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.

Andrea McKenna • July 4, 2026

American Legion Post 853 Honors America’s 250th with Christmas Circle Flag Display

American Legion Post 853 Commander Dennis O'Leary (left) and Bob Scribner, owner of Borregan Locksmith

Volunteers continue a cherished Independence Day tradition in the heart of Borrego Springs.

As Borrego Springs celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and Independence Day, volunteers from American Legion Post 853 continued a cherished community tradition by placing American flags around Christmas Circle.

Their efforts created a patriotic welcome for residents and visitors celebrating the Fourth of July.

Located in the heart of Borrego Springs, Christmas Circle is a San Diego County park and one of the community's most recognizable gathering places. Throughout the year it serves as the center for festivals, ceremonies, markets, and community events, making it a fitting location for one of the town's most visible Independence Day traditions.

American Legion Post 853 has long been dedicated to serving veterans, supporting patriotic programs, and strengthening the Borrego Springs community through volunteer service. From Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies to youth programs and community events, the post continues to honor those who served while preserving traditions that bring the community together.

The annual flag display at Christmas Circle stands as a visible reminder of the freedoms celebrated on Independence Day and the volunteers who make these traditions possible.