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 • May 21, 2024

RAAM Teams to Ride Through Borrego Springs on June 15

RAAM teams will ride through Borrego Springs on June 15. Support local rider Sylvia Maas in raising funds for scholarships for graduating seniors.

Supporting Local Students with RAAM Rider Sylvia Maas

Borrego Springs, CA – On June 15 at approximately 5 PM, the Race Across America (RAAM) teams will pass through Borrego Springs. This thrilling event, known for being one of the longest and toughest endurance cycling races globally, provides a unique chance for our community to come together.

What is RAAM?

The Race Across America is:

Over 3,000 miles long, spanning from the west to the east coast of the United States.
Continuous, with no stages, pushing cyclists to ride non-stop day and night.
Known for its diverse terrains and challenging weather conditions.

Meet Sylvia Maas

Local RAAM rider Sylvia Maas, a dedicated Soroptimist and experienced RAAM participant, is spearheading a fundraising campaign to support our community's graduating seniors. Her mission is to raise $7,000, which will be distributed as seven $1,000 scholarships.

Maas's Fundraising Goals

Total Goal: $7,000
Scholarships: Seven $1,000 scholarships
Purpose: To help students cover essential expenses such as:
Dorm room furnishings
Laptops
Books
Transportation
Other costs associated with starting college

"My fundraising goal this year is to raise $7,000 in scholarship money, giving seven $1,000 scholarships to help the kids get ready for their freshman college year. Whether they need dorm room furnishings, a laptop, books, transportation, or help with any other costs that incur so quickly once a student is on campus. Hopefully, this money can help the kids with a successful start to their new world,” Maas shared.

Why Borrego Springs Students Need Help

Borrego Springs is a small, tight-knit community with limited resources. Many families face financial challenges, making it difficult for graduating seniors to afford the costs associated with starting college. These scholarships aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens and give students a better chance to succeed in their higher education endeavors.

The Role of Soroptimist

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The Borrego Springs chapter focuses on various community initiatives, including educational support and scholarships for young women, to help them achieve their academic and career goals.

How to Support

The community is encouraged to contribute to this effort. Every dollar donated goes directly to scholarships, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds support local students. Donations can be made through PayPal.

Join the Event

Residents and visitors are invited to enjoy the spectacle of the RAAM teams passing through Borrego Springs. It’s a perfect occasion to:

Witness the endurance and determination of the RAAM cyclists.
Support Sylvia Maas's initiative.
Make a positive impact on the lives of young graduates.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

La Casa del Zorro Offers Sunset Dinner Specials

By Andrea McKenna • September 26, 2026

Sunset Dinner Specials at La Casa del Zorro

Puttin’ on the Glitz Gala to Support Performing Arts in Borrego Springs

By BSPAC • September 26, 2026

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center is seeking sponsors for its November 21 fundraiser

Borrego Soulworks Brings a Space to Rest and Recharge to Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 20, 2026

Owner Cristina Serrentino offers Reiki sessions by appointment on Palm Canyon Drive.

“The Outliers” Opening Reception at The Gallery at The Palms

By Elizabeth Rodriquez • September 20, 2026

Celebrate self-taught visionary artists on Friday, October 2, from 5–8 p.m.

Start Your Story | FREE Community Writing Workshop

By BSPAC • September 19, 2026

Turn Your Life Experiences Into a Story Worth Sharing

Borrego Village Campus: Up to 60 Affordable Homes Proposed on Donated Land

By Andrea McKenna • September 11, 2026

Wellsprings Community Foundation would put housing for seniors and workers, a fire station, and a clinic on 22 donated acres in the center of town

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.

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store Is Open for the Season

By Andrea McKenna • September 1, 2026

Frugal Coyote Thrift Store is open for the season! Shop vintage clothing & unique finds while supporting local programs. Visit us today!

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.