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.

Diane Johnson • June 20, 2026

Summer Solstice Potluck at Borrego Art Institute Sunday, June 21 at 5:00 PM

Summer Solstice Potluck at BAI

Sunday, June 21
5:00 PM
Borrego Art Institute

This Sunday, the Borrego Art Institute Gallery will be open from noon to 8:00 PM to celebrate the summer solstice. The ArtPark is always open, and classes with Cody are offered weekly.

At 5:00 PM, come chill at BAI for a potluck and a chance to gather with other summer residents. See who else is hidden indoors these days in our sun-struck, deeply quiet village. This may be even better than hanging out at the Post Office.

BAI will provide the cool air. Bring yourself, your friends, and your own beverage and food if you like. Or pick up some treats at Michael’s in Borrego and carry them over to the Gallery. They have a Father’s Day Special of ribeye steak and three prawns.

BAI will furnish cups, plates, utensils, and some tables and chairs. Please bring a folding chair if you can.

An RSVP isn’t required to attend, but it would help with setup to have an idea of how many people are coming. You can send an email to cody.magee@borregoartinstitute.org.

The BAI Gallery is closed most days this summer to cut costs during a time when visitation to the building has historically been very low. But the Gallery will be open this Sunday from noon to 8:00 PM to celebrate the summer solstice.

The ArtPark is always open, and classes are offered regularly by Education Coordinator Cody Magee.

Learn more about classes: https://borregoartinstitute.org/classes/