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 • May 20, 2025

June 1st Sylvia Maas Rides for Borrego Kids

Taking on the 2025 Trans Am Bike Nonstop Check Point Edition

Borrego Springs Soroptimist and ultra-endurance cyclist Sylvia Maas is once again pushing boundaries—not just for herself, but for the future of local students.

On June 1, 2025, Sylvia will set out from Astoria, Oregon in the Trans Am Bike Nonstop Check Point Edition, a coast-to-coast, self-supported cycling challenge.

But she’s riding with a greater mission: to raise funds for Bike 4 Borrego Kids, a scholarship program supporting Borrego Springs High School seniors as they take their next steps after graduation.

A Ride That Spans the Country

The 2025 Trans Am Bike Nonstop is a newly reimagined version of two major long-distance races—offering riders the choice to finish in either Yorktown, Virginia or Washington D.C.

The event features three required, unmanned checkpoints:

Mitchell, Oregon
Moran, Wyoming
One of five Mississippi River crossings in Iowa, Missouri, or Illinois

Riders are completely self-supported, relying only on what’s publicly available as they cross the country on their own terms.

Local Support, Real Impact

As a Soroptimist, Sylvia is committed to helping women and girls achieve their dreams—and this ride is one way she puts that into action. Through Bike 4 Borrego Kids, she’s raised thousands to help local high school students pursue higher education and career training.

This year, she’s awarding scholarships before students leave for college—stay tuned for the announcement.

Donate to Bike 4 Borrego Kids

You can support Sylvia’s journey and invest in local students today: Donate via PayPal

Every contribution helps fund real opportunities for Borrego youth—and every mile Sylvia rides helps make it happen.

We will be sharing Sylvia's journey. Check back!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Before the Ambulance Arrives: What Borrego Springs Residents Should Know

By H. Myers, Paramedic • August 29, 2026

Simple steps to prepare for an emergency.

Borrego Springs Featured Among California Retirement Towns

By Andrea McKenna • August 29, 2026

Borrego Springs highlighted as a retirement destination.

New tool makes applying for benefits faster and easier

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office • August 28, 2026

A new BenefitsCal feature called Truv now helps CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and County General Relief applicants save time, reduce paperwork and avoid mailing costs. The tool launched July 20, 2026, and verifies income and employment electronically during the e-application process. How Truv Works When applying through BenefitsCal, customers can securely sign in to their employer, payroll provider or financial institution. Truv uses secure, encrypted channels, and no information is shared outside the County of San Diego. If the employer participates in Truv, the system automatically pulls available income and employment information. Applicants can then review and confirm the information before submitting their application. “With Truv, it is easy for customers to opt in while applying through the online application tool BenefitsCal app,” said Alberto Banuelos, Interim Director of County Self Sufficiency Services. “It is a win-win, helping our customers save time and money and staff manage higher workloads.” Why It Matters Using Truv means customers don’t need to search for documents, manually enter income details or pay postage to mail paperwork. It also reduces the chance of manually entered errors. Application processing timelines vary: CalFresh reviews can take up to 30 days. Medi-Cal reviews can take up to 45 days. When income information is verified upfront, processing time can be shortened, helping eligible households get connected to critical resources faster. Self-Sufficiency Services supports more than 1.2 million San Diego County residents by providing access to essential public safety net programs. With customer-focused tools, multilingual help and community partnerships, Self‑Sufficiency Services works to make applying for benefits easier, faster and more accessible. Our mission is simple: to help people stay healthy, safe and on a path toward long‑term self‑sufficiency. Cassie N. Saunders is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact

Archaeology Day Returns to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

By Andrea McKenna • August 27, 2026

Saturday, November 7

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.

SDG&E’s proposed Powerlink raises wildfire concerns amid growing need for power

By Tammy Murga / Environment Reporter • August 27, 2026

Dozens of residents from Fallbrook and surrounding communities attend an open house at the Fallbrook Community Center on Aug. 26, 2026. SDG&E hosted the event for its proposed Golden Pacific Powerlink. Two other open houses are planned in October. Originally published by KPBS.org on August 20, 2026.

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