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.

Borrego Sun Community News • May 6, 2026

Large-Scale Animal Rescue Underway in Julian

Hundreds of Animals Rescued From Julian Sanctuary During Major Investigation

San Diego Humane Society officials say hundreds of neglected animals are now receiving care after a large-scale rescue operation at Villa Chardonnay in Julian.

Villa Chardonnay had been described online as an animal sanctuary focused on giving animals a safe place to heal and live peacefully. But investigators say the conditions they encountered on the 40-acre property revealed widespread neglect involving hundreds of animals.

According to San Diego Humane Society, the rescue effort began after concerns about conditions at the property continued for years. The case was transferred from San Diego County Animal Services to SDHS in late April due to the scale of the situation and legal complications connected to bankruptcy proceedings.

Officials said a search warrant was served on May 1 after veterinary evidence documented severe neglect, including malnutrition, untreated injuries, infections, and lack of basic care.

Video courtesy of KPBS YouTube

Animals found on the property included approximately 165 horses and ponies, more than 300 cats, 30 dogs, and dozens of other animals such as goats, pigs, alpacas, chickens, ducks, geese, peafowl, ravens, and sheep.

San Diego Humane Society President and CEO Dr. Gary Weitzman called the case one of the most complex rescue operations in the organization’s history. Teams from several agencies and humane organizations are now assisting with medical care, transport, and ongoing animal recovery efforts.

While many animals are expected to recover, some in critical condition had to be humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering, according to SDHS.

San Diego Humane Society said the investigation remains ongoing.

“The actions that we’ve taken and will continue to take are going to be guided by what the facts of the case are and what our legal responsibilities as humane agents here in the state and here in San Diego to assure that justice is served,” said Jace Huggins, Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for the Humane Society.

People who previously surrendered or boarded animals at Villa Chardonnay can submit reunification requests through San Diego Humane Society’s rescue page at sdhumane.org/julianrescue.

Full Update: SDHS_Julian-Rescue_Villa-Chardonnay-Update

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 .