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.

Martin, Dirk and Marika Rosen • October 26, 2026

In Memory of Joan Delores Rosen

Woman at a market stall with decorated cakes and baked goods in an art gallery setting

Joan Delores Rosen, 95, Remembered for a Life of Art, Adventure and Conservation

The Borrego Springs community is mourning the passing of Kay Levie, an accomplished professional photographer, photojournalist, arts advocate, and longtime member of the community.

Kay’s love of photography began when she was young, using a Kodak Brownie box camera to photograph subjects such as jumping cats and running horses. Those early experiences helped develop the timing and instinct that later became central to her career.

She earned a degree in photography and worked professionally for decades, with a special passion for photojournalism and sports photography. Kay became an official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association photographer and photographed major rodeo events, including the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Her knowledge of horses and animal behavior helped her capture the intensity and unpredictability of the rodeo arena.

In Borrego Springs, Kay was also known for her many years of service to the Borrego Art Institute. She served on its Board of Directors, worked as Gallery Director, mentored artists, and helped lead the nationally recognized Plein Air Invitational.

Kay will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, artistic talent, leadership, and dedication to the community. Her work and influence touched countless artists, photographers, visitors, colleagues, and friends.

A Celebration of Life is being planned, and details will be shared when they become available.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Brice Weaver Portraits is booking holiday photo sessions!

By Andrea McKenna • October 26, 2026

Local award-winning photographer brings a less traditional approach to Christmas cards and family portraits

Akrofest Brings Precision Aerobatics to Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • October 26, 2026

Pilots take to the skies over Borrego Valley Airport for IAC Chapter 36’s annual fall competition The skies over Borrego Valley Airport came alive October 23 and 24 as Akrofest 2026 brought competitive aerobatic pilots, specialized aircraft and a full ground crew to Borrego Springs for two days of precision flying. Hosted by International Aerobatic Club Chapter 36 , Akrofest is one of two aerobatic competitions the chapter holds each year in Borrego Springs. Chapter 36, based at Borrego Valley Airport, has promoted precision aerobatics through competition, coaching and camaraderie since 1975. The chapter says its spring and fall contests are normally among the largest regional aerobatic competitions in the country. This year’s event was directed by Bryan Jones , with registration and practice beginning Thursday, October 22, followed by competition Friday and Saturday. Pilots gathered for mandatory morning briefings before flying began each day, and the weekend concluded with an awards banquet at Borrego Springs Resort. Built for Aerobatics Borrego Valley Airport has long been a destination for aerobatic pilots. The competition box sits immediately alongside the airport’s approximately 5,000-foot runway, allowing pilots, judges, volunteers and spectators to remain close to the action throughout the contest. Unlike an airshow, competitive aerobatics is about precision. Pilots fly prescribed sequences of loops, rolls, vertical lines, turns and other figures while judges on the ground evaluate how accurately each maneuver is performed. The 2026 contest offered all five power categories — Primary, Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced and Unlimited — as well as corresponding glider categories and a Four Minute Free program. Saturday’s posted flight order included competitors in the Sportsman, Advanced and Unlimited categories.

BSFI Free Movies -- NOVEMBER 2026 at BSPAC

By Matt Bosson, BSFI • October 25, 2026

All screenings are held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 . Our full schedule for 2026 is posted on the BSFI website: www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org . Please check the website for the most up to date information.

< Older Post

Newer Post >