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.

Shandel Sutherland • January 17, 2025

Acoustic Eidolon Performs for Borrego Springs Students

Acoustic Eidolon Inspires Borrego Springs Students Through Music

The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) created an unforgettable experience for local students by bringing the world-renowned duo Acoustic Eidolon to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Students from local schools, ages 5 to 11, were bused to the theater for a lively and interactive daytime session. Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire introduced them to the magic of live instruments and storytelling through music, filling the space with laughter, curiosity, and joy.

That evening, Acoustic Eidolon returned to the stage for a public concert at the Performing Arts Center. Open to BSCCA members and the public, tickets were also available at the box office, ensuring that as many as possible could experience their exceptional talent.

Bringing Music to Borrego Springs Kids

Thanks to BSCCA's commitment to making music accessible to everyone, students from Borrego Springs schools were bused to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center for a special daytime performance. The theater was filled with children ages 5 to 11, their excitement palpable as they experienced the rare opportunity to see world-class musicians up close.

From the moment Joe and Hannah took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. The students clapped, sang along, and even danced in their seats to familiar tunes. One of the most memorable moments was a lively rendition of "Old McDonald," where Hannah made farm animal sounds with her cello, and the kids enthusiastically shouted out the animals and joined in singing.

The sound of mooing cows, meowing kittens, and even unicorns coming from the cello made for an interactive and delightful exchange between Hannah, Joe, and the audience, keeping the children giggling and engaged.

Shop Acoustic Eidolon's Music
Bring their captivating sound home!

Lessons Through Music: Anti-Bullying and More

Music has the power to teach life lessons, and Acoustic Eidolon made sure to share messages of kindness and empathy. One highlight of the performance was their anti-bullying song, "Don't Laugh at Me," which resonated deeply with the young audience. The children listened intently as Joe and Hannah used their music to encourage compassion and understanding.

The duo also took time to introduce their unique instruments. Joe’s double-neck guitar (guitjo), a custom creation combining the sounds of a guitar and banjo, left the kids fascinated. Hannah’s cello demonstrated an incredible range—from deep, soulful notes to playful, high-pitched melodies—captivating the young crowd with its versatility.

Q&A Session: Kids Ask the Best Questions

After the performance, students had the chance to ask Joe and Hannah their questions, sparking a lively and curious exchange. Their inquiries ranged from “How much does a guitar cost?” and “What are the words in the French song Hannah sang?” to the story behind the stickers covering Hannah’s cello case.

One moment that stood out was when a child asked Hannah if all the stickers on her cello case were from her travels. Smiling, Hannah said, "Yes!"

Even as students were called to line up and return to school, a small group stayed near the stage, eager to continue the conversation. Hannah knelt down to listen, taking time to answer their questions, while Joe stood nearby, answering with his own stories and insights. Together, they created a warm and engaging atmosphere that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Here’s a list of memorable comments from kids leaving the performance:

"That was the best day ever!"
"I want to bring my mom and grandma to hear this."
"I want a three-neck guitar!"
"I loved the sound the donkey made!"
"I loved her voice."
"They are so nice."
"I want to be on that stage!"

These heartfelt reactions highlight the impact of the event on the students and their excitement about music and performance.

A Day of Music and Inspiration

Acoustic Eidolon's visit brought the community together through the power of music, inspiring students and captivating audiences. Thanks to BSCCA, the arts continue to enrich Borrego Springs.

Why Music Outreach Matters

In small, rural communities like Borrego Springs, exposure to live music can be transformative for children. These experiences spark creativity, foster a love for the arts, and inspire dreams that may have otherwise seemed out of reach.

The BSCCA’s outreach program demonstrates the powerful role that community organizations play in enriching the lives of young people. By funding the bus rides to the theater and making live music accessible to all, they are opening doors for future musicians, artists, and creators.

Get Involved in Supporting Music Education

Want to support programs like this? The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association relies on community contributions to bring world-class musicians to the desert. Donations, sponsorships, and ticket purchases help ensure that students continue to experience the magic of live music.

Visit borregoconcerts.org to learn more about upcoming performances and how you can support music education in Borrego Springs.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Puttin’ on the Glitz Gala to Support Performing Arts in Borrego Springs

By BSPAC • November 13, 2026

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center is seeking sponsors for its November 21 fundraiser

Borrego Springs Honors Veterans at Christmas Circle

By Andrea McKenna • November 12, 2026

American Legion Post 853 hosted Borrego Springs’ Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at the Christmas Circle Community Park bandstand.

