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 • December 13, 2024

Soroptimist Wine Tasting Fundraiser in Borrego Springs

Soroptimist of Borrego Springs Hosts Wine Tasting Event

Everyone is invited to the Soroptimist of Borrego Springs Wine Tasting Fundraiser, a public event filled with great wine, delicious appetizers, and fun basket raffles. This annual event supports the empowerment of disadvantaged women and girls right here in Borrego Springs.

Event Details:

Where: Steele/Burnand Desert Research Center, 401 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

When: TBD 2025

Borrego Springs may be a small, close-knit community, but that means every contribution has a significant impact. Funds raised from this event go directly toward local programs that provide women and girls with the resources they need to overcome challenges and achieve economic independence. Whether it’s funding educational opportunities or offering support during difficult times, your donation makes a real difference.

Visiting? While you're in Borrego Springs for the fundraiser, explore what our beautiful desert community has to offer. From the stunning views at Fonts Point to Galleta Meadows' iconic sculptures, there’s plenty of things to do and see during your visit.

For those unable to attend, you can still support the cause by mailing a check to:
Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs

P.O. Box 504
Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Please note: All donations for tickets are non-refundable.

This is a chance to enjoy a great event while helping make a lasting impact on the lives of local women and girls.

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 .