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 • March 21, 2025

Celebrate Easter in Borrego Springs – A Community Invitation

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BMA Easter Sunrise Service

On April 20, 2025, the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) invites everyone to experience the spirit of Easter at the Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service. Residents, seasonal visitors, and travelers from across the region are welcome to gather at Borrego Community United Methodist Church, located at 633 Church Ln, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, for this special event.

A Regional Celebration of Unity and Renewal

Each year, the BMA brings together people of all faith backgrounds for a sunrise service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Easter Sunrise Service is more than a local tradition—it’s a regional expression of fellowship and hope, where multiple congregations come together to share in a moment of collective faith.

This year’s service will be held outdoors in a peaceful setting, embracing Borrego Springs’ desert beauty as the backdrop to this time-honored tradition. Everyone is invited, regardless of denomination or belief.

A Week of Faith-Based Events

In addition to the Easter Sunrise Service, churches across Borrego Springs will host services and gatherings throughout Holy Week. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the town’s diverse and welcoming faith community.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting during Easter weekend, you’ll find open doors and open hearts at every event.

Questions? Please reach out!

Supporting Borrego Springs and Beyond

The Borrego Ministers Association serves Borrego Springs and nearby desert communities year-round through outreach, spiritual care, and charitable efforts. By participating in Easter events or supporting BMA initiatives, you are helping to strengthen communities across the region.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Yacht Club in the Borrego Desert

By Andrea McKenna • September 28, 2026

Borrego Springs Yacht Club Brings Model Sailboat Racing to Rams Hill Borrego Springs is home to an unusual desert pastime: model yacht racing. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club was founded in 2010 by Steve Luckman and Dennis Daoust. The club has grown to about 40 members and operates at a pond on the former nine-hole golf course at Rams Hill. Members race V32 sailboats, 32-inch non-motorized model boats controlled remotely through their sails and rudders. The boats were manufactured in California for decades but are no longer in production. Races typically draw 16 to 20 boats, with courses marked by duck decoys used as buoys. The racing season runs from November through May, although members can practice throughout the year. Six club events are held during the season, including Opening Day in November, the Pacific Cap in January, the Invitational in February, the Misplace Race in March, the Powder Puff in April and the Tequila Bowl in May. Winners receive trophies that are held until the next event. The club also maintains a palapa-style clubhouse and hillside seating overlooking the pond, providing space for members and spectators during race days. Membership was listed at $250 per year. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club offers a distinctive local version of sailing, combining competition, model boat craftsmanship and community activity in the desert. If you have any interest, contact Dennis Daoust at captain-havoc@earthlink.net .