January 16, 2026

San Diego News Explores Early Wildflower Bloom in Anza-Borrego

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Is a Super Bloom Coming to Anza-Borrego Desert?


Fox 5 San Diego news recently spoke with Sicco Rood of the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center about the vibrant wildflowers beginning to appear across the region. While the landscape near Henderson Canyon is already bursting with purple desert verbena, desert sunflowers, and white dune primroses, this is technically a fall bloom—not yet the rare and famous Super Bloom.


A true Super Bloom spans many more square miles and requires a perfect combination of well-timed rain, cool temperatures, no drought, and minimal wind. If these conditions align, early March could bring a spectacular bloom like the last major one seen in 2019.


For now, visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of this early bloom, with fewer crowds and great photo ops in areas like Coyote Canyon and the Badlands. But remember, a heat wave or lack of rain could still cut the season short.


Now’s a great time to visit—just in case nature doesn’t go full Super Bloom this year!





Learn More About Borrego Springs

March 2, 2026
Borrego Springs, CA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) will host the 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to explore four private homes and gardens at their own pace in Borrego Springs. This annual tour is a fundraiser benefiting ABDNHA, the educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports interpretation, education, and stewardship connected to the Anza-Borrego Desert region. Event details Event: 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Format: Self-guided tour of four private homes and gardens Tickets $30 General Public $24 ABDNHA Members $20 ABDNHA Volunteers Early purchase discount: Buy by March 8 and save $2 per ticket . How to purchase Tickets are available online at abdnha.org/gardentour and in person at the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center , 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs . Questions: (760) 767-3098 Important guidelines Tickets are non-refundable . For guest safety and property rules, no strollers or dogs are permitted. About ABDNHA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a nonprofit organization that supports education and interpretation in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through programs, exhibits, and community engagement. Media Contact: ABDNHA Desert Nature Center 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA (760) 767-3098 abdnha.org/gardentour
March 2, 2026
Roadrunner Club Association Benefit The Roadrunner Club Association’s 38th annual Senior Center Benefit golf tournament raised $33,000 for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center , according to Executive Director Teresa West . West described the turnout as strong early in the day, writing that as the sun came up she was “surprised at how many participants were out playing golf.” She called it “an amazing sight” and said it “touched my heart.” Largest single fundraiser of the year West said the golf tournament is the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center. She credited golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for making the event possible. “To all the golfers who participated in the tournament I want to say thank you,” West wrote, adding thanks to those who “sponsored a hole, put up signs, handed out food and drinks, took pictures and did all the preparation behind the scenes.” Services supported by the fundraiser West highlighted how the Senior Center supports older adults in the community by providing “nutritious and healthy meals” for homebound seniors, activities at the Seniors Community Center, and a medical loan closet that offers free medical equipment . She also noted the importance of the Borrego Springs Children’s Center , which provides childcare for children from birth to age 5. West said that without the Children’s Center, “many of our local parents would not be able to pursue their chosen career paths,” and children could miss an early start on “social-emotional development.” Message to the community West closed with a message of gratitude from the center’s team: “We can’t say thank you enough,” she wrote. “We truly appreciate each one of you.” Learn More About Borrego Springs
March 2, 2026
The BADWATER® Salton Sea ultra running event returns Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19, 2026 , with a listed start time of 6:30 AM and a Borrego Springs audience-friendly stop point at Borrego Springs Resort . This is a team race for duos or trios who run together for the full course (it’s not a relay). The route spans 81 miles (130 km) from Salton City —about 234 feet (71 m) below sea level —to Palomar Mountain at roughly 5,500 feet (1,676 m) , with over 9,000 feet (2,740 m) of total climbing. For locals and visitors watching in the Borrego area: about eight miles of the course cut through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , using a single-track section between near Borrego Springs and near Ranchita , making the overall route a mix of road and trail . Organizers note this is the 13th edition , capped at 100 runners . If you’re in Borrego Springs, this is one of those rare mornings when you can watch a world-class endurance event pass through the desert landscape you already know—then climb all the way to the cool air of Palomar. Expect a moving pack of two- and three-person teams running side-by-side , plus support vehicles and race staff along the road portions. For updates, photos, and official race info, follow BADWATER® on Facebook and Instagram , or check the organizer’s event page .
