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 • August 30, 2025

Borrego Springs Housing Survey

Share Your Input on Local Housing Needs

The Wellsprings Community Foundation is exploring a potential housing project in Borrego Springs and wants to hear directly from you. To better understand community housing needs and preferences, they’ve launched the Borrego Springs Community Housing Survey.

This short survey takes just 7 minutes on a phone, tablet, or computer. All responses are confidential—no personal data will be collected—and will only be used by the team evaluating the possibility of new, affordable, and sustainable housing in Borrego Springs.

As a thank-you, participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Visa gift card. The survey is available in both English and Spanish, making it easy for more voices to be heard.

Key Details

Takes about 7 minutes to complete
Available in English or Spanish
Confidential—no personally identifiable information collected
Participants entered into a $250 Visa gift card drawing

Take the Survey

This effort is supported by Daniel Wright, Borrego Springs Honorary Mayor (2023–2025), who encourages all residents and those interested in living here to share their input. Your feedback will help shape the future of housing in Borrego Springs.