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 • February 29, 2024

A Mud-Clad Desert Adventure with California Overland Desert Excursions

Tour with California Overland Desert Excursions

In a captivating YouTube video, Jack Farrell shares his extraordinary experience with California Overland Desert Excursions, embarking on an off-road tour that turned into an unexpected adventure due to the aftermath of a massive storm in San Diego. The storm's effects transformed the desert landscape, turning what would typically be dry stream beds into a thrilling expanse of mud, offering a unique and exhilarating way to explore the desert's beauty.

The highlight of the tour was a stop at a magnificent overlook of the Badlands, where the vast, rugged beauty of the desert was on full display. The panoramic views provided a stunning backdrop, showcasing the dramatic effects of the storm on the desert terrain.

Guiding the adventure was Joe, an exceptional tour guide whose expertise and engaging storytelling brought the desert's history and ecosystems to life. His skilled navigation and insightful commentary made the journey not only exciting but also educational, offering a deeper understanding of the desert's dynamic environment.

This tour with California Overland Desert Excursions is highly recommended for those seeking to discover the desert's hidden wonders, especially in the wake of nature's dramatic transformations. It stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of the desert, offering a unique perspective on this vast and ever-changing landscape.

For those intrigued by the idea of exploring the desert's wonders, especially under such unique conditions, California Overland Desert Excursions provides a perfect opportunity. Their tours promise an unforgettable adventure, blending the thrill of off-road exploration with the awe-inspiring beauty of nature's aftermath.

To watch Jack Farrell's desert adventure and to get inspired for your own, check out his YouTube channel.

California Overland Desert Excursions

1233 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Phone: 760-767-1232

Email: info@californiaoverland.com

Learn More About Borrego Springs

SLOWJAMASTAN CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH HISTORIC TERRITORIAL EXPANSION

By Robert Dobalina, Slowjamastan • November 12, 2026

World-Famous Micronation to Announce Five-Acre Expansion, Unveil Two New States During November 14 Jubilee The Republic of Slowjamastan is celebrating its fifth anniversary of independence with a historic announcement: the nation is expanding its territory by nearly 50 percent. On Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM, Slowjamastan will host its 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee, featuring the official announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony for five newly acquired acres of land, one for each year of independence. The five additional acres, contiguous with the nation's existing 11-acre territory, bring Slowjamastan's total footprint to 16 acres. The public is invited to participate in the festivities, which include: • Historic ribbon-cutting celebrating Slowjamastan's territorial expansion. • Two new states officially commemorated within the nation. • Visa-free entry for the first 10,000 visitors. Crocs remain strictly prohibited. • Free Cactus Cooler while supplies last. • Meet and greet with The Sultan and the Chief of the Porder Batrol. "Five years. Five acres. Sixteen acres of freedom, questionable legislation, and absolutely no Crocs," said The Sultan. "Most countries celebrate anniversaries with cake. We bought more country." Founded in 2021, the Republic of Slowjamastan has attracted worldwide media attention for its unconventional approach to nation-building, complete with its own government, passports, border checkpoints, and national traditions. EVENT DETAILS What: Slowjamastan's 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1–3 PM Where: Republic of Slowjamastan, Imperial County, California. See slowjamastan.org/location Admission: Free Learn more about Slowjamastan: www.slowjamastan.org MEDIA CONTACT Robert Dobalina bob@slowjamastan.org