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.

Andrea McKenna • June 10, 2026

Free ESL Tutor Training Workshop

Helping Adults Learn English Across San Diego County

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while helping others build confidence in English? The Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego County is offering a Free ESL Tutor Training Workshop for volunteers interested in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adult learners throughout San Diego County.

The workshop provides the training, materials, and support needed to become an ESL tutor. No previous teaching experience is required. Volunteers will learn practical techniques for helping adults improve their English skills while making a positive impact in their communities.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Encinitas County Library
540 Cornish Dr.
Encinitas, CA 92024

Why Become an ESL Tutor?

Learning English can open doors to employment opportunities, education, community involvement, and greater independence. Volunteer tutors play an important role in helping adult learners reach these goals.

Participants in the training will receive:

All training materials provided
Instruction on effective ESL tutoring methods
Opportunities to serve communities across San Diego County
Ongoing support from the Laubach Literacy Council

Making a Difference Through Language

The Laubach Literacy Council follows the philosophy of "Each One Teach One," empowering volunteers to help adults strengthen their language skills one learner at a time. By becoming an ESL tutor, volunteers can contribute to building stronger, more connected communities while helping others achieve personal and professional goals.