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 • August 5, 2026

Toast to Borrego 2026

A Wine Tasting Fundraiser Supporting Women and Girls in Borrego Springs

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs looks forward to welcoming the community back for the next Toast to Borrego wine tasting fundraiser.

This annual event supports scholarships, career opportunities, and education for women and girls in Borrego Springs. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization focused on improving the lives of women and girls through programs that provide access to education, training, and opportunity.

Saturday, December 12, 2026
1:00–4:00 p.m.
UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center

Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs is currently on hiatus, and they look forward to reconnecting with the community later this year.

Contact info@borregosoroptimist.com if you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the event.