March 2, 2026
March 1, 2026 (Borrego Springs) -- The Borrego Art Institute is marking the 20th anniversary of its Annual Plein Air Invitational this month. Featuring 16 nationally recognized artists and a series of public competitions, the month-long programming will culminate in the "Art for Everyone" spring fundraiser and auction on April 4. The invitational begins Monday, March 2, and runs through Saturday, March 7. During the Plein Air Invitational, the BAI Gallery will offer extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular operating hours resume Sunday, March 8. Participating artists will paint "en plein air" (outdoors) at various regional sites, including Coyote Canyon and central Borrego Springs. Completed works will be installed in the BAI Gallery daily and made available for public purchase. The 2026 artist roster includes Geoff Allen, Marcia Ballowe, Mark Fehlman, Debra Huse, Peggy Immel, Chuck Kovacic, Paul Kratter, Margaret Larlham, Jason Li, Carolyn Lord, Jim McVicker, Lynn Mehta, Stock Schlueter, Jeff Sewell, Lisa Skelly and Toni Williams. Scheduled public events are as follow: Quick Draw Competition: 8:30 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 4 at Rams Hill. Artists must complete a work on-site within 90 minutes. Juried by Jeanne Plekon. Awards Ceremony: 3 p.m., Saturday, March 7 at the BAI Gallery. Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m., by juror Natasha Isenhour. ArtWalk: 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 7. The full exhibition will remain on display at the gallery through April 26. On Saturday, April 4, the BAI will hold its annual spring fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. at Studio West. The "Art for Everyone" Open House is free to the community and serves as a primary benefit for the institute’s programming. The event features a silent auction including works from various private collections. Additionally, the gallery will showcase 65 pieces created by local high school students. All proceeds from these specific sales will be paid directly to the student artists. The evening includes a live raffle, appetizers and wine service provided by Stay Classy Selections. For more information on the Plein Air Invitational or the April 4 fundraiser, visit borregoartinstitute.org .
March 2, 2026
Walk World Labyrinth Day World Labyrinth Day is a worldwide invitation to slow down and choose peace—one quiet step at a time. In Borrego Springs, you can take part by walking the outdoor labyrinth at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on May 2, 2026, anytime dusk till dawn. Make it a full Borrego Springs morning: arrive early, walk at your own pace, pause in the center, sign the guest book, take a photo, and then head out for breakfast. Come with a friend, make it a date, or come solo for a little space and stillness. Event details World Labyrinth Day in Borrego Springs Date: May 2, 2026 Time: Dusk till dawn (self-guided) Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 All are welcome • No appointment necessary What a labyrinth is A labyrinth is not a maze. There’s one clear path in and the same path back out. People walk labyrinths as a practice of reflection, prayer, gratitude, and quiet listening—an easy way to step out of the noise for a few minutes and reset. Make a day of it in Borrego Springs Go early for cooler temps and a calmer start Bring a friend—or come alone and treat it as personal time Make it a date: walk first, then grab breakfast together Take a photo of your walk (or the desert sky overhead) Sign the guest book to mark your visit and add your name to the day Share your photos online to encourage others to take part A few simple tips Wear comfortable shoes and bring water Walk slowly—there’s no “right” speed When you reach the center, pause, breathe, pray, or reflect Give others space and let the experience stay quiet and unhurried Share your World Labyrinth Day If you post photos, include #StBarnabasBorregoSprings so others can find it and plan their own walk. For updates and details, visit www.stbarnabasborregosprings.com  Learn More About Borrego Springs
February 28, 2026
Easter Sunrise Service Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs is an annual sunrise gathering that brings people together for a simple, meaningful start to Easter morning. This post covers the essentials—who hosts it, where it takes place, and a few practical tips so you can plan ahead each year. Since the service is timed to sunrise, the date changes with Easter, but the tradition stays the same: an early morning moment of faith, hope, and community in the desert. Date and time Sunday, April 5, 2026 6:00 AM (Sunrise) 
February 28, 2026
Desert Lovers & Company - 583 Palm Canyon Dr Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
February 28, 2026
BSCCA 50th anniversary celebration at BSPAC with the Waddington Brothers Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) celebrated 50 years of live concerts on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The evening began at 6:00 PM with cake and sparkling cider, then the theater filled for the 7:00 PM concert by the Waddington Brothers. Earlier the same day, the group also performed a student concert at BSPAC for Borrego Springs High School.
By Borrego Soroptimist February 27, 2026
Free juried art show at Christmas Circle
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