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 27, 2025

Memorial Day 2025 in Borrego Springs

Honoring the Fallen at Christmas Circle

On May 26, 2025, the Borrego Springs community gathered at Christmas Circle for a powerful Memorial Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 853. The event honored those who gave their lives in service to the United States, with a program led by local veterans, volunteers, and faith leaders.

The ceremony opened with the National Anthem performed by Judy Taylor, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kym McNabb, Secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary. Pastor Mateo Mamea of Community United Methodist Church gave the invocation, and Father Dave Madsen of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church closed the program with the benediction. Both clergy are members of the Borrego Ministers Association, which plays an essential role in supporting the community during times of reflection and remembrance.

Commander Dale Jones delivered a welcome address and led a moment of silent prayer. The Walk of Honor was presented by Gina Moran, and Marjorie Schuessler distributed symbolic red poppies to honor the fallen. Remarks were shared by ChrisAnn Wells, President of the Auxiliary, and Heide White, Finance Officer for the American Legion.

Judy Taylor returned to perform God Bless America and Traveling Soldier, a heartfelt substitution for America the Beautiful, which proved especially moving on this day of remembrance. Kathy Pratt recited the poem In Flanders Fields by Lt. Col. John McCrae.

A rifle salute was conducted by members of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion, led by Paul Schuessler, followed by Taps performed by Harry Jones.

Lunch was served afterward at Post 853, with donations supporting veteran and youth programs. The day concluded with participation in Taps Across America at 3:00 p.m., a national moment of remembrance.

Flags were placed along Palm Canyon Drive and at the Circle. Setup and logistics were handled by a committed volunteer group known as the “Roadie Team.” A highlight of the event was the WWII-era Scout Car, maintained and driven by Bob Scribner, which rolled through Christmas Circle as a living piece of history.

“Special thanks to Tito’s Auto Care for coming through at the last minute,” said Commander Dale Jones. “They replaced the battery on Sunday, just in time for the Scout Car to roll through the ceremony.”

2025 Memorial Day Ceremony – Program Participants

National Anthem: Judy Taylor
Pledge of Allegiance: Kym McNabb – ALA, Secretary
Invocation: Pastor Mateo Mamea – Community United Methodist Church & Borrego Ministers Association
Commander’s Welcome: Dale Jones – TAL Post 853, Commander
Walk of Honor: Gina Moran – ALA, Executive Chair
Poppy Distribution: Marjorie Schuessler – ALA
Silent Prayer: Dale Jones
Music – God Bless America: Judy Taylor
Music – Traveling Soldier (in place of America the Beautiful): Judy Taylor
American Legion Auxiliary Address: ChrisAnn Wells – ALA, President
The American Legion Address: Heide White – TAL, Finance Officer
Poem – Flanders Fields: Kathy Pratt – ALA
Benediction: Father Dave Madsen – St. Barnabas Episcopal Church & Borrego Ministers Association
Rifle Salute:
Leader: Paul Schuessler – TAL, Executive Board
Team Members:
Earl Pratt (SAL)
Bob Scribner (TAL Sgt-at-Arms)
Ed Cate (TAL Executive Board)
Gary Saunders (TAL Judge Advocate)
Dennis O’Leary (TAL 2nd Vice Commander)
Richard Wheelock (TAL Chaplain)
Chris Pedersen (SAL Commander)
Taps: Harry Jones – TAL
Commander’s Closing: Dale Jones
Photographer: Scott McNabb – SAL, 2nd Vice Commander

Volunteer Equipment & Setup Team ("Roadie Team")

Konki Jarvis
Michelle Llamas
Humberto Torres-Arias
Jorge Torres-Arias
Brian Peet
Bob Scribner
Gary Saunders
Ed Cate
Jim Keith
Dennis O’Leary
Scott McNabb
Gina Moran

Learn More About Borrego Spring

Before the Ambulance Arrives: What Borrego Springs Residents Should Know

By H. Myers, Paramedic • August 29, 2026

Simple steps to prepare for an emergency.

Borrego Springs Featured Among California Retirement Towns

By Andrea McKenna • August 29, 2026

Borrego Springs highlighted as a retirement destination.

New tool makes applying for benefits faster and easier

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office • August 28, 2026

A new BenefitsCal feature called Truv now helps CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and County General Relief applicants save time, reduce paperwork and avoid mailing costs. The tool launched July 20, 2026, and verifies income and employment electronically during the e-application process. How Truv Works When applying through BenefitsCal, customers can securely sign in to their employer, payroll provider or financial institution. Truv uses secure, encrypted channels, and no information is shared outside the County of San Diego. If the employer participates in Truv, the system automatically pulls available income and employment information. Applicants can then review and confirm the information before submitting their application. “With Truv, it is easy for customers to opt in while applying through the online application tool BenefitsCal app,” said Alberto Banuelos, Interim Director of County Self Sufficiency Services. “It is a win-win, helping our customers save time and money and staff manage higher workloads.” Why It Matters Using Truv means customers don’t need to search for documents, manually enter income details or pay postage to mail paperwork. It also reduces the chance of manually entered errors. Application processing timelines vary: CalFresh reviews can take up to 30 days. Medi-Cal reviews can take up to 45 days. When income information is verified upfront, processing time can be shortened, helping eligible households get connected to critical resources faster. Self-Sufficiency Services supports more than 1.2 million San Diego County residents by providing access to essential public safety net programs. With customer-focused tools, multilingual help and community partnerships, Self‑Sufficiency Services works to make applying for benefits easier, faster and more accessible. Our mission is simple: to help people stay healthy, safe and on a path toward long‑term self‑sufficiency. Cassie N. Saunders is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact

Archaeology Day Returns to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

By Andrea McKenna • August 27, 2026

Saturday, November 7

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.

SDG&E’s proposed Powerlink raises wildfire concerns amid growing need for power

By Tammy Murga / Environment Reporter • August 27, 2026

Dozens of residents from Fallbrook and surrounding communities attend an open house at the Fallbrook Community Center on Aug. 26, 2026. SDG&E hosted the event for its proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink. Two other open houses are planned in October. Originally published by KPBS.org on August 20, 2026.

< Older Post

Newer Post >