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 13, 2025

Borrego Soroptimists Donate $5,000 to Support Local Families

Borrego Soroptimists Empower Local Families with $5,000 Donation

Strengthening Community Bonds Through Generosity and Support

The Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) received a heartwarming boost to their community outreach efforts with a generous $5,000 donation from Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs. This substantial contribution from the Soroptimists is specifically earmarked to assist with the emergency needs of local women supporting their families, providing critical aid during challenging times.

The $5,000 donation directly supports women facing unexpected hardships, from covering utility bills to providing grocery vouchers or travel assistance for medical appointments. By empowering local women, this contribution strengthens the entire community.

“This donation underscores our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls in Borrego Springs,” said Kathy Dice, Soroptimist President. “We see firsthand how life can change in an instant. This support will go a long way in helping women keep their families safe, secure, and hopeful.”

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs focuses on helping women and girls achieve their dreams through scholarships, awards, and targeted programming to help them define goals and make educational plans. Their partnership with the BMA ensures that critical resources reach those who need them most.

The BMA works year-round to support neighbors in need, offering programs like grocery coupons for local markets, rent and utility relief, and travel assistance for medical care through the 'Let’s Go Borrego' program. Every dollar donated is carefully allocated to provide timely, meaningful assistance to Borrego Springs residents.

The Borrego Ministers Association is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 92-3678192). Contributions from local businesses and residents ensure that vital support continues to be available for those in need.

To learn more about the BMA or to make a donation, visit borregoministersassociation.com. Every act of kindness helps keep Borrego Springs a compassionate and resilient community.

Empower women and girls in Borrego Springs—donate today to fund education, career opportunities, and a stronger community.

Life in Borrego Springs: A Unique Desert Community

Borrego Springs is a rural desert community nestled in the heart of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With no nearby cities and limited resources, residents and visitors alike rely on the close-knit spirit of the valley to navigate the unique challenges of desert living. Tourism is a vital part of Borrego’s economy, but it ebbs and flows with the seasons. As temperatures rise, many residents leave, and tourism slows, creating a quieter yet more challenging time for those who remain.

For those who call Borrego home year-round, helping each other is a way of life. The Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) stands as a crucial lifeline for the community. They do not rest, providing support and assistance to residents in need, whether it’s offering emergency relief, grocery vouchers, or travel assistance for medical care. In Borrego Springs, where neighbors help neighbors and every act of kindness makes a difference, organizations like the BMA are essential for the well-being of the entire valley.

The spirit of community runs deep in Borrego Springs, making it a place where generosity and compassion flourish. The Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs embodies that spirit through their support for women and girls, further strengthening the bonds that make Borrego a resilient and hopeful place to live.