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 • May 12, 2023

Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art: Borrego Springs

Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art: Two Unique Locations in Borrego Springs

Discover two distinctive art destinations in Borrego Springs, California, where culture and history come to life:

Location 1: The Mall
587 Palm Canyon Dr. #118
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

A treasure trove of interior artifacts, including wood carvings, pottery, ceremonial masks, and traditional jewelry, this location is perfect for those seeking rare cultural pieces from around the world.

Location 2: Christmas Circle
680 Palm Canyon Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

This open-air experience offers whimsical metal sculptures, large stone carvings, and a variety of desert plants—ideal for those interested in unique outdoor decor.

Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art: A Journey Through Time

At the Mall location, Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art provides a gateway to the past, showcasing centuries-old artifacts from diverse cultures. Curated by owner Tom Fredericks, the collection offers a rare glimpse into global history, making it a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Frederick’s Tribal Trading Post: An Outdoor Artistic Adventure

Complementing the indoor artifacts, the Tribal Trading Post offers an open-air art experience. It is well-known for its cultural artifacts and the unique ambiance created by its outdoor setting. Visitors often commend the Trading Post for its exceptional collection, reasonable prices, and the warm hospitality of the owners.

A Must-Visit Destination in Borrego Springs

Together, Fredericks Ancient & Ethnic Art and Frederick’s Tribal Trading Post form a comprehensive cultural experience in Borrego Springs. They cater to a wide range of interests, from interior art collectors to outdoor decor enthusiasts.

Customer Experiences

Visitors to Frederick’s Tribal Trading Post have shared glowing reviews:

One visitor described the place as an “archeological menagerie” filled with finds from the Desert Southwest, Mexico, Africa, and Southeast Asia, noting the reasonable pricing and friendly owners.

Another customer praised the wonderful array of metal sculptures and cultural artifacts, appreciating the helpful and knowledgeable staff. It’s highlighted as a shop for art lovers.

A third visitor was particularly impressed by the statues and the easy access to the trading post, mentioning the impressive collection of animal statues.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store Is Open for the Season

By Andrea McKenna • September 1, 2026

As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the store's proceeds benefit the Borrego Springs Children's Center, making every purchase impactful and meaningful.

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.