January 1, 2024

Common Questions About Borrego Springs

Planning a trip to Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego State Park?

Let's start with the most commonly asked questions.

General:

Where is Borrego Springs? Borrego Springs is nestled within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California.

How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? It's massive! Covering over 640,000 acres, it's the largest state park in California.

Is Borrego Springs worth visiting? Absolutely! It's a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking unique experiences.

When is the best time to visit Borrego Springs? Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while winter provides clear skies for stargazing.

Activities:

What are the top things to do in Anza-Borrego State Park? Popular activities include hiking, biking, camping, exploring slot canyons, visiting the Galleta Meadows sculptures, and stargazing.

Are there guided tours available? Yes! You can join guided tours for hiking, stargazing, and exploring art installations.

Can I go off-roading in Anza-Borrego? Yes, there are designated areas for off-roading, but be sure to obtain a permit and stick to designated trails.

Is rock climbing possible in Borrego Springs? There are opportunities for rock climbing, but it's recommended for experienced climbers with proper gear.

Wildlife & Nature:

What wildlife can I expect to see? Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, desert cottontail rabbits, coyotes, various reptiles, and a variety of bird species.

When is the wildflower bloom? The bloom varies depending on rainfall, but your best bet is late winter to early spring.

Are there any dangers in the desert? Be cautious of the heat, bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and be aware of rattlesnakes (though sightings are rare).

Stargazing:

Is Borrego Springs good for stargazing? Absolutely! It's an International Dark Sky Community, offering some of the clearest night skies in California.

Do I need a telescope? While a telescope enhances the experience, you can still enjoy stunning views with the naked eye.

Logistics:

What accommodations are available? Options range from hotels and resorts to campgrounds and vacation rentals.

Is there gas and food? Yes, you'll find gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, but options are limited.

How far is Borrego Springs from San Diego? About 100 miles east, roughly a 2-hour drive.

Do I need a permit for the park? No entrance fee is required, but there are fees for camping and some off-roading activities.

Other:

Is Borrego Springs retirement-friendly? It can be for those who enjoy a quiet desert lifestyle and outdoor activities, but amenities are limited.

Is there cell service? It can be spotty in some areas, so be prepared to disconnect.

What should I pack? Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, warm layers, and if stargazing, consider a headlamp and red light filter for your phone.

Ready to embark on your Borrego Springs adventure? Plan ahead and make the most of your trip to this desert oasis!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Shadow on the Moon

February 25, 2026

By Dennis Mammana Week of March 1-7, 2026 Attention, night owls and insomniacs! The sky show this week is just for you! Much of North America is about to see the moon experience one of nature's most beautiful sky shows: a total lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon slips into the Earth's shadow far out in space, either partially or completely, and that's just what will happen during the wee hours of March 3. Skywatchers throughout North America will see the start of this eclipse (weather permitting, of course), but depending on where you live, you may see only a portion of the sky show. In general, the farther west you live, the more of the eclipse you will see before the moon sets behind the western horizon. The eclipse begins at 12:44 a.m. PST (3:44 a.m. EST), when the moon enters the Earth's light outer shadow (known as the penumbra), but this shadow is so thin that no one will notice a darkening of the moon's appearance. Within an hour or so, that will change significantly. As the moon approaches the dark inner shadow of the Earth (known as the umbra), skywatchers will notice the eastern side of the moon beginning to darken slightly. The real show begins at 1:50 a.m. PST (4:50 a.m. EST) when the moon officially enters the umbra. No one gazing skyward will have any doubt that a "bite" has been taken out of the moon — a bite that will grow larger with each passing minute. For the next hour or so, the moon will dim as it slips more deeply into our planet's umbra, until 3:04 a.m. PST (6:04 a.m. EST) when it's completely engulfed and the total eclipse begins. Unfortunately, those in the far eastern part of North America may miss this since the moon will lie quite close to (or even below) the western horizon. During the total phase, the moon will take on a dim coppery hue. This occurs because sunlight passing through our atmosphere is reddened and bent inward toward the darkened surface of the eclipsed moon, now suspended eerily against the stars of Leo, the lion. Only those viewing from the Midwest to the West Coast will see mid-eclipse, which occurs at 3:33 a.m. PST (5:33 a.m. CST). Those in the Midwest may miss the end of totality at 4:02 a.m. PST (6:02 a.m. CST), however, as the moon will be setting in the west. The entire event will end at 5:17 a.m. PST (4:17 a.m. MST) with the moon approaching the western horizon for viewers in western North America. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe to view without protective filters. Your eyes are all you need to enjoy the show, but you'll have even more fun viewing through binoculars or a small telescope. If the sky is cloudy that morning, or if you live where the eclipse won't be visible, you can watch a livestream of the sky show online. Visit timeanddate.com and click on "Sun, Moon & Space" at the top to find details for your location, as well as links to view the eclipse live online. Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Learn More About Borrego Springs