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 • October 31, 2026

Día de los Muertos Celebration Continues This Weekend at the Community Resource Center

OLAX de Borrego invites the community to experience colorful altars, traditional Mexican art, and a special Family Day celebration on Sunday, November 1. All activities are free and open to all ages.

The Community Resource Center (CRC) in Borrego Springs is filling with color, flowers and tradition as OLAX de Borrego prepares for its Día de los Muertos celebration.

Volunteers have been busy painting large decorative pieces, creating colorful paper flowers and assembling traditional altars to honor loved ones who have passed away.

The preparations are part of OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos series, bringing community members together to share Mexican cultural traditions through art, remembrance and celebration.

A Weekend of Remembrance and Celebration

The public is invited to visit the Día de los Muertos Altar Expo on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, beginning at 9 a.m.

The altars, known as ofrendas, are an important part of Día de los Muertos. They traditionally feature photographs, flowers and meaningful objects that honor and remember family members and friends who have died.

The decorations include colorful handmade flowers, papel picado and other artwork created during community workshops and preparations.

Sunday: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Folklórico

The celebration continues Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m. with Family Day, a Catrina Contest and a presentation by Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico.

The afternoon offers an opportunity for families, neighbors and visitors to experience the traditions of Día de los Muertos together.

The Catrina Contest celebrates one of the holiday's most recognizable figures, while the folklórico presentation brings traditional Mexican dance into the celebration.

Everyone Is Welcome

OLAX de Borrego's celebration is free and open to all ages. Whether attending to honor a loved one, learn about Mexican traditions or enjoy the community festivities, everyone is invited.

Event Details

Saturday, October 31: Altar Setup beginning at 9 a.m.
Sunday, November 1: Altar Expo, beginning at 9 a.m.
Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m.: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Las Flores del Desierto presentation
Location: Community Resource Center (CRC), The Mall, Borrego Springs
Admission: Free, all ages welcome

For more information, contact info@olaxdeborrego.org.

Photos: Community members prepare colorful decorations and handmade artwork for OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos celebration at the Community Resource Center.