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 • January 20, 2024

Silver Vagabonds Hike Anza-Borrego State Park: Palm Canyon

Discover the Oasis: A Hiking Adventure in Anza-Borrego State Park with SilverVagabonds

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we spotlight the latest video by SilverVagabonds, a couple who has embraced the joy of traveling the country in their 2022 Airstream Flying Cloud. This time, they take us on a mesmerizing hike in Anza-Borrego State Park, specifically the Palm Canyon Trail - a popular destination known for its stunning natural beauty.

Anza-Borrego State Park: A Desert Gem

Anza-Borrego State Park, located in Southern California, is a sprawling desert playground offering an array of outdoor activities. From hiking and camping to exploring its rich geology and wildlife, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Nestled within the park is the charming town of Borrego Springs, a recognized International Dark Sky Community, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.

Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button
Slide title

Write your caption here

Button

The Palm Canyon Trail Experience

The Palm Canyon Trail, featured in SilverVagabonds' latest video, is a highlight of the park. This trail leads adventurers to a lush Native Palm Oasis, complete with small waterfalls and serene pools – a rare and beautiful sight in the midst of the desert. The contrast between the arid desert landscape and the vibrant oasis is a testament to the diverse beauty of Anza-Borrego State Park.

RV Camping and Accommodations

For those inspired by SilverVagabonds' travels, Anza-Borrego offers numerous options for RV camping, allowing visitors to stay close to nature. For a more traditional stay, there are various hotels and resorts in Borrego Springs, providing comfortable accommodations after a day of exploration.

Exploring Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs, the heart of the park, is more than just a base for hiking and stargazing. It's a community that thrives on its connection to the natural world. As a Dark Sky Community, the town offers some of the best night-sky viewing opportunities, free from the light pollution of the city.

Join the Adventure with SilverVagabonds

SilverVagabonds, through their website and social media channels, invite you to join them in their explorations. Follow their adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and their website for more stunning travels. And don’t forget to subscribe to their YouTube channel for new videos every Sunday.

Is San Diego County Ready for El Niño? Here's Our Storm Plan

By Supervisor Jim Desmond • August 30, 2026

Supervisor Jim Desmond outlines County preparations and steps residents can take now.

Beating the heat in Borrego Springs

By FOX 5 San Diego • August 30, 2026

Here's how the community is getting by amid the heat wave.

Borrego Springs Featured Among California Retirement Towns

By Andrea McKenna • August 29, 2026

Borrego Springs highlighted as a retirement destination.

R Dub! Launches Greetings from Slowjamastan Series

By REPUBLIC OF SLOWJAMASTAN • August 20, 2026

New unscripted series highlights the Imperial County micronation created by longtime radio broadcaster Randy Williams Radio veteran Randy “R Dub!” Williams is launching a new unscripted series centered on the Republic of Slowjamastan, the micronation he established in Imperial County. Greetings from Slowjamastan premieres Thursday, August 27 at 5 p.m. PT on Slowjamastan State Television’s YouTube channel. New episodes are scheduled to be released each Thursday. Williams is Vice President of Communications and Media for Z90 and Magic 92.5 in San Diego and is the creator and host of the syndicated radio program Sunday Night Slow Jams. He has worked in radio for more than three decades as an on-air personality, programmer, executive and syndicated host. The premiere episode, “Big Trouble in Little Slowjamastan,” includes radio consultant Tim Richards and follows interactions between Slowjamastan representatives and local government authoritie s.

Inside Borrego Springs' Award-Winning 806 House

July 8, 2026

The Southern California architect explains how thoughtful design, floor-to-ceiling glass and the surrounding desert shaped one of Borrego Springs' most distinctive homes.

Did You Know? Marlon Brando Filmed a Commercial in Anza-Borrego

By Andrea McKenna • July 1, 2026

A Hollywood fun fact courtesy of longtime Park Ranger Fred Jee.

Adventure Filmmaker Jeven Dovey Explores Historic Goat Canyon Trestle

By Explore With Jeven Dovey • June 17, 2026

Exploring Goat Canyon Trestle Before It's Gone Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey documents one of Southern California's most remote railroad landmarks

I Wanna Getaway: Anza Borrego Desert State Park

By Jake Hinton • January 10, 2026

This segment aired on KTLA's Off the Clock on Jan. 7, 2026.

Borrego Ridge Hike: Overlooking Borrego Springs

By Jake Hinton • January 13, 2025

Explore one of Anza-Borrego Desert’s hidden gems—Borrego Ridge, a popular three-mile loop hike that offers breathtaking views over downtown Borrego Springs.

Explore the history and luxury of Anza Borrego's premier resort, La Casa Del Zorro—a true desert oas

La Casa Del Zorro in Borrego Springs Review: Artistic Off-Road

By Jake Hinton • March 11, 2024

Join Eric and Alice @Artistic Off-Road on an enthralling journey through Borrego Springs' past and present as they showcase the allure of Anza Borrego's most prestigious resort, La Casa Del Zorro. Let's delve into the essence of their captivating video.

Hacienda Del Sol: A Mid-Century Modern Oasis

By Borrego Springs Local • February 26, 2024

Historic Hacienda del Sol in Borrego Springs

The Springs at Borrego: Review

By Borrego Springs Local • February 26, 2024

In a recent virtual journey, Kevin from Interstate Explorers unveiled the charm of The Springs at Borrego RV and Golf Resort, nestled in Borrego Springs, California. This summary distills his engaging video review, spotlighting why this haven is a top pick for RV aficionados.