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.

County of San Diego Communications Office • July 7, 2026

Summer Heat is Here | Tips to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

It’s getting hot out there.

And when the heat is extreme — which can happen in the summer and even fall months in San Diego County — it can be dangerous for people and pets.

Here are some tips to help you, your friends and loved ones stay safe when the temperatures spike.

Remember, extreme heat can cause body temperatures to soar. And that can cause heatstroke, exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, confusion, headache and even death. People who are particularly at risk are children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, someone who is pregnant, and outdoor workers.

Cool Zones and Indoor Relief — Places to Stay Cool

The County’s Cool Zones, including the County’s 33 branch libraries, community centers and other locations, offer people safe, air-conditioned sanctuaries from the heat. Here is a complete list of County Cool Zone sites, their hours and locations.
You can also use the County’s interactive link that lets you search for Cool Zone sites by location, ZIP code, organization and by what animals are allowed.

What to DO if Someone Shows Signs of Heatstroke

Call 9-1-1 immediately. Signs of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, confusion and headache.
Begin cooling the person right away. Move them into the shade; spray them with cool water and fan them.
If they are alert, place them in a cool shower and monitor their body temperatures.
DO NOT give them fluids; a person with heatstroke may not be able to swallow safely.

What to DO if Someone Shows Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Signs include being faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool/pale/clammy skin, nausea/vomiting, rapid/weak pulse and muscle cramps.
Get the person to a cooler, air-conditioned place.
Have the person drink water if fully conscious.
Place them in a cool shower or use cold compresses.

Tips to Help People Avoid Heat-Related Problems

Stay in an air-conditioned space during the hottest hours of the day.
Don’t rely on electric fans alone when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Take cool showers.
Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car — even briefly.
Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
Wear sunscreen and a wide-brim hat if you must be in the sun.
Avoid using the oven to keep indoor temps lower.

Tips to Keep Your pets cool in hot weather

Keep your pets indoors if it is cooler inside.
Exercise pets in early morning hours or early evening only.
Keep your pets’ water supply in a tip-proof container, always topped off, and be sure it stays cool (pets will not drink water that is too hot).
Consider a misting system to keep the outdoor areas cooler.
Be sure your pet has shade ALL DAY, if they are outside. Remember, the sun’s position changes during the day.
Avoid car trips; vehicles heat up dangerously fast. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows down an inch or two.
Check pavement temperatures; if it is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws.
Offer a shallow wading pool or misting area.
Watch for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or stumbling. Seek veterinary help immediately if you notice these.

The sun is beautiful, but dangerous in extreme heat. So, stay cool, check on vulnerable neighbors and keep pets safe!

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Borrego Ministers Association Continues Air Conditioning Assistance Program for Local Residents

As summer temperatures climb across Borrego Springs, the Borrego Ministers Association (BMA) is once again helping local residents stay safe through its Air Conditioning Assistance Program.

For more information or to request assistance, email:
info@borregoministersassociation.org

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