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.

Fr. Michael Plekon • April 30, 2024

Bishop Susan Brown Snook Celebrates Fr. David Madsen's Ministry at St. Barnabas, Borrego Springs

Bishop Susan Brown Snook celebrates the new ministry of Fr David and Naomi Madsen at St. Barnabas

On February 25, 2024, Bishop Susan Brown Snook of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego made her annual visitation to St. Barnabas parish. She preached and presided at the Eucharist and in the course of the service celebrated the new ministry of Fr. David Madsen as rector of the parish. Fr. David and Naomi began service at St. Barnabas on May 1, 2023. Fr. David previously was rector of St. Alban Episcopal Church in El Cajon. There he inaugurated Welcome Ministry, an outreach to migrants from the Middle East living in El Cajon. This ministry was ecumenical, involving the Presbyterian, Lutheran and other churches there. It provided food, housing support, employment counseling and regular Arabic-English liturgies. Naomi previous with the social ministries of the United Methodist Church. Since arriving in Borrego, Fr David and Naomi have been intensely dedicated to community service. They have trucked firewood to the asylum seekers' encampments in Jacumba. He has continued, with her, to be involved with the El Cajon Welcome Ministry, while at the same time joining the Borrego Ministers Association, Rotary, the St. Barnabas food bank, among other activities supporting those in need in greater Borrego. Both the congregation community of St. Barnabas and the larger Borrego community welcome the wonderful service of Fr. David and Naomi Madsen and wish them many years of joy and good work here.

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The Rev. Michael Plekon, PhD
Professor Emeritus: Sociology, Religion & Culture The City University of New York - Baruch College

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George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.