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.

Andrea McKenna • August 5, 2026

Maribel's Chair Partners with Senior Center to Offer Free Haircuts for Local Seniors

Local stylist Maribel Tellez is donating her time to help Borrego Springs seniors look and feel their best.

Maribel Tellez, owner of Maribel's Chair inside Alicia's Desert Spa, is once again giving back to the Borrego Springs community by volunteering to provide free haircuts for local seniors in partnership with the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center. The Senior Center serves the community through meals, wellness programs, fitness activities, transportation assistance, and other services that help older adults remain active and independent.

Seniors who would like a complimentary haircut can call or text 760-767-3116 to be added to the appointment list. Haircuts will be held at the Senior Center, located at 580 Circle J Drive in Borrego Springs.

For Maribel, giving back is simply part of doing business. A licensed barber and cosmetologist, she opened Maribel's Chair after receiving support through the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award and has become known not only for her professional services but also for her commitment to helping others. She is active in the community and has previously donated free haircuts for local veterans, continuing her mission to make people feel their best while giving back to the town that has supported her.

"Sometimes a haircut is about much more than hair," Maribel said. "It's about helping someone feel refreshed, confident, and cared for. I'm honored to partner with the Senior Center and spend time with our local seniors."

The Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center encourages seniors to participate in its many programs and services, and partnerships like this help strengthen community connections while making everyday services more accessible.

To schedule a free senior haircut, call or text the Borrego Springs Senior Center at 760-767-3116.