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 Outfitters • October 13, 2026

BORREGO OUTFITTERS INVITES COMMUNITY TO ANNUAL BORREGO DAYS HOT DOG COOKOUT

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.

As Borrego Days marks the start of another season in Borrego Springs, Borrego Outfitters is inviting the community to gather for its Third Annual Borrego Days Hot Dog Cookout on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event has become a popular new tradition at Borrego Outfitters and a fun way to welcome back seasonal residents, greet visitors, and reconnect with friends and neighbors.

Borrego Outfitters founder Ben Nourse and teammate Sheri Garcia will be working the grill and serving hot dogs throughout the afternoon. Vegan options will also be available.

"Our Borrego Days cookout is one of our favorite events of the year," said Ben. "It's a simple way to bring people together, celebrate the beginning of the season, and welcome everyone back to Borrego Springs. Our team is looking forward to seeing everyone."

Guests are encouraged to stop by, enjoy lunch, and take a look at everything new that has arrived for the season. Borrego Outfitters features apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, gifts, home décor, books, gourmet foods, and other unique finds for locals and visitors alike.

The event is free and open to everyone, and no purchase is necessary.

Borrego Days Hot Dog Cookout

Saturday, October 17

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Borrego Outfitters

579-E Palm Canyon Drive

Borrego Springs, CA

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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.