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 • September 16, 2026

Rams Hill's Explorations Volume II is Available Now!

Rams Hill Looks Ahead in Latest Explorations

The September 2026 edition of Rams Hill’s Explorations opens with a letter from Harry Turner, highlighting a busy stretch for the Borrego Springs golf community and offering a look at what is ahead.

Turner points to Rams Hill’s recent hosting of the second-ever Your Golf Tour event, which brought some of golf’s best-known content creators to the Anza-Borrego Desert. He also notes preparations are underway for the seventh edition of The Ramateur, Rams Hill’s signature event, returning this December.

The letter welcomes Rodney Young as Rams Hill’s new General Manager, bringing more than 25 years of golf and resort experience. Turner writes that Young understands the character of Borrego Springs and shares Rams Hill’s commitment to preserving its laid-back spirit while planning for the future.

The new issue of Explorations also features thoughts from Your Golf Tour participants, a closer look at the design and architecture of the Rams Hill golf course, and stories from past years of The Ramateur.

Turner closes with a hint that more is coming: “We’ll be back soon with some news on what we’re building next.”

Read Explorations, Volume II — September 2026 for the full issue.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Cherie Bianco Brings Monthly Women’s Community Fire Ceremony to Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 16, 2026

Borrego Springs practitioner and author Cherie Salma Bianco will lead a new monthly Women’s Community Fire Ceremony

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By Under the Borrego Sky • September 15, 2026

In this latest video from Under the Borrego Sky, take a look at life around town.

Court overturns approval of Imperial County data center

By Kori Suzuki / South Bay and Imperial Valley Reporter • September 15, 2026

Residents listen during a community town hall about the planned data center project in El Centro, California on April 13, 2026.

Borrego Springs Resident Spotlight: Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia

By Andrea McKenna • September 14, 2026

Meet Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, a lifelong Borrego Springs resident, mother, community leader and OLAX founder whose heart for helping others has shaped generations.

Secure Your 2027 Concert Season Membership

By BSCCA Board • September 13, 2026

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Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.

Christian Center to Host Harvest Festival Oct. 31

By Andrea McKenna • September 12, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE