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 • May 29, 2024

Anza-Borrego State Park: Your Base in Borrego Springs

Explore Over 100 Trails Without Camping

If you're planning a trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs is the perfect base for your adventures. Nestled in the heart of California’s largest state park, this small desert town offers everything you need to explore and return to comfort each day.

Why Borrego Springs is the Perfect Base

Borrego Springs is the only town located within the park's boundaries, making it a strategic starting point for all your park explorations. From here, you’re just minutes away from trailheads, scenic spots, and the park's Visitor Center. You can venture out in the morning and return by evening without the need to camp.

Central location: Easy access to trails and park attractions

Amenities: Restaurants, hotels, and local shops make it easy to relax after a day of hiking

Over 100 Trails to Explore

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park spans over 600,000 acres, offering more than 100 hiking trails. From short, family-friendly hikes to more challenging treks, there's something for every level of explorer.

Palm Canyon Trail: A 3-mile round trip to a hidden palm oasis

The Slot: A narrow, winding canyon perfect for photography

Font's Point: A scenic viewpoint overlooking the rugged badlands

Most trails can be completed in just a few hours, allowing you to enjoy multiple hikes without needing overnight camping gear. This makes Borrego Springs a convenient hub for day trips.

A Park for Everyone

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers much more than hiking. Whether you’re into birdwatching, stargazing, or exploring the unique desert landscape, there’s something for everyone.

Wildlife: Spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, and desert reptiles along the trails

Stargazing: The park is recognized as a Dark Sky Park, offering incredible views of the night sky

Experience the Best of Both Worlds

One of the key benefits of staying in Borrego Springs is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and town charm. Spend your days exploring the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, then return to Borrego Springs to unwind and enjoy the town's unique offerings.

Dining: Savor local cuisine at Borrego Springs’ restaurants, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining spots featuring regional flavors.

Rest: Choose from an array of accommodations, including hotels, resorts, off-grid bungalows, and short-term rentals, many with mid-century modern architecture, giving the town a distinctive style.

Shopping: Explore local boutiques and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind items, from artisanal goods to unique souvenirs. Borrego Springs’ small, uncrowded shopping scene adds to the relaxed, intimate experience.

Art and Culture: Visit the Borrego Art Institute and its ArtPark for a mix of fine art and outdoor sculptures. Explore the surrounding Galleta Meadows for its striking metal sculptures that dot the desert landscape.

Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy more than just hiking! Head to Borrego Springs County Park for tennis, basketball, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s stunning courses, all surrounded by desert beauty. For those seeking a more serene experience, take a yoga class at La Casa Del Zorro resort, where wellness meets the peaceful desert landscape.

Nature Exploration: Don’t miss the ABDNHA Desert Garden and Nature Center, offering insights into the local flora and fauna.

These spots are perfect for peaceful walks and learning about the desert ecosystem. With so much to do in Borrego Springs, you can balance adventure and relaxation, making your visit a complete desert experience.

Plan Your Adventure Today

With its central location, comfortable amenities, and easy access to over 100 trails, Borrego Springs is the ultimate base for exploring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Whether you're seeking a quick hike or an all-day adventure, the park offers endless possibilities—all within a short drive from town.

Here are five great websites for more hiking information and experiences in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park:

AllTrails
AllTrails offers comprehensive trail information, including detailed maps, user reviews, and difficulty levels for hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Perfect for planning your next outdoor adventure.

California State Parks - Anza-Borrego
The official California State Parks website provides detailed information on Anza-Borrego's trails, rules, maps, and visitor center hours, making it a key resource for your visit.

Experience Borrego
Experience Borrego offers personalized hiking tours and guided explorations throughout the park. It's a fantastic resource for discovering lesser-known trails and enhancing your desert adventure.

ABDNHA - Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association
ABDNHA provides a variety of programs, from guided hikes to educational lectures. Their website helps visitors learn more about the park’s flora, fauna, and geology through local events and expert-led hikes.

A Yacht Club in the Borrego Desert

By Andrea McKenna • September 28, 2026

Borrego Springs Yacht Club Brings Model Sailboat Racing to Rams Hill Borrego Springs is home to an unusual desert pastime: model yacht racing. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club was founded in 2010 by Steve Luckman and Dennis Daoust. The club has grown to about 40 members and operates at a pond on the former nine-hole golf course at Rams Hill. Members race V32 sailboats, 32-inch non-motorized model boats controlled remotely through their sails and rudders. The boats were manufactured in California for decades but are no longer in production. Races typically draw 16 to 20 boats, with courses marked by duck decoys used as buoys. The racing season runs from November through May, although members can practice throughout the year. Six club events are held during the season, including Opening Day in November, the Pacific Cap in January, the Invitational in February, the Misplace Race in March, the Powder Puff in April and the Tequila Bowl in May. Winners receive trophies that are held until the next event. The club also maintains a palapa-style clubhouse and hillside seating overlooking the pond, providing space for members and spectators during race days. Membership was listed at $250 per year. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club offers a distinctive local version of sailing, combining competition, model boat craftsmanship and community activity in the desert. If you have any interest, contact Dennis Daoust at captain-havoc@earthlink.net .

The History of The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 22, 2026

Mid-century design and a community vision that began in 1965.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Nightfall Star Party Returns to Borrego Springs Nov. 6–7

By Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) • September 9, 2026

The Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference returns to Borrego Springs on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7,

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs