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.

February 11, 2026

KPBS Announces Return to Borrego Springs

Source: www.kpbs.org

By KPBS Staff

Published February 10, 2026 at 4:04 PM PST

KPBS has announced that it will be broadcasting its FM channel to the Borrego Springs area starting February 10, 2026. The KPBS-FM primary signal will be broadcast on KRAM 90.5FM.

The opportunity was presented to KPBS in mid-2025 by Gabriel Wisdom of American Money Management. Mr. Wisdom had recently purchased KRAM 90.5FM and was looking to rebroadcast KPBS to extend the public media station’s reach to Borrego Springs, a small desert community with a population around 3,000.

“By airing programming from KPBS on KRAM 90.5 FM, we’re linking Borrego Springs with trusted journalism, and a cultural connection that strengthens civic life in San Diego’s beautiful desert community,” says Wisdom.

It has been more than 15 years since KPBS had a transmitter for rebroadcasting the radio signal in that geographically challenged region. While part of San Diego County, the topography of the Borrego Springs area prevents KPBS’ signal from reaching the valley via the radio transmitter on Mt. Soledad on the coast.

“As an essential public service, it's important that KPBS reach local communities, especially in times of crisis. This agreement is a good example of how we can creatively partner with others to continue that service to broader San Diego. KPBS looks forward to the chance to serve Borrego Springs,” says Deanna Mackey, KPBS general manager.

KPBS has entered into a one-year programming agreement with Mr. Wisdom during which time it will fully assess the long term sustainability for the broadcast.

“The KRAM-KPBS alliance is grounded in local identity, while keeping San Diego’s desert population connected to the wider world,” says Wisdom.

Why Borrego?

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 22, 2026

How a view from the sky and a friend’s desert retreat inspired the Pilot House at Borrego Valley Airport.

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.