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 • February 17, 2024

The Marshal South Family of Ghost Mountain

1947 8mm Film: Marshal South Family, Ghost Mountain, Anza Borrego Desert

Source: www.youtube.com/@peahix

Marshal South: The Enigmatic Spirit of Ghost Mountain

In the vast, arid expanse of the Anza-Borrego Desert, the legend of Marshal South and his family stands as a testament to the allure and challenges of a life led away from the trappings of modern civilization. Known for their unconventional lifestyle atop Ghost Mountain, Marshal South, an author, poet, and early conservationist, captured the imagination of many through his vivid chronicles in the Desert Magazine. His story, intertwined with the rugged landscape of the Anza-Borrego, continues to fascinate those drawn to the mysteries of the desert and the tales of those who sought solace in its embrace.

The Allure of Ghost Mountain

Marshal South and his family's experiment in primitive living was not just an escape from society but a deliberate journey towards spiritual and creative freedom. South, a man of profound intellect and artistic talent, found in Ghost Mountain the perfect canvas for his ideals. The family's home, Yaquitepec, became a symbol of their commitment to a life dictated by the natural rhythms of the desert rather than the societal norms of the time.

A Legacy Through Literature

The "Ghost Mountain Chronicles," a compilation of South's writings, offers a window into the daily life, struggles, and ethereal beauty of living in such an unforgiving landscape. These writings, meticulously researched and compiled, reveal the depth of South's connection to the desert and his profound understanding of its ecology. His work in Desert Magazine brought the stark beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert and the family's unique lifestyle to readers far and wide, inspiring a sense of adventure and contemplation about the natural world.

The Enigma of Marshal South

Despite his public persona through his writings, Marshal South remained a figure shrouded in mystery. His claim of English heritage, later debunked, was just one of the many facets of his life that intrigued researchers and enthusiasts. The discovery of his true origins from Australia, his varied artistic pursuits, and his complex personal life added layers to the legend of Marshal South, making his story a compelling subject for historians and readers alike.

Exploring Ghost Mountain Today

For those drawn to the tale of the South family, a hike to the remnants of Yaquitepec offers a tangible connection to their story. The ruins, standing silently against the backdrop of the Anza-Borrego Desert, serve as a poignant reminder of the family's quest for a life in harmony with nature. It's a journey that not only showcases the physical remnants of their home but also evokes reflections on the essence of simplicity and the eternal human quest for a deeper connection with the natural world.

A Continuing Fascination

Marshal South's legacy, encapsulated in his writings and the enduring mystery of his life, continues to captivate those who seek to understand the allure of the desert and the people who choose to make it their home. His story, a blend of fact and myth, invites readers and adventurers to explore the depths of the Anza-Borrego Desert and contemplate the timeless allure of a life lived on the fringes of society.