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 • June 27, 2024

Paul Thomas Anderson Filming Around Borrego Springs

Paul Thomas Anderson's New Film Partially Filmed Around Borrego Springs

An upcoming untitled film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn is set to hit theaters on August 8, 2025. This film has generated buzz not just for its star-studded cast and director, but also for its unique filming locations, including in and around Borrego Springs.

YouTube: @Road2

Local Filming Locations

Part of the film's production took place in and around Borrego Springs, capturing the natural beauty and landscapes that define our area. Key scenes were shot along Montezuma Road, Henderson Canyon, Hellhole Canyon, and other spots within the Anza-Borrego Desert area. These locations will provide a stunning and authentic desert backdrop for the film.

Who is Paul Thomas Anderson?

Paul Thomas Anderson, also known as P.T. Anderson, is an acclaimed American filmmaker born on June 26, 1970, in Studio City, California. He is known for his distinctive storytelling and stylistic filmmaking, influenced by his early access to a vast array of films and his upbringing in the San Fernando Valley.

Notable Films:

Hard Eight (1996)
Boogie Nights (1997)
Magnolia (1999)
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
There Will Be Blood (2007)
The Master (2012)
Inherent Vice (2014)
Phantom Thread (2017)

P.T. Anderson's films are known for their complex characters, innovative use of lighting, and ensemble casts.

Crashed Cars Parked at Borrego Springs Resort - Paul Thomas Anderson Movie

Borrego Springs Resort Hosts Hollywood

Borrego Springs Resort hosted the production crews during their stay, providing accommodation and serving as a venue for wrap-up events and other logistics. The resort became a hub of activity, offering a glimpse into the workings of a major film production.

Photo By: Sicco Rood

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio spotted filming in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on May 24, 2024, for Paul Thomas Anderson's untitled film, releasing Aug. 8, 2025.

www.nbcsandiego.com

Film's Plot

Fox5SanDiego suggested that Sicco Rood believes the movie is a modern adaptation of the 1990 Thomas Pynchon novel “Vineland.” According to Goodreads, the book is about “a group of Americans in Northern California in 1984 that are struggling with the consequences of their lives in the 60s.” Learn More About Vineland

"It will be the director's most commercial effort to date, with Variety reporting the budget is approaching $100 million." - Variety

Social Media Mentions:

Leo arriving at the beginning of the week in Borrego Springs to film
by u/juju1174 in paulthomasanderson

Montezuma Valley Rd. closed for filming

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The Cinema of Paul Thomas Anderson (Director Cuts)

Learn More:

Leonardo DiCaprio landed at the Borrego Valley Airport -Borrego Sun

Movie Filming in Borrego Springs - Borrego Sun

The Montezuma Grade: Anza Borrego State Park

Jonny Greenwood to Score New Paul Thomas Anderson Film - Consequence.net

Actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn film in Borrego Springs - Desert Sun

Learn More About Film in Borrego Springs

Secure Your 2027 Concert Season Membership

By BSCCA Board • September 13, 2026

2027 Concert Season

Bargain Barn storefront sign on a white building with star decorations against a dark blue sky.

The Borrego Springs Bargain Barn: Season Update

By American Legion Post 853 Communications • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.

Nightfall Star Party Returns to Borrego Springs Nov. 6–7

By Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) • September 9, 2026

The Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference returns to Borrego Springs on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7,

OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • August 31, 2026

The Ascent to Freedom celebration is OpiCure Foundation's inaugural cycling event, uniting riders and community in Borrego Springs, California. It will be held on November 21, to honor recovery and the power of the bicycle to heal. The event is a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, as brothers and founders Cullen and Griffin Easter welcome members of the community to La Casa del Zorro for a day of riding, reflection and conviviality, and to strengthen the message and work of OpiCure. A community spirit will be at the forefront of an event dedicated to raising awareness through on-site information and advice around recovery, activities including a pickleball tournament, and a ride for those who wish to participate. The ride will be led by the Easter brothers and will take in the stunning scenery of Borrego Springs – it will cater to all levels of ability, with the aim to highlight the empowering joy that riding can bring to anyone willing to jump on a bicycle. Cullen Easter: “Please join us for the inaugural Ascent to Freedom Celebration. This day has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly excited to begin what we hope becomes a yearly tradition. It’s a day for community, a day for adventure on the bicycle, and a day to celebrate recovery and the freedom that can come from simply moving forward. “Borrego Springs and the desert feel like the perfect place to begin this journey—open roads, big skies, and a landscape that invites you to get outside, connect, and experience something together. Whether you come to ride, learn, support someone you love, or simply spend the day with us, you are welcome. We can’t wait to see you out there.” Griffin Easter: “OpiCure Foundation’s Ascent to Freedom Ride will be a day in the desert with friends and family you won’t want to miss. A beautifully curated ride with desert vistas, unique lifesize art metalwork, post ride lunch and even a pickleball tournament, there’s something for everyone. We’re so proud to host this inaugural event and celebrate both recovery as well as the freedom a bicycle provides. Mark this ride on your calendar, November 21st. I can’t wait to see everyone there.” Further details will be announced in due course, with a full program confirmed closer to the event date of November 21. The official ride website can be found at opicureride.com OpiCure Foundation was established by the Easter brothers to utilize the bicycle as a tool to assist those struggling with opioid addiction in their recovery process. Through bringing awareness to opioid abuse, redefining best practices for addiction recovery and devoting resources to affect positive change, it is in partnership with the cycling community that we can make a difference. Cullen Easter is an Emergency Department-registered nurse with a Bachelors in Nursing, who has first-hand professional experience in addiction recovery. He is also a proud father, professional cyclist, and leads the mission. Griffin Easter is Director of the team's elite competitive racing program, and competes at the world’s top gravel events across four continents, bringing the OpiCure name to recognition on an international stage.

Borrego Time Trial Classic Planned After World Championships Cancellation

By Andrea McKenna • August 22, 2026

Join the Borrego Time Trial Classic, an ultra-endurance cycling event on October 31 - November 1, 2026. Register now to compete!

BSFI Free Summer Movies -- AUGUST 2026 at BSPAC!

By Matt Bosson • August 15, 2026

Monthly

Under the Borrego Sky: A Local Look at Desert Life

By Andrea McKenna • August 13, 2026

Explore local insights on desert life, events, & community news. Stay updated on Borrego Springs happenings!

American Legion Post 853 Site Strengthens Borrego Connectivity

By Andrea McKenna • August 9, 2026

Learn how the new tower at American Legion Post 853 boosts connectivity for Borrego Springs residents. Stay connected and safe!

Star map of Perseus and Cassiopeia with the Perseids radiant marked between them

The Perseids Are Coming! | Week of Aug. 9-15, 2026

By Dennis Mammana • August 6, 2026

The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 13, 2026. Get tips for the best viewing experience in Borrego Springs!

Anza-Borrego Sunrise to Sunset: A Desert Documentary

By Andrea McKenna • August 4, 2026

Experience Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through a unique documentary. Watch the film online for free today!

Virtuoso Cellist Ruslan Biryukov to Open East County Performing Arts' 2026–27 Season in Julian

By East County Performing Arts • July 29, 2026

Award-Winning Cellist Ruslan Biryukov Performs Two Concerts in Julian

A Celestial Mother Lode | Week of Aug. 2-8, 2026

By Dennis Mammana • July 29, 2026

Experience stunning stargazing in Borrego Springs from Aug. 2-8, 2026. Join us for celestial wonders & the Nightfall Star Party in November.

Mercury & Mars at Dawn

By Dennis Mammana • July 23, 2026

Catch Mercury & Mars at dawn in Borrego Springs. Don't miss the Perseid meteor shower! Join us for stargazing tips and updates.

Anza-Borrego Foundation Trustee Lisa Biasillo Named Marine Science Institute Executive Director

By Marine Science Institute • July 20, 2026

Lisa Biasillo, Anza-Borrego Foundation trustee, is now Executive Director of the Marine Science Institute. Learn more about her vision for education.

The Great Summer Triangle | Week of July 19-25, 2026

By Dennis Mammana • July 18, 2026

Explore the Summer Triangle from July 19-25, 2026. Learn about Vega, Altair, and Deneb's stories in the night sky.

Exploring the Military History of Borrego Maneuver Area

By Fred Jee • July 17, 2026

Discover the military history of Borrego Maneuver Area in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, highlighting its role from 1942 to 1959 as a crucial military training and testing ground.