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 • August 22, 2026

Borrego Time Trial Classic Planned After World Championships Cancellation

Planet Ultra steps in with a new 6-, 12- and 24-hour endurance race for Oct. 31–Nov. 1, pending permits

A new ultra-endurance cycling event is being planned for Borrego Springs following the cancellation of the 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, a longtime fall event in the community.

Planet Ultra has announced the Borrego Time Trial Classic, scheduled for Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2026, pending permit approval.

The organization said the event was created specifically in response to the cancellation. Shortly after the World Time Trial Championships were called off, cyclists contacted Planet Ultra asking the organization to keep a 6-, 12- and 24-hour race in Borrego Springs.

Planet Ultra describes the new event as a “placeholder” for the recently canceled 24 Hour World Time Trial Championships, noting concern that putting an established event on hiatus can sometimes lead to its permanent disappearance.

The cancellation comes amid broader changes for Race Across America. RAAM has announced a pause of several of its events as the organization reviews their formats, participant experience and long-term sustainability.

Planet Ultra is planning the Borrego race for the same weekend that had originally been scheduled for the RAAM-organized event.

If permits are approved, cyclists will compete in 6-, 12- and 24-hour divisions, attempting to accumulate as many miles as possible during their selected time period.

The planned main course is an 18-mile loop with 347 feet of climbing, with a 4.8-mile short loop featuring 63 feet of elevation change.

Because the new race is being organized on a shortened timeline, Planet Ultra said competitors should expect a more grassroots, community-oriented event this year, with scaled-down awards and a more local field.

Organizers hope the event will preserve Borrego Springs’ place in ultra-cycling and eventually bring international competitors back to the desert in 2027.

The Borrego Time Trial Classic remains contingent on final permit approval. Commitments to register are being accepted at BorregoTTClassic.com.

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Tony Cecena to Lead Both Borrego Springs Resorts

By Andrea McKenna • October 13, 2026

The lifelong Borregan will oversee Borrego Springs Resort while continuing as General Manager of La Casa del Zorro. Tony Cecena has been appointed General Manager of Borrego Springs Resort in addition to his current role leading La Casa del Zorro, according to an announcement shared by Chris Adams. The appointment brings together two familiar desert destinations under shared leadership. La Casa del Zorro offers guest rooms and private casitas, dining, pools, tennis and pickleball. Borrego Springs Resort features rooms and suites with mountain or pool views, a heated pool and lighted tennis courts. For Cecena, the expanded role reconnects him with a property where he spent 22 years working across hotel and food operations, technology, accounting and sales. He began his hospitality career at La Casa del Zorro while attending high school. Adams described the arrangement as a partnership rooted in cooperation and collaboration, praising Cecena’s passion for hospitality. With deep ties to both properties, Cecena brings decades of experience and a longstanding commitment to the Borrego Springs community.

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