich, Judd Pillot and Jazz Salon founder Dave Ross will round out the sound.

A variety of fine wines curated by the Borrego Outfitters will be served, along with passed hors d'oeuvres catered by The Arches Restaurant at Borrego Springs Resort.

The gala committee is chaired by Robert Wright and Martha Deichler will be the evening’s emcee and auctioneer. Purchase tickets today at www.borregoartinstitute.org.

Sponsors of this event include Anne and Jim Wermers, Anson Construction, The Robert & Audrey Zinser Foundation, Tim Cohelan and Laura Buxton, Community Valley Bank, Coldwell Banker Borrego, Rams Hill, HVAC, and The Frame Maker.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.

Christian Center to Host Harvest Festival Oct. 31

By Andrea McKenna • September 12, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE