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 • October 14, 2026

BMW Brings International Automotive Media to Borrego Springs

International Media Test-Drives New BMW iX3 in Borrego Springs

BMW brought its new all-electric iX3 to Borrego Springs this week for a private test-driving event attended by automotive journalists from around the world.

Representatives from international automotive magazines and media outlets had the opportunity to experience the new model firsthand, evaluate its performance and prepare reviews for their publications.

The large lineup of BMW iX3 vehicles was parked at the Borrego Art Institute ArtPark, where Michaels in Borrego catered a private outdoor gathering for the visiting group.

The event's media coordinator explained that Borrego Springs was selected for its scenery, long stretches of open highway and variety of driving routes. Basically, its the roads..

The area's winding mountain roads, elevation changes and expansive desert views provide a range of driving conditions for automotive testing.

The explanation was similar to one given by participants in the Treffpunks Volkswagen gathering held in Borrego Springs October 3–4. When asked what attracted their group to the area, participants also cited the roads.

About the New BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 is the first production model in BMW's new Neue Klasse generation, introducing updated electric vehicle technology, design and digital features.

The all-electric iX3 50 xDrive features dual-motor all-wheel drive, approximately 463 horsepower and an estimated driving range of up to 400 miles, depending on configuration and driving conditions.

BMW's new 800-volt electrical system allows rapid charging, with the battery capable of charging from 10% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes under optimal conditions. The vehicle also introduces BMW's Panoramic iDrive display and a new driving control system called Heart of Joy.

The iX3 has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $61,500 in the United States.

More information about the model is available on BMW's official website.

The visit brought international automotive media to Borrego Springs and included local businesses and venues in the event. It also follows the recent Treffpunks Volkswagen gathering, another example of the area's appeal to automotive groups.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

The Outliers: Self-Taught Visions at The Gallery at The Palms

By Sally Walsh, Art Critic • October 13, 2026

Curated by Elizabeth Rodriguez, “The Outliers” brings together seven self-taught artists, several of them local to Borrego, at The Gallery at The Palms through Nov. 1.

Borrego Springs Joins Countywide “No Kings: Vote Early” Day on Oct. 17

By Darla Nyren • October 13, 2026

Learn More About Borrego Springs

BORREGO WATER DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE

By Borrego Water District • October 13, 2026

Meet the team. Tour the facility. Learn about our services. Shop surplus equipment. Join us to meet District staff, tour the facilities and learn about our programs, operations and services. Vehicles & Equipment for Sale Browse surplus vehicles, a golf cart, equipment and other items available for purchase. Friday, October 16, 2026 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Borrego Water District 806 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Many items for sale—including three vehicles, a golf cart and more!

Borrego Springs School District Seeks Board Member

By BSUSD Superintendent Mark Stevens • October 13, 2026

Applications for the four-year seat are due October 23. The Borrego Springs Unified School District is accepting applications from district residents to fill one seat on its Governing Board. An insufficient number of candidates filed for the 2026 election, requiring the Board to appoint a qualified person before November 3. The appointee will be sworn in at the Board’s annual organizational meeting in December 2026 and serve a four-year term ending in December 2030. Applications are available at the District Office and at www.bsusd.net . Completed applications must reach the Superintendent’s Office by 3 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2026. Submit applications to Superintendent Mark Stevens by mail at 1315 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004; by hand delivery at 2281 Diegueno Road; or by fax at (760) 767-0494. For more information, contact Stevens at (760) 767-5357 .

Tony Cecena to Lead Both Borrego Springs Resorts

By Andrea McKenna • October 13, 2026

The lifelong Borregan will oversee Borrego Springs Resort while continuing as General Manager of La Casa del Zorro. Tony Cecena has been appointed General Manager of Borrego Springs Resort in addition to his current role leading La Casa del Zorro, according to an announcement shared by Chris Adams. The appointment brings together two familiar desert destinations under shared leadership. La Casa del Zorro offers guest rooms and private casitas, dining, pools, tennis and pickleball. Borrego Springs Resort features rooms and suites with mountain or pool views, a heated pool and lighted tennis courts. For Cecena, the expanded role reconnects him with a property where he spent 22 years working across hotel and food operations, technology, accounting and sales. He began his hospitality career at La Casa del Zorro while attending high school. Adams described the arrangement as a partnership rooted in cooperation and collaboration, praising Cecena’s passion for hospitality. With deep ties to both properties, Cecena brings decades of experience and a longstanding commitment to the Borrego Springs community.

BORREGO OUTFITTERS INVITES COMMUNITY TO ANNUAL BORREGO DAYS HOT DOG COOKOUT

By Borrego Outfitters • October 13, 2026

Sheri Garcia and Ben Nourse work the grill during a previous Borrego Days Hot Dog Cookout at Borrego Outfitters. The annual community event returns Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.