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 • April 7, 2024

Borrego Springs: A Haven for Veterans with American Legion Post 853

Support and Community at American Legion Post #853

Looking for a place to connect with veterans, support your community, and explore the beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert? Look no further than American Legion Post #853 in Borrego Springs, California.

A Rich History of Service

Chartered by Congress in 1919, the American Legion is a national organization dedicated to veterans' well-being. Borrego Springs Post #853, established in 1998, carries on this legacy with pride.

Unique Opportunities in a Breathtaking Location

Nestled within the vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Post #853 offers RV and tent campsites specifically for veterans and active duty personnel. This not only provides a place for rest and relaxation but also fosters a connection with the natural wonders of the desert, encouraging environmental awareness.

Building a Future for Veterans and Community

Like many rural organizations, Post #853 faces challenges, including an aging membership and attracting younger volunteers.

How You Can Get Involved

To continue its mission, Post #853 seeks additional resources like funding, volunteers, and expertise in legal, marketing, and event management. They're also adapting to a post-pandemic world, finding new ways to engage the community.

Join the Hottest Post in California

Becoming a member of Post #853 is an opportunity for Borrego Springs residents, especially veterans and their families, to contribute to a long-standing tradition of service and community support. Annual memberships range from $40-$50.

Visit Post 853