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 • June 7, 2024

Film in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego: The Ideal Location

Filming in Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego State Park

Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego State Park provide filmmakers with a unique and diverse setting for their projects. The region’s vast landscapes and supportive infrastructure make it an ideal choice for film production. Recently, renowned director Paul Thomas Anderson selected the area for his latest project, showcasing its appeal as a filming destination. Below are practical reasons why this location stands out for filmmakers:

Varied and Scenic Landscapes

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, covering over 600,000 acres, offers a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to expansive desert views. Notable formations such as the Borrego Badlands provide filmmakers with distinctive backdrops. These diverse terrains can mimic various environments, from desert scenes to small-town settings, allowing for flexible filming without extensive travel. The park’s geological features, including sedimentary layers from ancient lake beds, add depth to any production.

Accessibility and Local Amenities

Borrego Springs is accessible by road and provides key amenities for film crews, such as lodging, dining, and equipment rentals. Its proximity to Hollywood makes it a convenient location for productions aiming to reduce travel time and maximize on-set efficiency.

Supportive and Safe Community

Borrego Springs is known for its safety and supportive local community, offering an environment conducive to smooth filming operations. The Borrego Springs Film Institute (BSFI) fosters filmmaking in the area by hosting the annual Borrego Springs Film Festival (BSFF) and other community events, which provide networking and exposure opportunities for filmmakers.

Ideal for Night Filming

Anza-Borrego’s dark skies make it a prime location for night scenes and celestial shots. The area is one of Southern California’s best spots for observing stars, providing filmmakers with naturally dramatic night-time visuals.

Film Festival and Local Resources

The Borrego Springs Film Festival highlights the region’s appeal to filmmakers. Local organizations, such as the ABDNHA (Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association) and BSFI, can assist in finding ideal filming locations. The local chamber of commerce is well-versed in supporting film productions, offering accommodations and privacy for cast and crew.

Simplified Filming Permits

Filmmakers can benefit from a simplified permitting process, facilitated by local authorities and the Anza-Borrego Foundation. This streamlined process saves time and reduces the administrative load, allowing filmmakers to focus on production.