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 • April 29, 2024

Plan Your Visit to Borrego Springs for the Perseid Meteor Shower

Witness the Perseid Meteor Shower in Borrego Springs

The Perseids peak on the night of Monday, August 12, and continue through the predawn hours of Tuesday, August 13, as Earth passes through the densest part of the debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. However, the shower is active from July 17 to August 26, so you can enjoy "shooting stars" throughout the month.

No need to go deep into Anza-Borrego State Park—Borrego Springs' dark skies and minimal light pollution offer perfect viewing conditions right from main roads. Consider watching from Christmas Circle or Borrego Springs Park for a memorable stargazing experience.

Important Considerations for Your Visit

Beat the Heat

August can be extremely hot in Borrego Springs. If you're new to the area, be prepared for high daytime temperatures.

Comfortable Accommodations

Consider staying in well-air conditioned resorts, Airbnbs, or hotels. These options provide a comfortable retreat from the daytime heat, ensuring you are well-rested for nighttime stargazing.

Camping Advice

Camping outside in the summer heat is not recommended unless you have experience with high temperatures. The extreme heat can be challenging and even dangerous. Instead, opt for accommodations with proper cooling facilities, such as air-conditioned resorts, Airbnbs, or hotels, to ensure a pleasant and safe stay.

Location: Suggestions for Stargazing in Borrego Springs (ABDNHA)

Why Visit Borrego Springs for the Perseids?

Borrego Springs, located within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is renowned for its clear, dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and meteor watching. As an International Dark Sky Community, Borrego Springs offers some of the best conditions for observing the night sky.

Key Facts About the Perseid Meteor Shower

Active Period: July 14 to August 24
Peak: Night of August 12 and early morning of August 13
Comet of Origin: 109P/Swift-Tuttle
Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR): Up to 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions

Learn More:

Space.com

Viewing Tips for the Perseids

Heat and Safety Considerations: Nighttime temperatures in Borrego Springs during August can range from 90-100°F. Be prepared for the heat by bringing a fully charged cell phone and an extra battery pack. It's also a good idea to inform someone of your plans and location, and consider notifying a park ranger about your intended stargazing spot.

Best Time to Watch: The peak viewing time for the Perseid meteor shower will be after midnight on August 12, continuing until dawn on August 13. The moon will set around midnight, leaving dark skies that are ideal for meteor spotting.

Location: Find an open area with a clear view of the sky. Borrego Springs offers several excellent stargazing spots, including the Borrego Badlands and Font's Point.

Equipment: No special equipment is needed to see the Perseids. Just bring a comfortable chair or blanket, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Weather: Check the local weather forecast to ensure clear skies. Borrego Springs typically offers excellent viewing conditions in August.

What to Bring

Comfortable seating: Reclining chair or blanket
Snacks and drinks: Water and light snacks like trail mix or fruit
Red flashlight: With extra batteries
Camera: With a tripod and extra batteries or memory cards

Safety reminder: Let someone know where you’re going!

Additional Activities in Borrego Springs

While in Borrego Springs, explore other attractions and activities:

Metal Sculptures: Over 130 giant sculptures by Ricardo Breceda scattered across the desert.
Hiking Trails: Over 100 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Features: Start your adventure with exhibits and information at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Also, visit the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) for additional educational resources.
Local Dining: Enjoy a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Shopping: Visit local shops, including Borrego Outfitters and the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) gift shop.

Plan Your Trip

Before you go, check park conditions and any advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Borrego Springs offers a profound connection with nature, from the silence of the desert to the beauty of its resilient life forms.

For more detailed information on the Perseid meteor shower and tips on stargazing, you can refer to sources like Space.com and the International Dark Sky Association.

Dog Cooling Mat, Summer Pressure Activated Gel Pad for Dog and Cat, No Need to Freeze Or Refrigerate

Find Scorpions with the Vansky UV Flashlight Black Light

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

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.