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 • February 10, 2023

Fonts Point Quick Facts

Exploring Fonts Point: Key Facts and Visitor Information

Explore the fascinating history, geology, and natural beauty of Fonts Point. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious, these quick facts will give you a deeper appreciation of this remarkable site:

Location: Fonts Point is situated within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego County. It's easily accessible from Borrego Springs, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the park.
Geology: This mesa was formed over millions of years through the erosion of sedimentary rock layers. The resulting deep canyons and towering cliffs provide stunning panoramic views of the desert landscape.
History: The area around Fonts Point has a rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years. It was also a hotspot for gold miners in the late 19th century, with several historic mining sites still visible today.
Wildlife: The Borrego Badlands, home to Fonts Point, host a diverse range of flora and fauna, including desert bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes, and various bird species. Visitors may spot wildlife tracks, scat, or burrows during their visit.
Activities: Fonts Point is perfect for hiking, photography, and sightseeing. Trails leading to the top of the mesa offer breathtaking views, making it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit Fonts Point are in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and wildflowers are in bloom. Summer can be extremely hot, so cooler months are recommended for your visit.

Geography of Fonts Point

Fonts Point is one of the most remarkable geographical features in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offering stunning views and fascinating geological formations. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Elevation: At about 2,500 feet above sea level, Fonts Point offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Rock Formation: Fonts Point is classified as a “badlands” formation, characterized by rugged terrain and steep cliffs composed of layered sandstone and mudstone.
Drainage Basin: Located at the center of a drainage basin, Fonts Point features a diverse landscape shaped by water flowing from surrounding mountains, creating cliffs, sand dunes, and washes.
Location: Centrally located within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Fonts Point is about 10 miles east of Borrego Springs. The park spans over 600,000 acres, making it one of the largest state parks in the U.S.
Climate: The desert climate around Fonts Point features hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. With minimal rainfall, visitors should prepare for intense sun and high temperatures.

Quick History Facts About Fonts Point

Fonts Point is steeped in history, with a legacy that stretches back thousands of years. Here are some key historical highlights:

Native American Habitation: Evidence of Native American settlements, particularly from the Kumeyaay people, dates back thousands of years. The surrounding desert was vital for hunting, gathering, and agriculture.
Gold Mining: In the late 19th century, Fonts Point attracted gold miners. Historic mining sites can still be explored within the park.
State Park: Designated as part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 1933, Fonts Point is now protected as one of the largest state parks in the nation, attracting visitors from all over.
Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives have ensured that Fonts Point remains preserved for future generations. It is designated as a National Natural Landmark, managed by California State Parks.

Visit Fonts Point

Planning a trip to Fonts Point? Here’s how to get there:

Start in Borrego Springs, California: As the nearest town to Fonts Point, Borrego Springs is your gateway to exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Take S-22 East: From Borrego Springs, head east on S-22 (Borrego Springs Road). This scenic route takes you through the heart of the park.
Turn onto Fonts Point Road: Approximately 10 miles east of Borrego Springs, turn left onto Fonts Point Road. Continue for about 3 miles.
Park Your Car: At the end of Fonts Point Road, you’ll find a parking area. There’s no fee to park, but a state park adventure pass might be required for extended stays.
Hike to the Top: The hike to the top of Fonts Point is about 1.5 miles round trip, with a steep ascent. The effort is worth it for the incredible views.
Enjoy the Views: Once you reach the top, take time to soak in the panoramic views. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.

Note: Fonts Point is in a remote desert environment, so be sure to bring all necessary supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect this beautiful landscape.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Information

Location: 200 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Park Headquarters: (760) 767-5311
Visitor Center: (760) 767-4205
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov
Anza-Borrego Foundation: (760) 767-0446 | http://www.theabf.org

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Perseids Under Borrego’s Dark Skies: The Perfect Summer Getaway

