July 16, 2024

Best Stargazing Spots in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Share

Explore the Best Places to See the Stars in Southern California

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, is a premier destination for stargazing due to its low light pollution and expansive desert landscapes. Whether you're new to stargazing or an avid astronomer, the park offers unparalleled views of the night sky. Below are some of the best spots within the park for a night under the stars.

Culp Valley

Located about 3,500 feet above sea level, Culp Valley offers cooler temperatures and dark, clear skies perfect for stargazing. The Culp Valley Primitive Campground is easily accessible by most vehicles and provides a remote spot away from city lights, making it one of the best places to see the stars without any distractions.

Blair Valley

Blair Valley, known among astronomers as "Astronomy Way," is another fantastic spot for stargazing. The valley’s remote location and the surrounding desert provide some of the darkest skies in the park. The Blair Valley Primitive Campground allows you to camp and stargaze in the same spot, making it a convenient option.

Learn more about Blair Valley here.

Fish Creek Primitive Campground

For those with a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle, the Fish Creek Primitive Campground offers an off-the-beaten-path stargazing experience. Its rugged terrain and remoteness provide an extraordinary dark sky environment, perfect for viewing celestial objects with minimal interference.

Mountain Palm Springs

Another remote location requiring a 4WD vehicle, Mountain Palm Springs Primitive Campground is nestled in the southern part of the park. It provides an excellent backdrop for stargazing with its palm groves and isolated terrain. This site is perfect for those looking for a more secluded experience.

Carrizo Badlands Overlook

This easily accessible overlook in the southernmost part of the park is ideal for visitors who want to combine dramatic desert landscapes with stargazing. The Carrizo Badlands are known for their geological beauty, and the overlook offers stunning, clear views of the sky.

Learn more about Carrizo Badlands at Visit California.

Tips for Stargazing in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  • Visit during a new moon: To maximize visibility, plan your trip around a new moon when the sky is at its darkest.

  • Bring a red flashlight: Red light preserves your night vision, allowing you to observe the stars without adjusting your eyes repeatedly.

  • Dress warmly: Even in the desert, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, so it’s essential to bring layers.

  • Be patient: Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness for the best stargazing experience.

Don't Miss Borrego Springs

Just outside the park, Borrego Springs is the gateway to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and an International Dark Sky Community. This small town is a great place to base your stargazing adventures, offering amenities such as resorts and campgrounds. While exploring Borrego Springs, don’t forget to visit the metal sculptures of Galleta Meadows during the day and return at night to see them silhouetted against the starry sky.

Find out more about Borrego Springs at Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Whether you're camping under the stars or taking a quick trip from Borrego Springs, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park promises a spectacular stargazing experience year-round.

For more information, be sure to check out maps and stargazing guides from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association and the Anza-Borrego Foundation.

Anza Borrego State Park Map

Learn More About Borrego Springs

July 22, 2025
$60 Rounds for Borrego Springs Residents This Summer Mondays just got better for Borrego Springs residents. Rams Hill Golf Club is offering $60 rounds of golf every Monday after 9:00 AM through the summer. Just show a valid local ID at check-in to receive the discount. Call (760) 767-3500 or stop by the Rams Hill Golf Shop to book your tee time. Set in the foothills of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill is a Tom Fazio–designed course known for its lush fairways, elevated greens, and panoramic desert and mountain views. Consistently ranked among California’s top public courses, it offers a challenging and rewarding round in a quiet desert setting. Locals looking for a break from the heat can turn their Monday round into a full staycation with Rams Hill’s Stay & Play packages . It’s an easy getaway without the drive—offering new scenery, a peaceful night, and an early morning round with fewer crowds and cooler temps. Offer ends August 31. Valid local ID required at check-in. Borrego Springs Year Round
July 20, 2025
Coyote Steakhouse is open for summer Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00–8:30 PM. Prime rib, steaks, seafood, prix fixe menu, and specialty cocktails available.
July 9, 2025
Borrego Springs Pool Day Passes Available
July 6, 2025
Create, Sip, and Unwind at the Community Resource Center Looking for a creative and relaxing way to spend your evening in Borrego Springs? Join local artist Diana Fox on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 PM at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center for a special hands-on event: Sip & Create – Beaded Bracelets. This small-group experience is limited to 10 participants and is the perfect blend of craft, conversation, and community. What to Expect Guests will design and create a beautiful beaded bracelet using quality materials and a wide variety of colors and styles . Diana Fox will provide step-by-step guidance — no experience needed. Whether you're a local resident or visiting Borrego Springs, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy a laid-back, artistic night out. Wine Included — or Bring Your Own Your $30 registration includes: One bracelet to make and take home One glass of wine (choose Merlot, Chardonnay, or Sangría) Use of all materials and tools Additional glasses of wine available for $5 Option to bring your own wine Details at a Glance Date: Thursday, July 17 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM Location: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center Cost: $30 per person Max: 10 people — only 6 spots left RSVP: Call or text 619-892-0393 Support Local Creativity Year-Round Diana Fox is a Borrego Springs artist who brings creativity into the community through accessible, hands-on art experiences. Every Saturday morning, she volunteers her time to lead free, one-on-one sessions for local children. Her most recent gathering welcomed an estimated 13 kids—each receiving personalized guidance and leaving with a handmade bracelet. Events like “Sip & Create: Beaded Bracelets” help sustain these efforts by replenishing the materials Diana uses in her youth programs. When you attend, you're not just enjoying a fun and creative night out—you’re also supporting the kind of year-round artistic engagement that makes Borrego Springs a place where creativity and connection thrive. Diana’s handmade pieces are also available at Desert Lovers & Co., offering another way to support her work and the local arts community. Don’t wait — space is limited. Reserve your spot now and enjoy an evening of creativity, connection, and fun in Borrego Springs.
July 3, 2025
Discover the top night sky events in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this July 2025, including the Full Buck Moon, a Moon–Saturn–Neptune alignment, and a dramatic Moon–Mars conjunction—ideal for stargazers, photographers, and night hikers.
July 2, 2025
Free, Fun, and Full of Energy in Borrego Springs
Show More

Share This Post