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 • March 30, 2025

Monthly Events at the Borrego Community Resource Center

Serving the community with essential services

The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) is at the heart of the community, offering essential services and a variety of events each month. Whether you're in need of food assistance, looking to improve your skills, or seeking support, the CRC is there for you and your neighbors.

Address: 587 Palm Canyon Dr #125, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Here's a look at the monthly events aimed at serving the entire community's needs:

Health & Human Services

Get help with CalFresh, CalWorks, Medi-Cal, and more. Services available on the first Tuesday of each month.

Grief Group - TBD

A non-denominational support group offering a safe space for anyone experiencing loss. All are welcome.

Weekly Food Bank – Tuesdays, 11:30 AM–4:30 PM

Healthy groceries available to over 280 families. Open to everyone in need.

Food Coupon Distribution – Wednesdays, 1:00–5:00 PM

Hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association. Simple sign-up, open to all local families.

Computer Literacy Classes – Thursdays, 9:30 AM

Build your digital skills at your own pace. Perfect for all levels.

English Classes – Thursdays, 6:30–8:00 PM

Free classes for all skill levels. Instructors and books provided.

Dog Training – Saturdays, 8:30 AM

Free group classes with trainer Linda Bates.
Text 562-818-2594 for details.

Jewelry Making – Saturdays, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Make beaded jewelry—free and fun for all ages.

AA Meetings

Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 11:00 AM

Let’s Go Borrego

Need a ride? This volunteer driver program helps with out-of-town medical visits, shopping, and more.
Call 760-237-8205 to learn more.

Stay Updated

Check the CRC Events Calendar and sign up for the newsletter to stay informed.

CRC Website

The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local families and individuals. The CRC offers a wide range of essential services, from food assistance to educational programs, helping our community thrive.

Please consider donating to the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center to help us continue providing these vital services. Your contribution makes a difference!

Donate Today

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

OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • November 10, 2026

This is more than a bike ride. The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom Ride in Borrego Springs takes place Saturday, November 21, and brings together riders, friends, families, and the recovery community for a full day of connection and celebration, in association with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Join the ride through the desert, jump into the pickleball tournament (all skill levels welcome), and enjoy meals provided for the riders as we come together to mark sobriety, share stories, and support one another. Whether you’re riding, playing, volunteering, or simply showing up, you’re part of this. Come be part of something bigger than any single activity — come be part of the Ascent to Freedom. “We wanted this to be a fun day that everyone can enjoy. Come meet the Opicure Community and grow with us,” says OpiCure Foundation President Cullen Easter. In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert, this inaugural OpiCure event brings together people in recovery, their families, and the cycling community to celebrate sobriety, share stories of strength, and raise awareness about the opioid crisis. "By turning the simple act of riding into a collective ascent toward freedom, it shows that recovery is possible, community heals, and every pedal stroke can move us closer to a life beyond addiction," says Cullen. "The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom is about community, movement, and celebrating recovery in every form." OpiCure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation focused on addressing opioid-related addiction and deaths. More information on the event is available at opicureride.com .