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.

Martha Deichler • June 16, 2026

Summer '26 CRC Newsletter | Message from Martha Deichler

Martha Deichler, CRC Executive Director and Cristian Hernandez, CRC Team Leader

Helping Borrego Springs families access food, services, and new opportunities.

Hello Friends,

Did you know that since its inception 3 years ago, the Borrego Springs Resource Center’s Food Bank has increased the number of families receiving fresh food weekly from 100 to over 350 families? The quantity of produce distributed ranges from 11,000 lbs to 33,000 lbs on occasion! The Resource Center is becoming a hub for “meeting the needs in our rural community.”

In addition, the number of classes/services offered to our community members has grown from 2 to 12 in just under 3 years and these classes enrich and improve the lives of those in our community.

These classes are offered at no cost and include Citizenship, Spanish, Ballet Folklorico, Exercise/Dance, and Computer Literacy.

We are very proud of our 8 students who have been attending a weekly US Citizenship class at the Resource Center taught by an experienced teacher, Marypaz Alvarez. She is preparing them for the exam to become US Citizens. Her students are eagerly studying and preparing to answer all the tough questions in English that will be asked of them at their interview. At the same time, they are saving funds to pay the $745 needed to apply for citizenship. And, as soon as they are US Citizens, these community members may register to vote.

A few weeks ago the Registrar of Voters signed up 10 new voters using the Resource Center as their base.

The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is not only a place where people can access food and services, but also a place to build capacity and learn the skills necessary to be a productive member of our community.

From Citizenship classes to computer literacy, the Resource Center is proud to serve as a vehicle for people wanting to improve the quality of their lives.

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The link to give online is on our website or your checks may be sent to: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, PO Box 1840, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Thanks!

FUN FACT: Over the past year, we have offered more than 10 separate workshops and classes, serving over 100 participants.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Resident Spotlight: Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia

By Andrea McKenna • September 14, 2026

Meet Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, a lifelong Borrego Springs resident, mother, community leader and OLAX founder whose heart for helping others has shaped generations.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.

Christian Center to Host Harvest Festival Oct. 31

By Andrea McKenna • September 12, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE

Borrego Village Campus: Up to 60 Affordable Homes Proposed on Donated Land

By Andrea McKenna • September 11, 2026

Wellsprings Community Foundation would put housing for seniors and workers, a fire station, and a clinic on 22 donated acres in the center of town

Bargain Barn storefront sign on a white building with star decorations against a dark blue sky.

The Borrego Springs Bargain Barn: Season Update

By American Legion Post 853 Communications • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.

Borrego Springs Sees Lowest Groundwater Pumping Since 2021

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs sees its lowest groundwater pumping since 2021, highlighting conservation efforts. Stay updated on local water management.

Rotary Sets Feb. 6 for Annual Fundraiser: A Roaring Twenties Speakeasy

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Rotary will bring the Roaring Twenties to La Casa del Zorro for its annual community fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Each February, the greater Rotary family gathers for one of its most important fundraisers of the year, raising funds to support programs and projects that benefit the Borrego Springs community. Last year’s Mardi Gras celebration drew 110 supporters for an evening of food, fun, raffles and auctions. Their generosity helped Rotary fund 30 student scholarships, send local students to leadership development programs, provide a Christmas toy for every child in Borrego Springs, and award 18 community grants. This season, Rotary is trading Mardi Gras for the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The 2027 Rotary Annual Fundraiser Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at La Casa del Zorro, with a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy theme, complete with Prohibition-era cocktails and period-inspired cuisine. Guests are encouraged to “throw on your glad rags” and join Rotary for what organizers promise will be a festive evening — all in support of programs that directly benefit the community. Save the date: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Additional details, including ticket information, will be announced as the event approaches.