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 5, 2025

Fine Dining at Coyote Steakhouse

Full Menu

A Mid-Century Modern Experience

Located within the historic Palms at Indian Head, Coyote Steakhouse offers a fine dining experience that combines elegance and the charm of Borrego Springs’ mid-century modern heritage. Built in 1947 by the Hoberg family, The Palms was Borrego Springs' first full-service resort and remains a landmark of timeless sophistication. The restaurant, nestled in this iconic hotel, has become a beloved destination for romantic dinners, celebratory meals, and unforgettable evenings.

Award-Winning Cuisine

Coyote Steakhouse is renowned for its exceptional menu, featuring expertly prepared steaks, seafood, and fresh, seasonal dishes. It's no wonder it has earned the Travelers’ Choice Award as one of Borrego Springs' top dining establishments. From perfectly seared rib-eye to delicate salmon fillets, every dish showcases quality ingredients and culinary finesse.

Patrons consistently rave about the warm and attentive service. As Lesiel L. shared in a glowing review:

“We loved every aspect of our dinner. It was for a birthday, and they decorated the table and brought dessert with the staff singing for us. The food was excellent.”

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a peaceful evening, the team at Coyote Steakhouse goes above and beyond to make each visit memorable.

Cozy Ambiance

The restaurant’s interior reflects its mid-century modern roots, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting, tasteful decor, and an inviting bar area make it the perfect spot to relax before dinner with a specialty cocktail. The elegant yet understated setting pairs beautifully with the desert’s serene backdrop, offering a retreat from the ordinary.

Hours and Location

Coyote Steakhouse is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with the bar opening earlier at 4:30 PM. Reservations are recommended for this popular dining spot.

Address: 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Contact: (760) 440-6824 | stay@thepalmsatindianhead.com

Why Visit?

Coyote Steakhouse is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience steeped in history and exceptional hospitality. From its iconic location at the Palms at Indian Head to its award-winning menu, it’s a must-visit for those seeking fine dining in Borrego Springs.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, reserve a table today and discover the culinary delight that is Coyote Steakhouse.

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 .

The History of The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 22, 2026

Mid-century design and a community vision that began in 1965.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

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