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 • July 16, 2024

Best Stargazing Spots in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

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.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.