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 • November 1, 2026

Rain or Shine, Borrego Shows Up for Trunk or Treat at The Mall

A few raindrops couldn’t keep the costumes home on Halloween night in Borrego Springs.

A little rain couldn't dampen the Halloween spirit in Borrego Springs! Families turned out in full force for The Mall's annual Trunk or Treat celebration, a Halloween tradition offering fun for all ages. From superheroes and princesses to monsters and creative costumes, children made their way from trunk to trunk collecting treats while the community enjoyed an evening of spooky decorations, festive displays and Halloween fun.

Trunks That Went All Out

The decorated trunks were the stars of the night. Every car was its own little Halloween scene, some spooky and some silly, and each one got its share of oohs and aahs. The hosts clearly put real time and creativity into their setups, and it showed.

Picture-Perfect Spots

There were plenty of fun places to stop for photos, and families made good use of them. Between the trunks, the costumes and the Halloween decor around The Mall, there was no shortage of moments worth saving.

Thank You, Borrego and The Mall!

Trunk or Treat has become a Borrego tradition, and this year was another great one. Thank you to The Mall in Borrego Springs for hosting, and to all the volunteers who kept the evening running smoothly from setup to takedown. Thanks also to every trunk host who decorated and handed out treats, and to every family who came out, rain or shine.

See you next Halloween!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Community Resource Center Invites Everyone to Annual Friend-Raiser Open House

By Andrea McKenna • November 1, 2026

Food, friends, entertainment and community spirit come together Friday, November 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) in The Mall. The Borrego Springs Community Resource Center is opening its doors for its annual Friend-Raiser Open House, inviting residents, visitors and newcomers to stop by, meet some friendly faces and learn more about the organization. The CRC is an important part of the Borrego Springs community, providing food assistance, educational opportunities and programs that bring people together. From its food bank to citizenship classes, Spanish lessons, computer literacy, exercise and Ballet Folklórico, the center offers resources and activities for people of all ages. The Friend-Raiser is an opportunity to see what the CRC is all about, meet the people behind its programs and connect with neighbors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy food, wine and presentations featuring Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico , along with local dogs training for American Kennel Club (AKC) Rally Obedience titles. Whether you're a longtime supporter, new to Borrego Springs or simply curious about what the CRC offers, everyone is welcome to come by. Stop in, say hello, meet some friendly faces and celebrate the community connections that make Borrego Springs special! Event Details Friend-Raiser Open House Friday, November 13, 2026 5–8 p.m. Community Resource Center (CRC) Located in The Mall, Borrego Springs All are welcome!

Studio 628 Opens the Season with “Mixed Tempos”

By Andrea McKenna • November 1, 2026

Six artists come together for a collective exhibition Check out the most recent review by Art Critic, Sally Walsh Gary Henderson Interiors Studio 628 will celebrate its season opening with Mixed Tempos, a collective exhibition featuring Kevin Goddess, Victoria Johnson, Kippi Leonard, Robert Landry, Wil Gardner and Marcy Gregory. Mixed Tempos at Studio 628 & Galeria el Patio 622 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs CA. Show goes through November, Gallery Hours Friday-Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM. Bringing six artists together in one exhibition, Mixed Tempos offers visitors an opportunity to explore their work and welcome the return of the local gallery season. The evening will also include a sneak preview of Galeria el Patio, adding another reason to stop by and see what’s ahead. Community members and visitors are invited to join the celebration, enjoy the exhibition and spend an evening connecting with Borrego Springs’ arts community.

ABDNHA Announces 2026–2027 Activities

By Andrea McKenna • October 31, 2026

From desert hikes and stargazing to educational lectures and guided tours, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) has posted its upcoming activities for the 2026–2027 season. The schedule offers opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the desert, learn about local history, observe wildlife and discover the natural wonders of Anza-Borrego. Programs include guided hikes, bird walks, four-wheel-drive excursions, astronomy presentations, nature journaling, cycling and educational lectures. Many outdoor activities are free, although advance registration is often required. November Highlights Nov. 2: Fern Canyon and Vandeventer Loop hike Nov. 6: Stargazing Borrego's Dark Sky Nov. 7: Deep Space Photography with Michael Poirier Nov. 8: Rainbow Wash & Beyond 4WD Tour Nov. 14–15: Annual Attic & Book Sale Nov. 21: Historic Borrego Walkabout Nov. 24: Full Moon Walk at South Palm Wash Nov. 27: The Fascinating Story of Borrego's Sky Art, with Diana Lindsay Nov. 28: Guided driving tour of Borrego's famous sculptures Looking Ahead December brings additional hikes, birding excursions, botany programs and lectures. The annual Desert Home & Garden Tour is scheduled for March 13, 2027, while a Mongolia tour is listed for June. Activities vary in difficulty, and some have participant limits or special vehicle requirements. Several programs offer discounted admission for ABDNHA members and volunteers. Explore the full schedule and register: ABDNHA Activities For reservations or additional information, contact the Borrego Desert Nature Center at 760-767-3098, or visit 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.

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