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 • July 7, 2025

Gaming, Videos, and Real-Life Skills

Borrego Springs Youth Media Club

Looking for something fun that also teaches you real-life skills?

The Create, Stream, Share Media Club is a new program for youth in Borrego Springs to learn how to create videos, stream gameplay, start podcasts, and use real digital tools. It’s hands-on, beginner-friendly, and designed to build confidence, creativity, and community.

This club isn’t just about learning tech. It’s about developing skills that will help you in school, future jobs, and even right here in Borrego Springs.

What You’ll Learn

Video and Audio Production

Film and edit short videos
Try out podcasting or interviews
Use cameras, mics, and editing software

Streaming and Gaming Tools

Learn how to stream gameplay
Use OBS Studio to record and go live

Real-World Skills

The Media Club isn’t just about content—it’s about gaining real experience that translates into everyday life, school success, and even future jobs.

Speak clearly and confidently

Learn how to present your ideas, explain your thinking, and communicate with others in a way that gets heard. These skills help in class presentations, interviews, and any job that involves talking to people.

Collaborate on creative projects

Work with a team, share responsibilities, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. Learning how to work well with others is one of the most valuable skills in both life and the workplace.

Practice planning, presenting, and completing a project

From start to finish, you’ll learn how to take an idea and turn it into a finished product—just like in school or on the job. These experiences build problem-solving, organization, and follow-through.

Gain experience with tools used in schools and careers

You’ll use real media tools—like OBS, audio recorders, video editors, and more—that are also used in marketing, education, nonprofit work, design, and journalism. These are the kinds of tools small businesses, schools, and organizations in Borrego Springs are using to promote themselves and connect with the public.

Why It Matters for Borrego Springs

Local businesses need help getting online, sharing their stories, and reaching new customers. Nonprofits need videos and outreach materials. The skills you learn here can directly support our community. Whether you're helping a local artist set up a video portfolio or designing a short video for a business, you’re contributing to the future of Borrego Springs—while building your own.

To learn more or sign up for the Media Club:

Email: Pastor.Mateo.M@gmail.com

Contact Person: Pastor Mateo

All questions are welcome. No experience needed. Just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try something new.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Shop the Rack, Support the Community: Frugal Coyote Launches Nonprofit of the Month

By Anna Abatzoglou Executive Director, Borrego Valley Endowment Fund • September 24, 2026

Frugal Coyote is giving shoppers a new way to support Borrego Springs with its Nonprofit of the Month program.

Borrego Springs Resident Spotlight: Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia

By Andrea McKenna • September 14, 2026

Meet Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, a lifelong Borrego Springs resident, mother, community leader and OLAX founder whose heart for helping others has shaped generations.

A Conversation About Community: Martha Deichler on Opportunity in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • August 30, 2026

Martha Deichler discusses the Community Resource Center's impact on local services & education. Read more about community growth!

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.

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