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 • November 30, 2024

Mary McGee’s Legacy in Borrego Springs

Mary McGee’s Legacy Lives On Through Babes in Borrego

Mary McGee, a trailblazer in motorsports and the first woman in America to race motorcycles, passed away on November 27, 2024, at the age of 87. A pioneer in a male-dominated industry, her fearless spirit continues to inspire women worldwide. In Borrego Springs, her influence shines through the annual "Babes in Borrego" motorcycle camping event—a celebration of empowerment, adventure, and the community McGee embodied.

Breaking Barriers in Motorsports

Mary McGee’s career was filled with groundbreaking achievements. In 1960, she became the first American woman to earn an International Motorcycling Federation license. Her courage and skill were undeniable when, in 1975, she became the first person to solo the Baja 500 on a motorcycle—a feat that solidified her status as a motorsports icon.

Encouraged by her friend and motocross legend Steve McQueen, McGee transitioned from road racing to off-road motorcycling, embracing the challenge with her life motto: “Always say yes.” As McGee herself shared in ESPN’s Motorcycle Mary, "I didn’t pay any attention to the barriers. I was having too much fun." Her resilience and enthusiasm inspired generations of riders to pursue their passion fearlessly.

The Birth of Babes in Borrego

In 2013, Borrego Springs became the birthplace of Babes in Borrego, an event co-founded by Ashmore Ellis and Anya Violet. What started as a simple idea to gather a few women riders for a camping weekend turned into a movement.

Ellis, inspired by her own journey into motorcycling, created a flyer inviting women to meet in Borrego Springs for an adventure. To her surprise, over 50 women showed up from across the country. “I can still close my eyes and hear those engines,” Ellis recalled. “I knew I wasn’t alone. I knew there were more of us out there.”

This first gathering sparked the creation of Babes Ride Out, a nationwide community of women riders. Events like Babes in the Dirt, focused on off-road adventures, followed. Each gathering builds on McGee’s legacy of connection and shared passion.

Borrego Springs: A Perfect Backdrop for Adventure

The serene beauty of Borrego Springs makes it an ideal destination for gatherings like Babes in Borrego. Its expansive desert landscapes, quiet charm, and welcoming community create a space where riders can connect, reflect, and explore.

Riders attending the event often stay at local favorites like The Red Ocotillo and Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, enjoying the town’s unique combination of comfort and rugged beauty. As Ellis shared, “We rent out the entire Palm Canyon Resort for Babes Ride Out Borrego. This town is where it started, and we’ve made it even better with more amenities and comfort for everyone.”

A Lasting Legacy

Mary McGee’s story continues to resonate, as celebrated in ESPN’s Motorcycle Mary, part of its 30 for 30 series. Her courage and determination left a profound impact on riders like Ashmore Ellis. “Mary’s one of us,” Ellis reflected. “She didn’t just talk about riding—she lived it, her way, through adversity and against all odds.”

Before her passing, McGee was honored by hundreds of women riders at a Mojave Desert event. The sound of dirt bikes roaring into the night paid tribute to a woman who showed the world what was possible when you embrace challenges and follow your passions.

Carrying the Torch

Today, Babes in Borrego and its related events carry forward McGee’s adventurous spirit. The Borrego Springs community plays a vital role in this tradition, serving as the foundation for a movement that inspires women to discover their strength, build connections, and embrace the thrill of the ride.

Motorcycle Mary | 30 for 30 Short

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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