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 • August 20, 2024

Visit St. Barnabas Labyrinth in Borrego Springs

Experience Tranquility at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church

If you're seeking a moment of peace and spiritual renewal in Borrego Springs, look no further than the Labyrinth at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. Located at 2680 Country Club Dr, this sacred space is open to all—no appointment necessary. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the desert, the labyrinth offers a unique opportunity to quiet your mind and connect with the Divine.

What Makes a Labyrinth Unique?

Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse with multiple paths and dead ends, a labyrinth provides a clear path to the center and back out again. This ancient spiritual tool has been used across cultures and religions as a way to encounter the Holy, offering a symbolic pilgrimage that transcends time and tradition.

The labyrinth at St. Barnabas is an 11-circuit design, modeled after the famous labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, and also inspired by the one at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Circuits refer to the number of times the path passes between the center and the outside edge.

Why Should You Walk the Labyrinth?

Walking the labyrinth is more than just a physical journey; it's a spiritual practice that can bring mental clarity, emotional healing, and a sense of peace. As you follow the path to the center, you may find yourself letting go of stress, finding answers to personal questions, or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection. Every walk is a unique experience, offering new insights and perspectives each time.

Set outdoors, just south of the church building, the labyrinth is nestled in a serene spot surrounded by the natural beauty of Borrego Springs. Here, you can step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, center yourself, and feel a deep connection to the world around you. After your walk, you can extend your time of reflection at the nearby Palm Oasis, another peaceful retreat within the church grounds.

Guidelines for Your Labyrinth Walk

Prepare Yourself: Before entering the labyrinth, take a moment to center your thoughts and intentions.

Respect the Space: If someone else is walking ahead of you, give them space by allowing some distance before you begin.

Embrace the Experience: When you reach the center, feel free to sit, stand, or even dance—this is your time for personal reflection.

Personalize Your Walk: Remember, there is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth; it’s all about your personal journey.

Exit with Peace: When you're ready, follow the path back out and carry the peace and insights you've gained with you.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church Labyrinth Plaque

Plan Your Visit

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites you to explore the labyrinth and experience the peace it offers. This welcoming space is open to everyone, regardless of faith or background, and it's free to visit. Whether you're looking for spiritual guidance, a meditative walk, or just a quiet moment in nature, the labyrinth is a place where you can find what you need.

It's also a great activity for all ages, making it a perfect spot for families, individuals, and groups to enjoy together.

For more information on visiting the labyrinth, check out the Labyrinth Locator or visit the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church website.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.