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 • May 17, 2022

Discovering the Remains of an Ancient Era in Southern California’s Deserts

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, but few visitors realize that the park is also home to some of the most remarkable fossil finds in California. One of the most significant discoveries in recent years is the evidence of mammoths that once roamed the region.

Exploring the Remains of California’s Giant Herbivores

Mammoths are an iconic species of the Pleistocene Era and were a common sight across North America over 10,000 years ago. These giant herbivores played a vital role in shaping the landscapes of the region and their remains provide valuable insights into the changing climates and environments of the past.

In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, paleontologists have uncovered evidence of at least two species of mammoths, the imperial mammoth and the pygmy mammoth. These fascinating creatures lived in the area during the last ice age and were well adapted to the desert climate, able to find sustenance in the limited vegetation available.

Preserving the Past for Future Generations

Today, visitors to the park can see some of the fossil remains of these mammoths, including partial skeletons and tusks, at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. These displays provide a unique opportunity to learn about the prehistoric history of the region and the importance of preserving these remains for future generations.

In conclusion, the discovery of mammoths in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park highlights the significance of this area for paleontological research and the role it plays in helping us to understand the history of life on Earth. Whether you are a scientist, a history buff, or simply a nature lover, this is a site that should not be missed.