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 11, 2024

American Legion Post 853: Role in Borrego Springs

American Legion Post 853 Borrego Springs

Post 853's Role in Empowering Borrego Springs

American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs is a branch of the national American Legion, an organization established by Congress in 1919 to support veterans. The Borrego Springs post, which began its service in 1998, is a nonprofit dedicated to aiding veterans, their families, and the community. It's made up of four distinct groups:

The American Legion (Legion): Comprises veterans from wars and conflicts recognized by Congress.
The American Legion Auxiliary (Auxiliary): Includes grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, and direct female descendants of Legion members.
Sons of the American Legion (SAL): Consists of sons and adopted sons of Legion members.
American Legion Riders (Riders): Open to current members of the Legion, Auxiliary, or SAL who meet the motorcycle ownership and insurance requirements.

These groups collaborate to fundraise for veterans and community programs, fostering a sense of family and camaraderie. Fundraising efforts include donations, membership dues, and activities like the Bargain Barn and recycling programs.

Volunteer-led events like Wednesday burger nights and Saturday dinners contribute to these efforts, with all proceeds supporting various programs, including:

Support for local Boys & Girls Clubs, schools, and little leagues
Contributions to performing arts and booster clubs
Assistance for the senior center and student recognition
Community park and holiday toy drives
Various veterans' assistance programs such as Fisher House and the Gary Sinise Foundation

Additionally, Post 853 commemorates military service members on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with ceremonies at Christmas Circle and provides military funeral honors upon request. The post also celebrates national observances by displaying flags around the community, with flags available for purchase at the Post.

For a more comprehensive list of their activities and how you can contribute or participate, visiting their official website or contacting them directly would provide the most current and detailed information.

American Legion Post 853

4515 Borrego Springs Rd.

Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Check out the Post 853 Newsletter