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.

Jake Hinton • August 30, 2025

DAP Free Dental Screenings

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch)

Free Dental Care Comes to Borrego Springs

Access to dental care can be difficult in rural communities. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, DAP Health is bringing its Mobile Dental Unit to Borrego Springs to provide free dental screenings and protective treatment. This one-day event makes preventive care available locally, helping residents of all ages receive attention without leaving town.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (closed 12–1 p.m. for lunch)
Location: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center

What to Expect

Free screenings for all ages
Protective dental treatment
Information on oral health and available dental services

Background

A similar clinic was held on May 14, 2025, with strong community participation.
DAP Health is expanding in Borrego Springs following integration with Borrego Health.
Local services now include:
Primary care
Pediatrics
Women’s health
Mental health
Dentistry
Borrego Springs Pharmacy
MyChart patient portal

Community Impact

By hosting the Mobile Dental Unit, the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center supports access to healthcare while also connecting residents with food assistance, transportation, and other essential services.