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.

Smith con pata de palo

Descubra la cautivadora saga de Pegleg Smith, el legendario buscador de oro cuyas historias de una mina de oro perdida han despertado la imaginación de los cazadores de tesoros durante generaciones.

Desert Food Chain: The Ultimate Survival Battle

por Andrea McKenna • 8 de agosto de 2026

Learn about the desert food chain in Borrego Springs. Discover how energy flows through producers, consumers, & decomposers in this unique ecosystem.

The Mystery of Pegleg Smith’s Lost Gold – Truth, Legend, and Clues

por Desert Usa⁩ • 27 de julio de 2026

Uncover the legend of Pegleg Smith's Lost Gold and its clues. Join the adventure in Borrego Springs today!

Johnsons Win Peg Leg Liars Contest

10 de marzo de 2026

Michael & Julia Johnson won the 2026 Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest with a captivating performance. Read more about this annual tradition!

The Annual Liars’ Contest in Borrego Springs | March 7th

por Shandel Sutherland • 27 de enero de 2026

Join the Annual Liars’ Contest on March 7, 2026. Share your tall tales at American Legion Post 853 and enjoy community storytelling!

Pegleg Smith Monument near Borrego Springs

Pegleg Smith Monument: A Must-See Near Borrego Springs

por Shandel Sutherland • 7 de agosto de 2024

Discover the fascinating Pegleg Smith Monument near Borrego Springs. Learn about its history, significance, and how to visit this unique landmark.

Harry Oliver: The Desert Rat of Borrego Springs

por Shandel Sutherland • 1 de marzo de 2024

Harry Oliver's legacy in Borrego Springs is a tapestry woven from tales of adventure, whimsy, and the enduring spirit of the Desert Rat. His impact on the cultural and historical landscape of the Anza-Borrego Desert continues to be celebrated, a testament to a man whose life was as vibrant and enduring as the desert he loved.

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