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 • November 14, 2026

Borrego Weather: Showers Possible Tonight, Sunny Weekend

At 8:18 p.m. Friday, Borrego Bob’s weather station read 65° with a light breeze and no rain yet.

The National Weather Service gives a 40% chance of light showers tonight and early Saturday, with rain totals under a tenth of an inch. After that, skies clear for a sunny weekend. Highs will be in the mid-70s and lows around 50.

Showers are possible again Monday night. Next week turns cooler, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s and lows in the mid-40s. Thursday has the best chance of rain.

Current conditions: Borrego Bob’s station (BoblandUSA.com). Forecast: National Weather Service, San Diego.

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Borrego Springs ArtWalk Set for December 5

By Andrea McKenna • November 13, 2026

Borrego Art Institute and The Gallery at The Palms welcome visitors for an evening of art Borrego Springs ArtWalk will take place Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., with Borrego Art Institute and The Gallery at The Palms welcoming residents and visitors to explore their galleries. Part of the 2026–27 ArtWalk season, the event brings evening gallery visits to Borrego Springs on the first Saturday of the month. The December gathering offers an opportunity to browse exhibitions and include both locations in a night out around town. Borrego Art Institute is located at 665 Palm Canyon Drive, at Christmas Circle. The Gallery at The Palms is located at The Palms at Indian Head, 2220 Hoberg Road. For more information, contact Borrego Art Institute at 760-767-5122 or gallery@borregoartinstitute.org , or The Gallery at The Palms at 760-767-7788 or stay@thepalmsatindianhead.com .