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 • June 1, 2024

OLAX: Empowering Borrego Springs' LatinX Community

Celebrating and Supporting LatinX Culture

Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, OLAX de Borrego, short for Organización LatinX de Borrego, is a vibrant, community-driven, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the LatinX community in Borrego Springs. Established to ensure the LatinX population has a voice in community decisions and access to vital resources, OLAX enriches lives through cultural events, educational initiatives, and community service. Your help goes directly to supporting these impactful efforts.

Follow on Facebook: OLAX of Borrego Springs

Community Events

OLAX is renowned for organizing events that bring the community together and celebrate LatinX culture. These events include:

Santa at the Circle: A beloved annual event where Santa arrives at Christmas Circle on a fire truck, accompanied by the American Legion Motorcycle Riders and a WWII Scout Car filled with gifts. The event has been supported by Rams Hill's "For the Love of Borrego" program, features holiday music, hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes, and gifts for children.

Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day Celebrations: These combined festivities offer free food, live performances, and fun activities, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the LatinX community.

Dia de los Muertos: A traditional celebration where community members honor their loved ones with music, cookies, and aguas frescas. This event fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Educational and Supportive Initiatives

OLAX is committed to supporting education within the community. They offer scholarships to high school seniors and young adults pursuing further education and training. This initiative is designed to ensure that deserving students have the financial support to achieve their academic and career goals.

Community Involvement and Future Goals

Beyond organizing events, OLAX actively participates in community decision-making, advocating for the LatinX population on issues like water management and community planning. Having achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2023, OLAX aims to expand its fundraising capabilities to support even more community initiatives.

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Building a Stronger Community

OLAX’s impact is evident in the joy and connection felt by the community members who participate in their events. The organization's dedication to creating inclusive and meaningful celebrations, coupled with their advocacy and educational support, makes OLAX a cornerstone of the Borrego Springs community. Through their ongoing efforts, OLAX ensures that Borrego Springs is a welcoming and supportive home for all its residents.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store Is Open for the Season

By Andrea McKenna • September 1, 2026

As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the store's proceeds benefit the Borrego Springs Children's Center, making every purchase impactful and meaningful.

BSPAC Announces 2026–27 Performing Arts Season

By Andrea McKenna • August 31, 2026

A full season of music, theater, film and community favorites.

UCI Nature Hiring Chief Administrative Officer

By Andrea McKenna • August 14, 2026

UCI Nature Chief Administrative Officer Job Posting

BASIC Seeks Managing Director to Lead Programs, Fundraising and Community Partnerships

By BASIC • August 12, 2026

BASIC (Basic Assistance for Students in the Community) is hiring a Managing Director to lead programs, fundraising, operations, and community partnerships that support education for students and families in Borrego Springs. This is a visible, hands-on leadership role for someone who can build trust, get things done, and champion BASIC's C2G cradle to graduation mission. Key Responsibilities Partner with the Board to set priorities and support strong governance. Manage general daily operations, including use of technology, tracking data and written information, running meetings and supervision of a small staff. Guide BASIC programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learning Academy, and Scholarships. Manage fundraising and communications (external and internal). Build strong partnerships and serve as a trusted community ambassador. Ideal Candidate Bilingual in Spanish and English Proactive, organized, and comfortable in our small community. Strong communicator (written and verbal) and relationship-builder. Leadership experience in nonprofits, fundraising, programs, administration, education or community service. How to Apply Send your resume to basic2026job@borregobasic.org by September 15, 2026 Learn more about BASIC: www.borregobasic.org

Frugal Coyote Celebrates Ann’s Retirement

By Andrea McKenna • August 11, 2026

Saturday, September 5

Historic Salton Seafarer Newspaper Archive Now Available Online

By Andrea McKenna • August 5, 2026

Nearly every issue from 1958 to 2008 is now searchable online.

Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Opens with Community Celebration

By Andrea McKenna • July 11, 2026

Community leaders celebrate new park for Desert Shores families.

Sylvia Maas’ NorthCape–Tarifa Ride Ends in Injury, But Her Mission for Borrego Students Continues

By Andrea McKenna • July 7, 2026

Sylvia Maas’ nearly 7,000-kilometer ride from Norway to Spain ended after a serious knee injury during the NorthCape–Tarifa adventure.

Desert Bloom Retreat Coming to Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • July 2, 2026

Jan. 8–11

Borrego Springs Cyclist Sylvia Maas to Compete in 4,350-Mile Race Across Europe

By Andrea McKenna • June 11, 2026

Borrego Springs ultra-endurance cyclist Sylvia Maas is preparing to take on one of the world's most demanding bicycle races while continuing her efforts to support local students through scholarships and mentorship. Maas will begin the NorthCape–Tarifa Race on June 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. from the North Cape in Norway. The self-supported race covers nearly 4,350 miles (7,000 kilometers) across Europe and finishes in Tarifa, Spain, the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The route includes checkpoints in Helsinki, Finland; the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania; Torun, Poland; Bregenz, Austria; Col du Galibier and Nice, France; Port d’Envalira, Andorra; Pico del Veleta, Spain; and Tarifa, Spain. Riders will cross multiple countries, mountain ranges, and some of Europe's most challenging cycling terrain. Maas, a retired teacher, is riding to raise awareness for Bike4BorregoKids , the scholarship initiative she founded after volunteering at Borrego Springs High School and recognizing the need for additional support for graduating seniors. The program provides scholarships, mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and educational experiences designed to help students prepare for college, trade schools, and careers.