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.

Borrego Springs Local • November 23, 2023

The LAARA AWARD at BSFF

The LAARA AWARD is a fitting tribute to Laara K. Maxwell, whose passion for film and dedication to the Borrego Springs Film Festival left an indelible mark.

Honoring Laara K. Maxwell: The LAARA AWARD at Borrego Springs Film Festival

The Borrego Springs Film Festival ( BSFF) has introduced a special tribute to one of its key figures, Laara K. Maxwell, through the establishment of the LAARA AWARD. This award, both a celebration of film and a remembrance of Maxwell’s contributions, highlights the most inspirational film of the festival.

Laara K. Maxwell: A Pillar of the BSFF

Laara K. Maxwell was not just a devoted cinephile but a driving force behind the BSFF. Her involvement with the festival was profound and remained unwavering until her passing in September 2023. Maxwell’s connection to cinema was deep-rooted and multifaceted, shaped by her education at the National Film Board of Canada. Her academic pursuits in social psychology, especially her PhD dissertation focusing on the effects of on-screen violence on young viewers, reflect a deep understanding of film’s impact on society.

Beyond the realms of academia, Maxwell was also an accomplished script editor. Her expertise and insights contributed significantly to various feature films, showcasing her practical involvement in the film industry.

The LAARA AWARD: Celebrating Emotional Upliftment in Cinema

In remembrance of Maxwell’s enduring spirit and her love for film, the LAARA AWARD has been established. This prestigious accolade is accompanied by a $1,000 prize and is awarded to the film that best encapsulates emotional upliftment. The LAARA AWARD stands as a testament to Maxwell’s belief in the power of cinema to inspire and evoke profound feelings.

The Award Criteria and Impact

The LAARA AWARD seeks to honor films that resonate with audiences on an emotional level, reflecting the qualities that Maxwell cherished in cinema. This award not only recognizes the artistic and emotional depth of films but also encourages filmmakers to explore and create works that have a positive and inspirational impact.

A Legacy Continued

Through the LAARA AWARD, the BSFF continues Maxwell’s legacy, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to showcasing films that not only entertain but also enlighten and inspire. This award will keep Maxwell’s memory alive in the festival she loved and contributed to significantly, and it will continue to inspire filmmakers to create works that resonate with audiences in meaningful ways.

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Borrego Springs Film Festival Wraps January 2026

By Jake Hinton • January 21, 2026

The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films.

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