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 7, 2023

Harry Oliver’s Legacy: Anza Borrego’s Pegleg Smith

The Peg Leg Smith Monument: A Desert Enigma

Nestled within the vast expanse of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Peg Leg Smith Monument stands as a peculiar testament to local lore and history. This enigmatic pile of rocks, located in Borrego Springs, California, commemorates the life and times of Thomas Long Smith, a 19th-century prospector whose name has become synonymous with the region.

A Timeline of the Legend

19th Century: Thomas Long Smith, a prospector with a wooden leg, becomes a colorful figure in the Borrego Springs area. Rumors of his incredible wealth and the location of a hidden gold mine begin to circulate. While no concrete evidence supports these claims, Smith's larger-than-life persona captivates the local populace.

Early 20th Century: The legend of Pegleg Smith continues to grow, becoming a staple of local storytelling. Tales of his adventures and the elusive gold mine are passed down through generations.

Mid-20th Century: To honor the memory of Pegleg Smith, a local resident, often referred to as "Desert Steve" Ragsdale, erects the Peg Leg Smith Monument. The cairn of rocks becomes a physical representation of the legendary prospector and a popular stopping point for visitors to the area.

Present Day: The Peg Leg Smith Monument remains a unique and intriguing attraction within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While the truth behind the Pegleg Smith legend may be elusive, the monument serves as a reminder of the region's rich history and the power of storytelling.

Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the outdoors, or simply seeking a unique adventure, a visit to the Peg Leg Smith Monument is a must. Experience the magic of the desert and delve into the captivating tale of a legendary prospector.

Stone desert memorial marker with a plaque and red flower against a rocky hillside

PEG LEG SMITH MONUMENT

Historical Landmark

Thomas L. Smith, better known as 'Peg Leg,' 1801-1866, was a mountain man, prospector, and spinner of tall tales. Legends regarding his lost gold mine have grown through the years, and countless people have searched the desert for its fabulous wealth. The mine could be within a few miles of this monument.

Vintage white car parked beside roadside signs in a dry, rocky landscape

Three men in hats point at a dark plaque on a stone monument outdoors

Directions to Pegleg Smiths Monument

If you're looking to visit the Pegleg Smith Monument in Borrego Springs, here are the step-by-step directions:

From San Diego:

Take the I-15 North.
Merge onto CA-78 East and follow for approximately 44 miles.
Turn right onto Borrego Springs Road.

Entering Borrego Springs:

Continue on Borrego Springs Road for about 6 miles.
Make a left turn onto Palm Canyon Drive.

Approaching the Monument:

After 0.4 miles on Palm Canyon Drive, make a right turn onto Pegleg Smith Trail.
Follow PegLeg Smith Trail for about 0.3 miles.

Arriving at the Monument:

Turn left onto the site designated as Pegleg Smith #750.
The monument is approximately 300 feet from the turn.

The Peg Leg Smith Monument is located at:

Peg Leg Smith #750, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Remember, this is a historical site. Visitors are encouraged to respect the surroundings and preserve the integrity of the monument and the area. Enjoy your journey into the legends of Borrego Springs!