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 • December 13, 2024

Hawkwatch Documentary: Borrego’s Role in Conservation

Betsey Knaak Executive Director at ABDNHA and Hal Cohen Hawkwatch Founder (Source: Hawkwatch Facebook)

Preserving the Swainson’s Hawk Migration Through Film, Science, and Community Action

The Hawkwatch documentary is more than a film—it's a call to action, a testament to the beauty of avian migration, and a glimpse into the efforts of Borrego Springs’ dedicated citizen scientists to preserve a critical ecosystem. Since production began in early 2023, the documentary has captured the breathtaking migration of hawks and other raptors, spanning thousands of miles across Borrego Springs, California, and key migration hotspots such as Veracruz, Mexico, Antelope Valley, California, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Revered Raptors, Citizen Scientists, and Fragile Habitats

The annual Swainson’s Hawk migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, but it faces mounting threats. From human-driven climate change to habitat encroachment and natural challenges, these obstacles jeopardize the survival of these majestic raptors.

The film showcases not just the hawks’ perilous 20,000-mile journey but also the passionate "Hawksters" who monitor, study, and protect these migratory birds. Their dedication represents decades of citizen science in Borrego Springs, a legacy that began in the 1950s and continues today through Borrego Valley Hawkwatch, the last remaining spring hawk watch in California.

Why This Film Matters Now

The Hawkwatch documentary aims to raise awareness and inspire action. It captures the Swainson’s Hawks' breathtaking migration while shining a light on the role of citizen science in conservation efforts. As Hal Cohen, founder of Borrego Valley Hawkwatch, says:

"Awareness leads to protection, protection leads to conservation, and conservation leads to a healthy planet."

This documentary is more than a story; it’s a stepping stone toward a larger goal—a permanent observation site in Borrego Springs. This new facility would serve as a hub for citizen science, conservation education, and continued preservation of the Swainson’s Hawk migration.

Learn More:

Borrego Springs Hawkwatch Facebook
Borrego Springs Hawk Alert (Watch the trailer!)
Behind The Scenes
Hawkwatch Film Information (ABDNHA)

See If First!

Coming Winter 2025: The highly anticipated Hawkwatch Documentary will debut next winter, bringing the incredible story of raptor migration and conservation to audiences everywhere. But you don’t have to wait! Be among the first to experience this powerful film by attending the special Hawkwatch Film Screening event in Borrego Springs this January.

Reserve your spot now and get an early glimpse into this inspiring story.

Be Among the First to See the Film

Hawkwatch Film Screening

Saturday, January 4, 2025

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT

Join this ABDNHA fundraising event to support the Hawkwatch documentary and its mission.

Event Highlights:

Wine provided by Hawkwatch Winery
A live raptor presentation
Complimentary wine glasses and keepsake photos
Q&A with the cast and crew
Dessert included

Ticket Options:

$70 for a single ticket
$135 for 2

Get Tickets!

Learn More About 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.

BSPAC Announces 2026–27 Performing Arts Season

By Andrea McKenna • August 31, 2026

A full season of music, theater, film and community favorites.

UCI Nature Hiring Chief Administrative Officer

By Andrea McKenna • August 14, 2026

UCI Nature Chief Administrative Officer Job Posting

BASIC Seeks Managing Director to Lead Programs, Fundraising and Community Partnerships

By BASIC • August 12, 2026

BASIC (Basic Assistance for Students in the Community) is hiring a Managing Director to lead programs, fundraising, operations, and community partnerships that support education for students and families in Borrego Springs. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who can build trust, get things done, and champion BASIC's C2G cradle to graduation mission. Key Responsibilities Partner with the Board to set priorities and support strong governance. Manage general daily operations, including use of technology, tracking data and written information, running meetings and supervision of a small staff. Guide BASIC programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learning Academy, and Scholarships. Manage fundraising and communications (external and internal). Build strong partnerships and serve as a trusted community ambassador. Ideal Candidate Bilingual in Spanish and English Proactive, organized, and comfortable in our small community. Strong communicator (written and verbal) and relationship-builder. Leadership experience in nonprofits, fundraising, programs, administration, education or community service. How to Apply Send your resume to basic2026job@borregobasic.org by September 15, 2026 Learn more about BASIC: www.borregobasic.org

Frugal Coyote Celebrates Ann’s Retirement

By Andrea McKenna • August 11, 2026

Saturday, September 5

Historic Salton Seafarer Newspaper Archive Now Available Online

By Andrea McKenna • August 5, 2026

Nearly every issue from 1958 to 2008 is now searchable online.

Perseids Under Borrego’s Dark Skies: The Perfect Summer Getaway

By Andrea McKenna • July 13, 2026

Chase the Perseids in Borrego Springs: Summer’s Best Getaway Is Under the Stars If you've been waiting for a reason to visit Borrego Springs, t he Perseid meteor shower is a pretty great excuse. If you live nearby, consider this your reminder to book a staycation, get out of the house, and look up. Summer is one of the best values of the year. You'll find lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a slower pace , making it the perfect time to experience one of nature's most spectacular events. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 through August 24 and is expected to peak the nights of August 12–13 . With little moonlight during the peak and Borrego Springs' internationally recognized dark skies, conditions are ideal for viewing. Under clear skies, you may see 50 to 100 meteors per hour , including brilliant fireballs that leave glowing trails across the sky. Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community , making it one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Perseids. No telescope is needed. Just bring a chair or blanket, find a safe location away from lights, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and enjoy the show. The best viewing is generally after midnight through the hours before dawn, although meteors can appear throughout the night. During the day, take advantage of summer savings with a stay at La Casa del Zorro , a Stay & Play package at Rams Hill , or seasonal rates at The Palms at Indian Head . Sleep in, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Borrego's air-conditioned restaurants, and check BorregoEvents.com for local happenings. Browse the locally owned shops that remain open year-round, visit art galleries, enjoy some night photography, or take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and browse homes for sale in the windows of Coldwell Banker and other local real estate offices. Summer offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Borrego Springs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just escaping for a night, there's no better time to discover why Borrego Springs is known for its dark skies, hospitality, and desert beauty. Come for the summer savings. Stay for the Perseids. Leave with memories—and maybe a few shooting stars.