SLOWJAMASTAN CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH HISTORIC TERRITORIAL EXPANSION

By Robert Dobalina, Slowjamastan • November 12, 2026

World-Famous Micronation to Announce Five-Acre Expansion, Unveil Two New States During November 14 Jubilee The Republic of Slowjamastan is celebrating its fifth anniversary of independence with a historic announcement: the nation is expanding its territory by nearly 50 percent. On Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM, Slowjamastan will host its 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee, featuring the official announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony for five newly acquired acres of land, one for each year of independence. The five additional acres, contiguous with the nation's existing 11-acre territory, bring Slowjamastan's total footprint to 16 acres. The public is invited to participate in the festivities, which include: • Historic ribbon-cutting celebrating Slowjamastan's territorial expansion. • Two new states officially commemorated within the nation. • Visa-free entry for the first 10,000 visitors. Crocs remain strictly prohibited. • Free Cactus Cooler while supplies last. • Meet and greet with The Sultan and the Chief of the Porder Batrol. "Five years. Five acres. Sixteen acres of freedom, questionable legislation, and absolutely no Crocs," said The Sultan. "Most countries celebrate anniversaries with cake. We bought more country." Founded in 2021, the Republic of Slowjamastan has attracted worldwide media attention for its unconventional approach to nation-building, complete with its own government, passports, border checkpoints, and national traditions. EVENT DETAILS What: Slowjamastan's 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1–3 PM Where: Republic of Slowjamastan, Imperial County, California. See slowjamastan.org/location Admission: Free Learn more about Slowjamastan: www.slowjamastan.org MEDIA CONTACT Robert Dobalina bob@slowjamastan.org

Community Resource Center Invites Everyone to Annual Friend-Raiser Open House

By Andrea McKenna • November 11, 2026

Food, friends, entertainment and community spirit come together Friday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) in The Mall. The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is opening its doors for its annual Friend-Raiser Open House, inviting residents, visitors and newcomers to stop by, meet some friendly faces and learn more about the organization. The CRC is an important part of the Borrego Springs community, providing food assistance, educational opportunities and programs that bring people together. From its food bank to citizenship classes, Spanish lessons, computer literacy, exercise and Ballet Folklórico, the center offers resources and activities for people of all ages. The Friend-Raiser is an opportunity to see what the CRC is all about, meet the people behind its programs and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food, wine and presentations featuring Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico , along with local dogs training for American Kennel Club (AKC) Rally Obedience titles. Whether you're a longtime supporter, new to Borrego Springs or simply curious about what the CRC offers, everyone is welcome to come by. Stop in, say hello, meet some friendly faces and celebrate the community connections that make Borrego Springs special! Event Details Friend-Raiser Open House Friday, November 13, 2026 5–8 p.m. Community Resource Center (CRC) Located in The Mall, Borrego Springs All are welcome!

SAVE THE DATE!: ARTTALK with artist ARhAyas PSonn AllureA

By Elizabeth Rodriquez • November 11, 2026

Join the artist ARhAyas PSonn AllureA for ARTTALK on Saturday, November 21 at 3pm at The Gallery at The Palms to converse about his assemblage collages relating to the erasure of Goddess wisdom and its metamorphosis to time present. Refreshments will be served for your enjoyment. The Gallery at The Palms is located at 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004

OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • November 10, 2026

This is more than a bike ride. The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom Ride in Borrego Springs takes place Saturday, November 21, and brings together riders, friends, families, and the recovery community for a full day of connection and celebration, in association with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Join the ride through the desert, jump into the pickleball tournament (all skill levels welcome), and enjoy meals provided for the riders as we come together to mark sobriety, share stories, and support one another. Whether you’re riding, playing, volunteering, or simply showing up, you’re part of this. Come be part of something bigger than any single activity — come be part of the Ascent to Freedom. “We wanted this to be a fun day that everyone can enjoy. Come meet the Opicure Community and grow with us,” says OpiCure Foundation President Cullen Easter. In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert, this inaugural OpiCure event brings together people in recovery, their families, and the cycling community to celebrate sobriety, share stories of strength, and raise awareness about the opioid crisis. "By turning the simple act of riding into a collective ascent toward freedom, it shows that recovery is possible, community heals, and every pedal stroke can move us closer to a life beyond addiction," says Cullen. "The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom is about community, movement, and celebrating recovery in every form." OpiCure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation focused on addressing opioid-related addiction and deaths. More information on the event is available at opicureride.com .