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 • August 27, 2026

Archaeology Day Returns to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

A Day of Discovery at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 7, 2026, when Archaeology Day returns to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center.

Presented by the Colorado Desert Archaeology Society in partnership with California State Parks and the Anza-Borrego Foundation, the event celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Anza-Borrego Desert and the people who have called this region home for thousands of years.

This family-friendly event is expected to feature a variety of hands-on activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and educational opportunities that highlight the desert's archaeological and cultural history.

Planned activities include:

Archaeology exhibits
Tribal cultural exhibits
Kumeyaay basket demonstrations and sales
Pottery-making and painting activities for children
Guided tours of the Begole Research Center
In-person field trips
Traditional games and plant medicine presentations
An Indigenous-owned food truck

Archaeology Day provides an opportunity to learn about the connections between the desert landscape, Indigenous cultures, archaeology, and ongoing preservation efforts throughout Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Whether you're a longtime desert enthusiast or visiting for the first time, this annual event offers a unique chance to explore the stories, traditions, and history that continue to shape the region.

Additional details and schedules will be announced as the event approaches.

Event Details

What: Archaeology Day 2026
When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 , 9a-3:30p
Where: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
Theme: Here Together: Celebrating the Desert's Cultural Heritage

Learn More About Borrego Springs

The Two Mile Radio Telescope on Clark's Dry Lake | Historic Borrego Sun

By Andrea McKenna • September 6, 2026

A portion of the two-mile antenna array on Clark Dry Lake used to study radio emissions from outer space. Weights kept the long copper wires taut on their frames. Borrego Sun, July 15, 1961.

County Launches Online System for Property Assessment Appeals

By County of San Diego Communications Office • September 6, 2026

By County Communications , County of San Diego Communications Office The County has launched a new online system that lets property owners file property tax assessment appeals quickly and securely. Residents can now submit, review and track their appeals online, anytime, from any device. An assessment appeal allows property owners to request a review of the taxable value assigned to their property by the County Assessor. When Residents Can File an Appeal The regular filing season is from July 2 through Nov. 30. During that period, the Office of the Clerk of the Board accepts Assessment Appeals Applications from property owners. To apply, property owners need: Parcel or tax bill number Property address Their opinion of the property’s market value How Online Filing Helps Residents The new system streamlines the appeals process, reduces delays and offers more convenience than traditional paper applications. With the new system, property owners can: Submit an appeal form any device, including smartphones and tablets. Track their appeal status anytime. Sign up for updates without calling or emailing the office. Keep their information secure through the online portal. This upgrade supports the County’s ongoing effort to modernize public services and make them easier, faster and more accessible for all. A New, Easier-to-Use Website A redesigned Assessment Appeals website has launched alongside the new system. It features: A simple, clean layout Step-by-step instructions to reduce filing errors Tutorial videos and helpful resources for first-time filers A more streamlined filing experience through the new portal What Happens After You File Once your appeal is submitted: The Clerk of the Board reviews the application and contacts the property owner if anything is missing. When the application is complete, it is sent to the Assessor’s Office. An appraiser reviews the case and may request additional information. An independent appeals board hears and decides the case. By law, the board has up to two years from your filing date to issue a decision. Have questions? Contact the Clerk of Board of Supervisors’ office at AssessmentAppeals@sdcounty.ca.gov.