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 • July 2, 2024

Sean Penn's Experience in Borrego Springs

Sean Penn photo credit: Chris Pizzello

Filming Paul Thomas Anderson's New Movie in Borrego Springs

Sean Penn recently shared his experiences in Borrego Springs during an interview on KCRW's "The Treatment." While promoting his new movie "Daddio," Penn recounted his time in the area for Paul Thomas Anderson's BC Project. He highlighted the unique human interactions and the challenges of using an electric vehicle in the remote desert community. Penn's insights underscore both the charm and logistical hurdles of working in Borrego Springs.

Cast and Crew in Borrego Springs

Penn was in Borrego Springs as part of the filming for Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie, currently under the working title "BC Project." This film, set to be released on August 8, 2025, boasts a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Benicio Del Toro, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and more.

Listen to Sean Penn's comment about Borrego Springs

The Challenges of Driving an Electric Vehicle in Borrego Springs

During the interview, Penn recounted a memorable and somewhat challenging experience involving his electric truck.

"I just got back from Borrego Springs in the desert, and I ventured to get an electric truck. Let's say that the infrastructure in support of that takes a lot of pre-planning because not many of the chargers, once you get away from interstates, are fast chargers. So you can sit there for 20 hours to get a decent charge if you're not careful. At one point, at about 01:00 in the morning, I had to have my truck towed to a charge point." ~ Sean Penn

Note: We spoke to the tow truck driver who stated Penn had rented a Rivian electric vehicle.

Making a comparison to his character's interactions in the movie Daddio:

"When you meet someone as I did that night, who works the night shift as a tow truck driver in Borrego Springs and throughout that very isolated desert community, Anza-Borrego, they've got an ongoing conversation happening before anybody else shows up." ~ Sean Penn

Listen to the full interview:

EV Charging Options In Borrego Springs

Charge your EV with Chargepoint at Borrego Springs Branch 2580 Country Club Rd, Borrego Springs 92004

EV Gateway Charger at Borrego Welcome Center

Charge Your EV at La Casa Del Zorro Resort 1712 Oleander Ln, Borrego Springs, CA

EV Charger at The Springs At Borrego RV Park
2255 Di Giorgio Rd.,
Borrego Springs, CA, 92004

("BC Project" Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn desert car chase & crash & weapon confrontation bts)

"B.C Project" Filming Locations in Borrego Springs

The production took advantage of Borrego Springs' stunning desert landscapes, filming in areas such as Montezuma Valley Road, Henderson Canyon, and Hellhole Canyon within the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. These locations provided a beautiful and authentic backdrop for the film, adding to its visual appeal.

Local Impact and Excitement

The filming brought a flurry of activity to Borrego Springs, with road closures and production crews becoming a common sight. Local businesses and residents got a rare glimpse into the workings of a major film production, and the Borrego Springs Resort served as a hub for the crew during their stay.

Borrego Springs: Future Films

Sean Penn's KCRW interview highlights his unique experience filming in Borrego Springs, showcasing its appeal as a filming location and the importance of human connections. As Borrego Springs attracts more filmmakers, locals can look forward to exciting projects that highlight its beauty and charm.

However, Borrego Springs could benefit from the installation of quick chargers to better support electric vehicle infrastructure and enhance the convenience for future film crews and visitors alike.

Suggestion for Local Business Owners: Host Destination Charging

Join Teslas growing network of charging partners and offer convenient Tesla charging as a public or private amenity. With over 40,000 Wall Connectors at hotels, apartments, and workplaces, Tesla drivers can relax for a few minutes, hours or recharge overnight. This can significantly enhance the appeal of your business to a growing number of electric vehicle owners visiting Borrego Springs.

Learn More About Teslas Host Destination Charging

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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Anza-Borrego Sunrise to Sunset: A Desert Documentary

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Film History in Borrego

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Explore Borrego Springs' cinematic history with insights into classic films and TV series filmed in this picturesque desert, including "The X-Files." Perfect for film lovers and history buffs.

Tall Is Up Foundation sign in a desert park with palm trees and mountains in the background

Dog-Friendly Borrego Springs County Park

By Andrea McKenna • June 3, 2026

Discover Borrego Springs County Park, a pet-friendly haven with separate areas for small and large dogs, ample play spaces, safety features like double-gate entries, and amenities including water faucets and waste bags. Enjoy clean, spacious areas for pets and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for relaxation and fun..