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 18, 2025

Acoustic Eidolon Opens Concert Season in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Community Concert Association Kicks Off the 2025 Season

Thanks to the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA), the 2025 concert season began with a sold-out performance by Acoustic Eidolon at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Joe Scott and Hannah Alkire, the acclaimed duo behind Acoustic Eidolon, delivered an unforgettable evening filled with their unique blend of original compositions, reimagined classics, and engaging storytelling.

Their performance set the tone for an inspiring year of live music in Borrego Springs, leaving the community buzzing with praise the next day about the incredible show.

Stories and Music Intertwined

Joe and Hannah showcased their talent and humor through memorable pieces like One Old Wreck, where Joe shared funny tales of cars needing passengers to lift off the seat to start or turn signals that made the horn honk. Balancing the humor, 75 North Second Street offered a heartfelt tribute to home, full of nostalgic warmth.

Hannah’s solo, Journey from Water to Sky, written for her son Zach, captured the bittersweet beauty of a mother watching her child step into independence, leaving a lasting impression.

Inspired by the Faroe Islands

Acoustic Eidolon also shared stories from their June 2019 tour in the Faroe Islands, including a humorous tale of a farmer on Kalsoy Island who began charging for tours after his land was featured in a James Bond movie. Kalsoy’s dramatic landscapes served as the backdrop for the movie’s finale in No Time to Die. The duo honored their experience by performing a stunning rendition of Billie Eilish’s theme song from the film, blending their signature sound with the cinematic atmosphere of the piece.

A Blend of Originals and Classics

The program showcased original compositions like Stonehaven, alongside breathtaking renditions of classics such as Sound of Silence, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Hallelujah. Joe’s double-neck guitjo brought a harp-like richness to the arrangements, while Hannah’s cello added emotional depth and versatility, creating a dynamic sound that captivated the audience.

After the Performance

After the performance, Joe and Hannah (Acoustic Eidolon) spent time in the lobby connecting with patrons and selling their merchandise. The evening concluded with a group photo featuring members of the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association board and BSPAC’s Technical Director.

Pictured above, in order: Joe Scott, Hannah Alkire (Acoustic Eidolon), John Young (BSPAC Technical Director), Virginia Sloan Perrin, Jeff Meagher, Richard Gray, and Joan Kirk. (Some of the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association board of directors)

Borrego Springs Reflections from Acoustic Eidolon

After their unforgettable performance, Acoustic Eidolon shared their heartfelt reflections on their time in Borrego Springs & the Anza Borrego State Park:

"We had a wonderful day in Borrego Springs! At the end of the concert, we'd asked the audience to give us suggestions for things to do and see, and we honestly expected maybe a few people would come tell us things on their way out. But instead, the audience was collectively calling out all KINDS of wonderful ideas and hikes and suggestions! A woman in the front said she'd give us a tour for $500 (like the Faroese farmer in a story we told before singing "No Time to Die"), and another woman called out from further back, "I'll give you a tour for free!" It was just such a playful, fun and memorable moment to share with them all! So....we went to Galleta Meadows and saw the metal sculptures, we took a hike in Slot Canyon (and shot a reel and posted it to our social media, to take them in our pockets on this cool and breathtaking hike), and then we ate lunch at Calico's, headed to the visitor center to shop and get more maps, and then took the hike up to the Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail!

We wished we had another week to keep hiking and exploring, but we did run into people from the concert around town, and ate dinner that night at Carmelita's (which was excellent)! The night of the concert, we ate at Carlee's...such a great menu! We also poked into the Center Market, the other Grocery Store, and the Borrego Outfitters, where we gathered various treasures and souvenirs. AND....in the small Anza-Borrego State Park store, Hannah found a sticker for her cello case! So....you all will be coming with us on all of our tours from here.

We honestly just fell in love with the people, the children and the area. You all have such a special corner of the world. The colors as the sun set, hiking our very first slot canyon, the stillness and stars over the desert, the coyotes, and the sound of wind in the palm trees at the oasis....it was an unforgettable set of experiences that we'll carry with us always.

We cannot wait until our path can return to Borrego Springs to play again for you all. Thank you for warming our hearts!"

Joe and Hannah
www.acousticeidolon.com

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Learn More About Borrego Springs

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 .