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.

Shandel Sutherland • January 30, 2026

The Bluebell Theater Incident

Locals Unite for The Bluebell Theater Incident

The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center Saturday, February 07, 2026, 7:00 pm

The Bluebell Theater Incident is a Modified Reader’s Theater Musical Comedy written by Robin Young. It is set in a small town, featuring its local theater group.

Inspired by author Robin Young’s experiences in musical theater, the play is a loving and humorous look at local personalities, unique locations, and offbeat situations that might seem somehow familiar. The names were changed to protect the innocent and guilty alike.

The plot features UFO conspiracies, long-standing vendettas, odd recipes, and amusing characters. The show will be performed as a modified reader’s theater sprinkled with sound effects, videos, and music.

Robin will direct and is also part of the cast in this hilarious comedy.

Working closely with our community’s talented actors and technical staff, The Bluebell Theater Incident will premiere at The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center on February 7th, 2026. Robin is known for a unique writing style, witty dialogue, and historical accuracy.

>> Get Tickets

Technical Director – John Young
Stage Manager – Jennifer Dodge Heater

Walter Kidd – Mark Jorgensen
Harry Charmer – John Young
Earlene Wobegon – Elaine Hazelrigg
Patsy Winchester – Jenny Edwards
Marty Dinkleman – Gary Edwards
Roxanne Flowers – Jennifer Looney
Charlotte Poppins – Robin Young
Karen – Amber Peart
Kevin – Jennifer Dodge Heater

Narrator – Mark Jorgensen
Phone Calls – Nate Madsen, Denis Hunsinger, Robin Young

A Little Nut Music– Composer, John Young

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Desert Heat, Cooler Days & Our Annual Festival

By Under the Borrego Sky • September 15, 2026

In this latest video from Under the Borrego Sky, take a look at life around town.

Court overturns approval of Imperial County data center

By Kori Suzuki / South Bay and Imperial Valley Reporter • September 15, 2026

Residents listen during a community town hall about the planned data center project in El Centro, California on April 13, 2026.

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.

Secure Your 2027 Concert Season Membership

By BSCCA Board • September 13, 2026

2027 Concert Season

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