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 • December 9, 2025

Get Your Tickets! | Toast to Borrego | Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Support Women and Girls in Borrego Springs

Raise your glass for a good cause at the 4th Annual Toast to Borrego, happening Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. Get Tickets!

Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, food, and music—all while supporting programs that empower women and girls in Borrego Springs.

Event Highlights

Six wines selected and introduced by Kimberly Jones Selections
Catering by Carlee’s – delicious food and appetizers
Live piano music by Steve Hunter
Mocktails for non-drinkers
One gift basket drawing ticket included
Free parking

Experiences and Auctions

Shop creative themed gift baskets and bid on one-of-a-kind local experiences, including:

Coffee Lovers
New Grandparents
Gourmet Foods
Wine Lovers
Tea Party
And more to come

Silent Auction Experiences:

Pizza party for six with Wade of the Borrego Art Institute
Olive oil tasting for five with Ingrid Tuxhorn of Borrego Olive Oil Co.
Bike ride with Sylvia Maas, Kristi Sisson, and Peanut
Paint Party for six with Cody from the Borrego Art Institute

Tickets

$100 General Admission
Get your tickets early—attendance is limited.

Cancellation Policy: All ticket sales are final. Rain or shine event.

Details

Location: UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Time: 1:00–5:00 PM (Pouring 1:00–3:30 PM)

Note: Guests must be 21 or older. Children and pets cannot be accommodated (service animals welcome).

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