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.

Borrego Springs Local • September 22, 2021

Commercial Filming In Anza Borrego State Park

Exploring the Beauty of Anza Borrego State Park: A Guide to Filming in the Park

Anza Borrego State Park, located in Southern California, is the largest state park in California, covering over 600,000 acres of desert landscape. This guide provides essential information for filmmakers planning to film commercially in the park.

Permits and Fees

To film in Anza Borrego State Park, you must obtain a permit from the California Film Commission. The permit is free, but additional fees are required for other services, including review and monitor/inspection fees, on-site inspections during filming, application rider fees, and hourly rates for monitors. Fees vary depending on the service and location within the park.

Equipment and Logistics

Filming in Anza Borrego State Park requires careful consideration of the terrain and environment. The park features rocky hills, canyons, sandy dunes, and open desert. It's crucial to have the right equipment for these conditions to ensure a smooth filming process.

Climate: The park can be very hot during the day. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats to protect yourself and your crew from the sun. Keep your gear cool to avoid overheating.

Wind: The park can be windy, posing a risk to your equipment. Bring proper equipment like sandbags or tripod weights to secure your gear. A windscreen for microphones can reduce wind noise.

Specialized Equipment: The park’s unique landscapes, such as slot canyons and nighttime scenes, may require specialized lighting equipment.

Locations

Anza Borrego State Park offers several stunning locations perfect for filming:

Fonts Point: Offers stunning views of the desert landscape from the edge of a cliff.
Borrego Palm Canyon: Home to a lush palm grove.
Slot Canyon: A narrow, winding canyon ideal for dramatic shots.
Elephant Trees: Features a grove of ancient elephant trees unique to the area.

Filming Tips

When filming in Anza Borrego State Park, it is essential to follow the park's rules and regulations to ensure safety and respect for the natural environment.

Drone Prohibition: Drones are not allowed in the park’s airspace due to the stress they cause to wildlife, potential threats to natural features, visitor experience, privacy, and risks of collision with manned aircraft.

Respect Natural Resources: Avoid disturbing or damaging natural features and do not interfere with wildlife. The park is home to many unique plants and animals that need protection.

State Permit Monitor Fees

California Film Commission:
Permit Fee: Free
Rider Fee: Free
State Property Location Site Rental: Free
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans):
Review and Monitor/Inspection Fees: $140.00/hour
On-site Inspection During Filming: $140.00/hour
Weeknight and Weekend Monitor/Inspection Fees: Time and a half
Application Rider Fee: $140.00
California Highway Patrol (CHP):
Sergeant: $124.67/hour
Motorcycle Sergeant: $129.62/hour
Officer: $102.48/hour
Motorcycle Officer: $106.55/hour
Mileage for Vehicle: $1.41/mile
Mileage for Motorcycle: $1.67/mile
State Parks and Recreation:
Review Fee – Simple Productions: $100.00/day*
Review Fee – Complex Productions: $250.00/day*
Review Fee – Blanket (1-6 months – stills) where available: $300
Review Fee – Blanket (7-12 months – stills) where available: $500
Hourly Rates for Monitors:
Peace Officers/Ranger: $105.00
Envir./Cultural Resources: $95.00
Maintenance: $56.00
Park Interpreters: $55.00
Administration: $48.00
Lifeguard (Seasonal): $39.00
Park Aide: $29.00
Mileage for Monitors: $0.76/mile
Vehicle Parking and Daily Entrance Fees: $8.00 – $20.00 per vehicle or space

*Some fees are not collected by the California Film Commission, including State Parks daily entrance/parking fee and California Highway Patrol (CHP) fees, which are collected directly by the relevant department. Source: California Film Commission.

By following these guidelines and respecting the park's rules and environment, filmmakers can ensure a successful and respectful shoot in Anza Borrego State Park.