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 25, 2024

Exploring The Anza Borrego Desert with Leah

Explore Borrego Springs and Anza Borrego State Park With Leah and Friends

In the heart of California’s vast desert landscape lies a treasure trove of natural wonders, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This New Year, Leah, from the YouTube channel "Exploring with Leah", embarked on an unforgettable journey to this stunning locale, sharing her experiences in her latest video, "Exploring | ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK (Borrego Springs, CA) | Exploring with Leah". With over 10,000 subscribers, Leah's channel is a vibrant hub for adventure enthusiasts looking to discover new and exciting destinations.

Welcoming 2024 with Open Arms and Open Skies

Leah's New Year's Eve marked the commencement of an extraordinary expedition from Orange County to the vast landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Alongside her, a group of friends embarked on this desert adventure, one of whom was experiencing the wonders of Anza-Borrego for the first time. Throughout the journey, Leah shared the unfolding adventure, transforming the trip into a narrative of discovery and camaraderie.

Their drive into Borrego Springs was notably scenic, descending the Montezuma Grade. This route offered dramatic views of the desert floor stretching out below, serving as a grand entrance to the park's diverse landscapes. The winding road, flanked by the rugged terrain and vast open skies, set the stage for their adventure in this remote desert wilderness.

A highlight of their exploration was a visit to Galleta Meadows, a unique outdoor exhibition set against the desert backdrop. Here, massive metal sculptures, created by artist Ricardo Breceda, dot the landscape, depicting prehistoric creatures, historical characters, and mythical figures that seem to bring the desert to life.

This artistic oasis amidst the natural beauty of Anza-Borrego provided a surreal experience, blending art with the stark wilderness of the desert.

Leah's Exploration of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Leah's adventure in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was marked by a series of activities that highlighted the diverse offerings of the desert landscape. The group's journey included traversing the Fish Creek area, known for its winding washes and geological formations that tell a story of ancient environments and dramatic earth movements.

In a remote section near the park where shooting is allowed, they engaged in target practice, an activity that took advantage of the vast, uninhabited expanses provided by the desert's open spaces. Such areas are often chosen for their safety and the natural backdrop they offer, away from populated areas. (BLM Land)

Their exploration also led them to climb some of the park's accessible hills, providing a different perspective of the desert's terrain. The act of hill climbing in Anza-Borrego is an opportunity to experience the park's varied elevations, which range from below sea level to over 6,000 feet at its highest peaks.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, encompassing over 600,000 acres, is California's largest state park. This vast area includes a remarkable array of landscapes, from badlands and mud caves to palm oases and mountain ranges. The park's size and varied terrain support a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, catering to adventurers of all interests.

Learn more about the park: Anza Borrego State Park

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An Invitation to Explore: Anza Borrego State Park

Leah's video is more than just a recounting of her trip; it's an invitation to her audience to step out and explore the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Her genuine enthusiasm and the camaraderie shared with her friends are infectious, encouraging viewers to consider making their own plans to visit this remarkable destination.

A Glimpse into the Heart of Anza-Borrego

"Exploring with Leah" provides a heartfelt glimpse into the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Anza-Borrego. Through her eyes, viewers experience the park's vast landscapes, from its sprawling badlands to its majestic mountains, making it an enticing destination for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.

No Off-Road Vehicle? No Problem in Anza-Borrego!

Discover Anza-Borrego's wonders without an off-road vehicle. Stay in vintage trailers at Bungalows of The Desert, offering a unique desert experience with hassle-free setup in Anza-Borrego State Park. For adventure seekers, California Overland provides off-road tours and astronomy camping trips, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of the desert's landscapes and night skies. Both services offer an easy way to enjoy the desert's beauty, no personal off-road vehicle needed.

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