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.

Shandel Sutherland • April 12, 2024

Informational Panels at the ABDNHA Visitor Plaza

Informative Panels at ABDNHA Visitor Plaza

The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) Visitor Plaza features a series of educational panels designed to provide visitors with detailed insights into the region. Located next to Carlee’s on Palm Canyon Drive, these displays offer valuable information about the desert landscape, local activities, and notable attractions.

Located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA.

The four-sided kiosk and accompanying panels display striking photography from local contributors, along with clear, concise descriptions. These panels cover a variety of topics, offering guidance on key places to visit and things to do in Borrego Springs.

What You Can Learn from the Panels at ABDNHA Visitor Plaza

The informational panels at the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) Visitor Plaza offer a wealth of knowledge about the Borrego Springs area and its natural environment.

Here are some of the key things visitors can learn:

Local Attractions: Discover nearby points of interest, including the iconic Ricardo Breceda Sculptures and the stunning vistas of Font's Point.

Borrego Badlands: Learn about the geological history of the Badlands, including the colorful sand and silt deposits that originated from Grand Canyon outflows millions of years ago.

Hikes Close to Town: Information on popular hiking trails, including a full panel dedicated to the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail.

Birdwatching: Explore birding opportunities in the area, including the annual Borrego Valley Hawk Watch.

Desert Blooms: Discover the seasonal blooms of Anza-Borrego, such as the cactus bloom, ocotillo bloom, Palo Verde bloom, desert lilies, and the famous spring wildflower bloom.

Creative Photography Ideas: Tips and ideas for capturing the unique beauty of the desert landscape through photography.

Things to Do in Town: Get recommendations for walking tours and other activities in and around Borrego Springs.

Maps and guidebooks are also available inside the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center for those looking to explore further.

A Lasting Resource for Visitors

This project was made possible through a grant from the office of 5th District Supervisor Jim Desmond, ensuring that the materials used in the construction of the panels are built to last. With a 10-year warranty against fading, these displays will continue to educate and inspire visitors for years to come.

Whether you're a local resident or a first-time visitor, the panels at the ABDNHA Visitor Plaza provide a quick and insightful way to learn more about Borrego Springs and its unique desert environment. Stop by, explore the panels, and discover something new about this fascinating region.

>>> You Need to See this Display! Borrego Sun