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.

Best Route from San Diego to Borrego Springs

Best Route to Borrego Springs and Anza Borrego from San Diego

Road Travel Suggestions to Borrego Springs

Whether you're driving a sports car or just looking for the most scenic way to Borrego Springs, there are several routes that cater to both speed and beauty. Here's a breakdown of the best options, depending on where you're starting from in San Diego.

From Central San Diego (Downtown and Airport Area)

The Scenic Mountain Route (Via Ramona and Julian)

Route: Take I-8 East, then merge onto CA-67 North toward Ramona. Continue to CA-78 East through Julian. From Julian, take the Banner Grade and then follow Yaqui Pass Road into Borrego Springs.
Why It's Great: This route provides an adventurous drive through mountain curves and offers stunning views, especially as you descend into Borrego Springs.
Tip: Stop in Julian for a slice of famous apple pie!

Quickest Route via Ocotillo and the Desert

Route: Take I-8 East to Ocotillo. Exit on Imperial Highway, which turns into the Great Southern Overland Stage Route. Follow this road and take a right onto CA-78 to Borrego Springs.
Why It's Great: Though less scenic, this is the most direct desert route, perfect if you're short on time.
Tip: Watch for wildlife and stop at the Red Ocotillo for lunch once you arrive in Borrego Springs.

From Northern San Diego (La Jolla, Escondido)

The Ranchita Route (Via Santa Ysabel)

Route: Take I-15 North and exit on Via Rancho Parkway. Merge onto CA-78 East through Escondido, passing through Santa Ysabel and Ranchita. Follow San Felipe Road to Montezuma Valley Road, which takes you directly into Borrego Springs.
Why It's Great: Montezuma Grade offers panoramic desert views as you descend into Borrego Springs. This route gives you a taste of rural San Diego County with less traffic.
Tip: Pull over at one of the viewpoints on Montezuma Grade for a picture-perfect photo.

Highway 79 Through the Mountains

Route: Start on CA-78 East from Escondido. Once you reach Santa Ysabel, turn left onto CA-79 South. From here, follow signs toward Ranchita and Borrego Springs via Montezuma Grade.
Why It's Great: Slightly longer but offers scenic views and fewer twisty roads compared to the Julian route.
Tip: Bring a camera for breathtaking scenery as you pass through the high desert.

From Eastern San Diego (El Cajon, La Mesa)

I-8 East to Highway 79

Route: Take I-8 East, then exit at CA-79 North toward Julian. From Julian, continue on CA-78 East, and follow Yaqui Pass Road into Borrego Springs.
Why It's Great: A mix of high desert and mountain scenery without excessive detours.
Tip: Beat the weekend rush by leaving early in the morning.

Final Tips for Your Drive

Traffic Considerations: Weekday mornings are ideal for minimal traffic. Weekend afternoons tend to get busy, especially in the Julian area.
Driving Safety: If you're driving a sports car, be cautious on the mountain roads—there are sharp curves and potential wildlife crossings.
Best Stops: Julian for apple pie, Ranchita for its quirky sculptures, and the viewpoints on Montezuma Grade for unbeatable desert vistas.

Whichever route you choose, Borrego Springs promises a memorable drive and stunning desert beauty!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Yacht Club in the Borrego Desert

By Andrea McKenna • September 28, 2026

Borrego Springs Yacht Club Brings Model Sailboat Racing to Rams Hill Borrego Springs is home to an unusual desert pastime: model yacht racing. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club was founded in 2010 by Steve Luckman and Dennis Daoust. The club has grown to about 40 members and operates at a pond on the former nine-hole golf course at Rams Hill. Members race V32 sailboats, 32-inch non-motorized model boats controlled remotely through their sails and rudders. The boats were manufactured in California for decades but are no longer in production. Races typically draw 16 to 20 boats, with courses marked by duck decoys used as buoys. The racing season runs from November through May, although members can practice throughout the year. Six club events are held during the season, including Opening Day in November, the Pacific Cap in January, the Invitational in February, the Misplace Race in March, the Powder Puff in April and the Tequila Bowl in May. Winners receive trophies that are held until the next event. The club also maintains a palapa-style clubhouse and hillside seating overlooking the pond, providing space for members and spectators during race days. Membership was listed at $250 per year. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club offers a distinctive local version of sailing, combining competition, model boat craftsmanship and community activity in the desert. If you have any interest, contact Dennis Daoust at captain-havoc@earthlink.net .

The History of The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 22, 2026

Mid-century design and a community vision that began in 1965.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

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