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.

Andrea McKenna • May 30, 2026

UPDATE: Meet Sam and Diego, Borrego’s Baby Ravens

What a difference 10 days makes! May 20th to May 30th.

Two Young Ravens Capture Local Attention

Borrego has two new little locals: Sam and Diego, the baby ravens officially named by beloved Borrego Springs resident "Steve".

The young ravens are growing quickly in their nest, while their mother keeps a close watch nearby. Ravens are known to be protective parents, especially when their young are still in the nest or just beginning to explore nearby areas.

Common Ravens are highly intelligent birds. They can recognize faces, solve problems, remember food locations, and communicate with a wide range of calls. They are also strong fliers and are well adapted to desert environments like Borrego Springs.

Ravens build large nests from sticks, twigs, and other available materials. They often place them on cliffs, trees, utility poles, or building ledges where the nest is protected and elevated.

Young ravens usually leave the nest before they are fully independent. After fledging, they continue to rely on their parents for food and protection while they learn to fly, forage, and survive on their own.

For now, Sam and Diego are still under close supervision, and Mom is making sure everyone keeps a respectful distance.