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.

Matt Bosson - BSFI Board Member • May 25, 2026

(Updated) BSFI Free Movies this Summer at BSPAC!

The Borrego Springs Film Institute presents the 2026 Film Series.

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center

590 Palm Canyon Drive,
Borrego Springs, CA, 92004

BORREGO SPRINGS, CA — The Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) is proud to announce its Summer 2026 screening series, bringing free bi-weekly screenings, every other Wednesday, of exceptional cinema to the heart of the desert. All screenings take place at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC), 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, and begin at 7pm. The full 2026 BSFI schedule (April through December 2026) is now available at www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org. Please note that due to the vagaries of film licensing, all screenings are subject to change — we encourage patrons to check the website for the most current information before attending.

All screenings are held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. To find the full 2026 schedule, and the latest updates, visit www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org.