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.

May 2, 2026

Rotary Reflects on Impact as Busy Borrego Season Ends

As the busy Borrego Springs season comes to a close and the community transitions into summer, the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs is reflecting on a year of meaningful impact.

Through fundraising, partnerships, and volunteer efforts, the club continues to support programs that invest in students, develop leaders, and strengthen the community. A highlight of the season was the Mardi Gras gala fundraiser, which raised nearly $60,000. Those funds are distributed throughout the club’s July–June fiscal year, supporting a wide range of local initiatives.

This year, Rotary contributed to programs including the Christmas Toy Giveaway, the Youth and Seniors Center, Borrego Days Festival, the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association, the Borrego Springs History Museum, and the Borrego Ministers Association’s emergency air conditioner program, helping local families during extreme heat.

Supporting Borrego youth remains a central focus. Rotary continues to fund scholarships for Borrego Springs High School seniors and students continuing their education, with a $50,000 allocation this year. Leadership programs such as Interact, RYLA, and LEAD also provide students with opportunities to build confidence, responsibility, and community involvement.

Beyond Borrego Springs, the club remains active in international service, including long-standing support for an orphanage in Mexicali and contributions to Rotary International’s End Polio Now initiative.

The Rotary Club has also launched a newly redesigned website, offering a clearer view of its work and making it easier for the community to stay connected.

“Our Club is small but mighty — like Borrego itself,” said President Diane E.P. Johnson. “As we enter the new year, we intend to let the good times — and good works — roll on.”

Save the date: The 2027 Rotary Gala will take place on February 6 at La Casa del Zorro — an event the community won’t want to miss.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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

2027 Concert Season

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

Borrego Village Campus: Up to 60 Affordable Homes Proposed on Donated Land

By Andrea McKenna • September 11, 2026

Wellsprings Community Foundation would put housing for seniors and workers, a fire station, and a clinic on 22 donated acres in the center of town

Bargain Barn storefront sign on a white building with star decorations against a dark blue sky.

The Borrego Springs Bargain Barn: Season Update

By American Legion Post 853 Communications • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.

Borrego Springs Sees Lowest Groundwater Pumping Since 2021

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs sees its lowest groundwater pumping since 2021, highlighting conservation efforts. Stay updated on local water management.

Rotary Sets Feb. 6 for Annual Fundraiser: A Roaring Twenties Speakeasy

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Rotary will bring the Roaring Twenties to La Casa del Zorro for its annual community fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Each February, the greater Rotary family gathers for one of its most important fundraisers of the year, raising funds to support programs and projects that benefit the Borrego Springs community. Last year’s Mardi Gras celebration drew 110 supporters for an evening of food, fun, raffles and auctions. Their generosity helped Rotary fund 30 student scholarships, send local students to leadership development programs, provide a Christmas toy for every child in Borrego Springs, and award 18 community grants. This season, Rotary is trading Mardi Gras for the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The 2027 Rotary Annual Fundraiser Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at La Casa del Zorro, with a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy theme, complete with Prohibition-era cocktails and period-inspired cuisine. Guests are encouraged to “throw on your glad rags” and join Rotary for what organizers promise will be a festive evening — all in support of programs that directly benefit the community. Save the date: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Additional details, including ticket information, will be announced as the event approaches.

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