By Andrea McKenna • July 13, 2026

Chase the Perseids in Borrego Springs: Summer’s Best Getaway Is Under the Stars If you've been waiting for a reason to visit Borrego Springs, t he Perseid meteor shower is a pretty great excuse. If you live nearby, consider this your reminder to book a staycation, get out of the house, and look up. Summer is one of the best values of the year. You'll find lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, and a slower pace , making it the perfect time to experience one of nature's most spectacular events. The Perseid meteor shower is active from July 17 through August 24 and is expected to peak the nights of August 12–13 . With little moonlight during the peak and Borrego Springs' internationally recognized dark skies, conditions are ideal for viewing. Under clear skies, you may see 50 to 100 meteors per hour , including brilliant fireballs that leave glowing trails across the sky. Borrego Springs is California's first International Dark Sky Community , making it one of the best places in Southern California to experience the Perseids. No telescope is needed. Just bring a chair or blanket, find a safe location away from lights, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and enjoy the show. The best viewing is generally after midnight through the hours before dawn, although meteors can appear throughout the night. During the day, take advantage of summer savings with a stay at La Casa del Zorro , a Stay & Play package at Rams Hill , or seasonal rates at The Palms at Indian Head . Sleep in, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch or dinner in one of Borrego's air-conditioned restaurants, and check BorregoEvents.com for local happenings. Browse the locally owned shops that remain open year-round, visit art galleries, enjoy some night photography, or take a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive and browse homes for sale in the windows of Coldwell Banker and other local real estate offices. Summer offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience Borrego Springs. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just escaping for a night, there's no better time to discover why Borrego Springs is known for its dark skies, hospitality, and desert beauty. Come for the summer savings. Stay for the Perseids. Leave with memories—and maybe a few shooting stars.

Stargazing Season Has Arrived in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • July 1, 2026

Don't Miss These Summer Night Sky Events

Local Businesses Help Protect Borrego Springs' Dark Skies

By Andrea McKenna • June 16, 2026

One of the things that makes Borrego Springs special happens after the sun goes down. Borrego Springs became California's first International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and was only the second community in the world to receive the designation. The certification recognizes communities that actively work to reduce light pollution and protect the night sky for future generations. Earlier this year, a Dark Sky presentation highlighted K-RAM 90.5, XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes as examples of businesses using responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' internationally recognized night skies. Ram Media Foundation Updates Exterior Lighting The Ram Media Foundation building at 730 Christmas Circle, now home to K-RAM 90.5, the Borrego Sun, and Borrego Valley Realty, removed older unshielded, high-lumen fixtures that reflected light outward around the property. The updated lighting includes shielded fixtures and a downward-facing reflector along the front walkway. These improvements provide lighting where it is needed while reducing unnecessary glare and light escaping into the night sky. XL Fuel Stop Reduces Sky Glow XL Fuel Stop was highlighted for using fully shielded lighting that directs light where it is needed instead of into the night sky. According to the presentation, a bright light mounted atop a high pole was turned off, and after-hours lighting levels were reduced. These changes help minimize sky glow while maintaining safety and visibility for customers. Borrego Holiday Homes Improves Efficiency Borrego Holiday Homes was highlighted as another example of responsible lighting practices. The property reduced excessive brightness by lowering lumen levels and using shielding that directs light downward. The result is reduced glare, improved efficiency, and lighting that better serves guests without unnecessarily illuminating the surrounding area. Why Dark Skies Matter According to the Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition, light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Excessive brightness can create visual discomfort, affect wildlife behavior, disrupt human circadian rhythms, and diminish our ability to see the stars. Responsible lighting does not mean eliminating outdoor lighting. Instead, it means using the right amount of light, directing it where it is needed, and avoiding unnecessary brightness. The Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition was formed in 2007 by local residents seeking Dark Sky certification. Facilitated by the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA), the coalition continues to educate residents, businesses, and visitors about responsible lighting practices that help preserve Borrego Springs' exceptional nighttime environment. The improvements made by K-RAM 90.5 , XL Fuel Stop, and Borrego Holiday Homes demonstrate that protecting dark skies can go hand in hand with safety, efficiency, and good business practices. For residents and visitors alike, these efforts help ensure that Borrego Springs remains one of the best places in Southern California to experience a sky filled with stars.

Hawk Alert Borrego Swainson’s hawks roost in Borrego Springs

March 18, 2026

A recent Hawk Alert shared through the Borrego hawkwatch community reports a significant number of Swainson’s hawks currently roosting in Borrego Springs. Estimates based on multiple counts suggest 200 to 300 hawks are gathered overnight. This is part of the annual spring migration, when large numbers of Swainson’s hawks pass through the Borrego Valley. The migration typically runs from mid-February through March and into April, with peak activity often occurring in mid to late March.