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.

Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) • September 9, 2026

Nightfall Star Party Returns to Borrego Springs Nov. 6–7

The Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference returns to Borrego Springs on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7,

2026, bringing amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and night-sky enthusiasts to the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort for one of Southern California’s most distinctive astronomy gatherings.

Established in 1993 by the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference, Nightfall is now presented by the Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc.

What sets Nightfall apart from many traditional star parties is its setting. During the event, Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort creates a dark, red-light-only environment, allowing participants to observe and photograph the night sky while still enjoying hotel rooms, RV accommodations, pools and other resort amenities.

Borrego Springs’ exceptionally dark skies are central to the experience. The community was the second location designated an International Dark Sky Community, recognizing its commitment to protecting the natural nighttime environment.

Nightfall offers activities for experienced astronomers as well as newcomers and families. In addition to nighttime observing and imaging, the weekend includes astronomy and astrophotography presentations, a Friday welcome reception, a Saturday potluck dinner, an interactive sky tour and an ice cream social.

During the day, visitors can also explore nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with opportunities for hiking, sightseeing and off-road adventures.

A Nightfall Premium Workshop featuring Jon Talbot will also be offered during this year’s gathering.

While the main Nightfall activities take place Friday and Saturday, participants can extend their stay.

Lodging is available beginning Thursday, Nov. 5, with an additional post-Nightfall night available Sunday, Nov. 8. Some attendees traditionally arrive early to take advantage of quieter nights beneath the desert sky.

Reservations for the Nov. 5–8 Nightfall period are being handled online through TicketSpice rather than directly through the resort. The Friday and Saturday Nightfall stay requires a two-night reservation package.

The deadline to cancel a Nightfall 2026 reservation for a full refund, minus a $10 cancellation fee, is Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

Nightfall will be held at Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, 221 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs.

For additional information, visit NightfallStarParty.com or contact the organizers at nightfall@rivastro.org.

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County Launches Online System for Property Assessment Appeals

By County of San Diego Communications Office • September 6, 2026

By County Communications , County of San Diego Communications Office The County has launched a new online system that lets property owners file property tax assessment appeals quickly and securely. Residents can now submit, review and track their appeals online, anytime, from any device. An assessment appeal allows property owners to request a review of the taxable value assigned to their property by the County Assessor. When Residents Can File an Appeal The regular filing season is from July 2 through Nov. 30. During that period, the Office of the Clerk of the Board accepts Assessment Appeals Applications from property owners. To apply, property owners need: Parcel or tax bill number Property address Their opinion of the property’s market value How Online Filing Helps Residents The new system streamlines the appeals process, reduces delays and offers more convenience than traditional paper applications. With the new system, property owners can: Submit an appeal form any device, including smartphones and tablets. Track their appeal status anytime. Sign up for updates without calling or emailing the office. Keep their information secure through the online portal. This upgrade supports the County’s ongoing effort to modernize public services and make them easier, faster and more accessible for all. A New, Easier-to-Use Website A redesigned Assessment Appeals website has launched alongside the new system. It features: A simple, clean layout Step-by-step instructions to reduce filing errors Tutorial videos and helpful resources for first-time filers A more streamlined filing experience through the new portal What Happens After You File Once your appeal is submitted: The Clerk of the Board reviews the application and contacts the property owner if anything is missing. When the application is complete, it is sent to the Assessor’s Office. An appraiser reviews the case and may request additional information. An independent appeals board hears and decides the case. By law, the board has up to two years from your filing date to issue a decision. Have questions? Contact the Clerk of Board of Supervisors’ office at AssessmentAppeals@sdcounty.ca.gov.