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 23, 2024

Visit The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center

All within the Anza-Borrego Natural History Association

Your First Stop In Borrego Springs

For those planning a trip to Borrego Springs, start your adventure at the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center, located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive. This all-in-one stop within the Anza-Borrego Natural History Association offers unique desert-related items, books, maps, guides, toys, and souvenirs. Explore the outdoor Visitor Plaza to discover local geology, history, and wildlife, and take a stroll through the ABDNHA Desert Garden to experience the beauty of native flora.

ABDNHA Visitor Plaza

The ABDNHA Desert Nature Center features a series of outdoor learning panels that provide factual information about the local area. These panels cover a range of topics, including the history of the Anza-Borrego Desert, the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment, and the geological features that define the landscape.

Visitors can gain a solid understanding of the desert ecosystem and its historical significance before setting out to explore the area.

Borrego Desert Nature Center Souvenir Cups

Borrego Desert Nature Center Shop

Inside the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center, visitors will find a shop stocked with a variety of items related to the desert and the surrounding region. The shop offers detailed maps, guidebooks, and other resources that are useful for navigating the area.

In addition, there are unique desert-themed gifts, souvenirs, and educational materials that allow visitors to take a piece of Borrego Springs home with them.

The ABDNHA Desert Garden

Just a short walk from the Nature Center is the ABDNHA Desert Garden, which showcases a wide variety of desert plants in a carefully maintained setting. This garden provides an opportunity to observe and learn about the resilient plant species that thrive in the harsh conditions of the desert. The garden is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk and a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty found in Borrego Springs.

Plan Your Visit

Located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive, the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center is a valuable resource for anyone planning to explore the Anza-Borrego Desert. With its educational panels, resourceful shop, and nearby desert garden, the center serves as an informative starting point for your visit to Borrego Springs.

Make it your first stop to ensure you’re well-prepared to experience everything the area has to offer.

>> Check out the ABDNHA website for upcoming events!

Scroll Images Taken At Anza-Borrego Natural History Association

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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.