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 Valley Endowment Fund • July 2, 2026

Functionally Fit for Life Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Seven Borrego Springs Students Pursuing Health and Wellness Careers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

$10,000 awarded to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing health and wellness careers.

Functionally Fit for Life has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to seven Borrego Springs students pursuing careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others.

Through a partnership with the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF), which served as fiscal sponsor and administrator of the scholarship program, 100 percent of donated funds were distributed directly to scholarship recipients. BVEF waived all administrative fees, ensuring every dollar raised supported local students.

Originally established to support students pursuing degrees and careers in kinesiology, exercise science, and nutrition, the scholarship program expanded this year to recognize the strong interest among Borrego students pursuing careers in healthcare. As a result, two scholarship categories were created.

Category 1: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Nutrition Scholarships ($2,000 each)

This year's recipients are:

Peter Rodriguez, who recently completed his sophomore year at Palomar College and is pursuing a degree in kinesiology with plans to attend physical therapy school.

Angel Vilchis, who earned an associate degree in University Studies in Health and Fitness from Palomar College and plans to transfer to California State University San Marcos to complete a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy.

Christopher Alcaraz Arias, a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend Palomar College and pursue a degree in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer.

Category 2: Healthcare Career Scholarships ($1,000 each)

This year's recipients are:

Abigail Gonzalez, who completed her freshman year at Chico State University and is completing prerequisite coursework for admission to the university's nursing program.

Anavey Gonzalez, a recent Borrego Springs High School graduate who plans to attend California State University Fullerton and pursue a career as an MRI technician.

Lylamae Gutierrez, who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College pursuing a nursing degree.

Evelyn Cordova, who recently graduated from Borrego Springs High School and is enrolled at Mt. San Jacinto College studying diagnostic medical sonography.

“All seven recipients have chosen a career in which they will have significant positive impacts on people’s lives—physically, mentally and emotionally—and I am thrilled we were able to support them in the pursuit of their dreams,” said Mike Puzzo, founder of Functionally Fit for Life.

“What makes philanthropy so meaningful is that it allows a community to invest directly in the dreams, ambitions, and futures of its people,” said Anna ABatzoglou, Executive Director of the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund. “Scholarships like these send a powerful message to students: we see your hard work, we're proud of what you've accomplished, and we're rooting for your success. We're grateful to Functionally Fit for Life for making this opportunity possible and honored to help support these students as they pursue their education and career goals."

About Functionally Fit for Life

Functionally Fit for Life is dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and wellness while supporting educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, and related fields.

About the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund

The Borrego Valley Endowment Fund is a community foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in Borrego Springs through philanthropy, healthcare access, community investment, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the future of the community

Learn More

Community members interested in learning more about future philanthropic opportunities that support Borrego Springs, are encouraged to contact the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund at info@bvefund.org or at (760)-315-8330.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Puttin’ on the Glitz Gala to Support Performing Arts in Borrego Springs

By BSPAC • November 13, 2026

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center is seeking sponsors for its November 21 fundraiser

Borrego Springs Honors Veterans at Christmas Circle

By Andrea McKenna • November 12, 2026

American Legion Post 853 hosted Borrego Springs’ Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at the Christmas Circle Community Park bandstand.

SLOWJAMASTAN CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH HISTORIC TERRITORIAL EXPANSION

By Robert Dobalina, Slowjamastan • November 12, 2026

World-Famous Micronation to Announce Five-Acre Expansion, Unveil Two New States During November 14 Jubilee The Republic of Slowjamastan is celebrating its fifth anniversary of independence with a historic announcement: the nation is expanding its territory by nearly 50 percent. On Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM, Slowjamastan will host its 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee, featuring the official announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony for five newly acquired acres of land, one for each year of independence. The five additional acres, contiguous with the nation's existing 11-acre territory, bring Slowjamastan's total footprint to 16 acres. The public is invited to participate in the festivities, which include: • Historic ribbon-cutting celebrating Slowjamastan's territorial expansion. • Two new states officially commemorated within the nation. • Visa-free entry for the first 10,000 visitors. Crocs remain strictly prohibited. • Free Cactus Cooler while supplies last. • Meet and greet with The Sultan and the Chief of the Porder Batrol. "Five years. Five acres. Sixteen acres of freedom, questionable legislation, and absolutely no Crocs," said The Sultan. "Most countries celebrate anniversaries with cake. We bought more country." Founded in 2021, the Republic of Slowjamastan has attracted worldwide media attention for its unconventional approach to nation-building, complete with its own government, passports, border checkpoints, and national traditions. EVENT DETAILS What: Slowjamastan's 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1–3 PM Where: Republic of Slowjamastan, Imperial County, California. See slowjamastan.org/location Admission: Free Learn more about Slowjamastan: www.slowjamastan.org MEDIA CONTACT Robert Dobalina bob@slowjamastan.org

Community Resource Center Invites Everyone to Annual Friend-Raiser Open House

By Andrea McKenna • November 11, 2026

Food, friends, entertainment and community spirit come together Friday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) in The Mall. The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is opening its doors for its annual Friend-Raiser Open House, inviting residents, visitors and newcomers to stop by, meet some friendly faces and learn more about the organization. The CRC is an important part of the Borrego Springs community, providing food assistance, educational opportunities and programs that bring people together. From its food bank to citizenship classes, Spanish lessons, computer literacy, exercise and Ballet Folklórico, the center offers resources and activities for people of all ages. The Friend-Raiser is an opportunity to see what the CRC is all about, meet the people behind its programs and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food, wine and presentations featuring Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico , along with local dogs training for American Kennel Club (AKC) Rally Obedience titles. Whether you're a longtime supporter, new to Borrego Springs or simply curious about what the CRC offers, everyone is welcome to come by. Stop in, say hello, meet some friendly faces and celebrate the community connections that make Borrego Springs special! Event Details Friend-Raiser Open House Friday, November 13, 2026 5–8 p.m. Community Resource Center (CRC) Located in The Mall, Borrego Springs All are welcome!

SAVE THE DATE!: ARTTALK with artist ARhAyas PSonn AllureA

By Elizabeth Rodriquez • November 11, 2026

Join the artist ARhAyas PSonn AllureA for ARTTALK on Saturday, November 21 at 3pm at The Gallery at The Palms to converse about his assemblage collages relating to the erasure of Goddess wisdom and its metamorphosis to time present. Refreshments will be served for your enjoyment. The Gallery at The Palms is located at 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004

OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • November 10, 2026

This is more than a bike ride. The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom Ride in Borrego Springs takes place Saturday, November 21, and brings together riders, friends, families, and the recovery community for a full day of connection and celebration, in association with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Join the ride through the desert, jump into the pickleball tournament (all skill levels welcome), and enjoy meals provided for the riders as we come together to mark sobriety, share stories, and support one another. Whether you’re riding, playing, volunteering, or simply showing up, you’re part of this. Come be part of something bigger than any single activity — come be part of the Ascent to Freedom. “We wanted this to be a fun day that everyone can enjoy. Come meet the Opicure Community and grow with us,” says OpiCure Foundation President Cullen Easter. In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert, this inaugural OpiCure event brings together people in recovery, their families, and the cycling community to celebrate sobriety, share stories of strength, and raise awareness about the opioid crisis. "By turning the simple act of riding into a collective ascent toward freedom, it shows that recovery is possible, community heals, and every pedal stroke can move us closer to a life beyond addiction," says Cullen. "The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom is about community, movement, and celebrating recovery in every form." OpiCure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation focused on addressing opioid-related addiction and deaths. More information on the event is available at opicureride.com .