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 • May 14, 2024

Geomagnetic Storm Delights Borrego Springs: Auroral Blast

Aurora Enthralls Locals and Photographers

Recently, Borrego Springs was treated to a rare and spectacular sight—a geomagnetic storm brought the aurora borealis into view, captivating locals and photographers alike. Here’s a recap of the event and what made it so special.

The Nights of May 10th and 11th

The sky above Borrego Springs lit up with vibrant auroras, a rare occurrence for this region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) had predicted a powerful G4 storm, and it did not disappoint. Residents and photographers gathered in dark areas away from city lights to witness this celestial phenomenon.

The Science Behind the Show

The awe-inspiring display was caused by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from sunspot region 3664. This massive sunspot, fifteen times the diameter of Earth, had been particularly active, launching multiple CMEs toward our planet. These CMEs combined to create a powerful "cannibal" CME, resulting in the stunning auroras visible as far south as California and Alabama in the U.S.

SEVERE GEOGMAGNETIC STORM HAS ARRIVED! AURORAL BLAST EXPECTED FRIDAY NIGHT

LATEST ABOUT AURORA BOREALIS

What causes the aurora?

"In a nutshell, the magnetic field that comes along for a ride in the blast of particles released in a CME, couples with Earth's magnetic field. This creates a conduit that funnels those particles — electrons and protons — at high speed into the atmosphere over the planet's polar regions." ~ Source: Bob King

Capturing the Moment

Photographers in Borrego Springs took advantage of the clear skies and dark locations to capture the auroras. Equipped with cameras and tripods, they documented the colorful light show, sharing their photos with the community. The auroras displayed a range of colors from pale greens to vivid reds and purples, a sight usually reserved for more northern latitudes.

Insights from Astronomer Dennis Mammana

"These two graphics illustrate why we see mostly red (and sometimes blue/purple) from low latitudes, while at higher latitudes we see green, red and other colors. Thanks to aurorasaurus.org and space.com ." ~ Astronomer Dennis Mammana

Learn More About Dennis: https://dennismammana.com

Community Reaction

The local community was thrilled by the unexpected spectacle. Many had never seen an aurora before and were amazed by the vibrant colors and dynamic movements in the sky. Social media buzzed with shared photos and excited comments, bringing a sense of wonder and unity to Borrego Springs.