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.

The Palms at Indian Head • June 28, 2026

The Palms at Indian Head Opens The Dive Bar in Borrego Springs

A one-of-a-kind underground cocktail lounge beneath the hotel's iconic Olympic-size pool adds another reason to visit Borrego Springs.

The Palms at Indian Head will officially open The Dive Bar on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 6pm, introducing a one-of-a-kind underground cocktail lounge that blends mid-century modern design with an unforgettable underwater-inspired experience in the heart of Borrego Springs.

Located beneath the hotel's iconic Olympic-size swimming pool, The Dive Bar features rich wood finishes, natural stone, soft blue lighting, and vintage marina-inspired details that evoke a hidden waterfront lounge in the middle of the desert. Its signature feature is a series of underwater viewing windows into the pool above, while a hand-carved mermaid door by Glen Weischedel welcomes guests into the unique space.

The Dive Bar adds another distinctive experience to one of Borrego Springs' most historic destinations. Once a retreat for Hollywood legends including Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando, The Palms continues to preserve its mid-century character while introducing new experiences for today's travelers.

Guests can enjoy dinner at the award-winning Coyote Steakhouse, browse exhibitions at The Gallery at The Palms, relax beside the landmark Olympic-size pool, or stay in beautifully restored guest rooms and private casitas with mountain or valley views.

Just minutes from Palm Canyon Trail, Ricardo Breceda's world-famous metal sculptures, and some of Southern California's darkest night skies, The Palms is an ideal base for exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and everything Borrego Springs has to offer.

>> Book Your Stay at The Palms at Indian Head

Whether visiting for hiking, stargazing, art, dining, or a relaxing desert getaway, The Dive Bar offers another memorable reason to experience this iconic Borrego Springs destination.

The Palms at Indian Head
2220 Hoberg Road
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
(760) 767-7788
www.thepalmsatindianhead.com