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 • February 12, 2023

Finding Scorpions with Black Light in Borrego Springs

Belonging to the arachnid family, scorpions share their eight-legged anatomy with spiders, ticks, and mites. Equipped with dexterous pincers and a venomous stinger, they're not just predators but also use their venom to fend off threats.

Nighttime Spectacle: Scorpion Watching in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs, nestled in the vast Anza-Borrego State Park, offers a unique adventure for nature lovers: scorpion spotting. This activity becomes magical with a black light, revealing the hidden fluorescence of these elusive creatures.

Illuminated Nightlife: The Fluorescent Scorpions of the Desert

In the serene desert landscape of Borrego Springs, scorpions, usually hidden, become visible under black light, glowing with an ethereal fluorescence. This natural phenomenon transforms scorpion watching into an otherworldly experience.

Best Time for Scorpion Safaris: Embracing the Desert Heat

To maximize your chances of spotting scorpions, venture out on warm nights when temperatures soar above 70°F (21°C). The warmer periods from late spring to early fall mark the peak of scorpion activity, offering optimal conditions for sightings.

Navigating the Risks: Scorpion Safety Measures

While fascinating, scorpions pose certain risks. Their stings, akin to wasp stings in pain, can cause discomfort and, rarely, allergic reactions. Protective measures and a respectful distance ensure a safe interaction with these desert inhabitants.

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Embarking on a Scorpion Safari: Tips for an Enriching Experience

Timing is Crucial: Plan your search after dusk, when scorpions are most active.
Safety Precautions: Wear sturdy shoes and have both a regular flashlight and a black light.
Where to Look: Focus on scorpion hideouts like under rocks, in crevices, or sandy areas.
Observation Tactics: Use the black light to attract insects and possibly witness scorpions hunting.

The Educational Aspect: Learning from the Desert

Scorpion watching is not only thrilling but also educational. It offers insights into the role these creatures play in the desert ecosystem. Observing them respectfully enhances our understanding and appreciation of nature's intricacies.

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