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.

Sally Walsh • May 20, 2026

Summer Season Art Shows

By: Sally Walsh

At the center of our Borrego community are deep bonds to art. This has been a high performing arts season generating a strong sense of community pride and social connection through art.

A successful art season boosts local businesses, benefits dining and hospitality, encourages philanthropy also supports tourism.

Collectively our Borrego galleries have presented an excellent, engaging season of well attended shows. Highlighted by the 20th Anniversary Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational.

An astonishing show not only for the enormous attendance it generated and successful sales, but the breath taking quality of the artwork. Congratulations to the BAI team maintaining a high level of public engagement through the season.

Summer Season- Borrego Art Institute

Celebrating The Summer Show, May 2nd -October 11th, 2026

A five month long show featuring art of all levels, medium’s and subject matter. Offering an opportunity for a range of artist’s from beginners and established career artist’s to, ‘get on the wall,’ at the famous Borrego Art Institute.

Hopefully, the show is rehung occasionally during the summer months with refreshed artwork. 5 months is a long time for one show to stay up. BAI gift store features an eclectic inventory including the best selling dish towel line which Gallery Director Kim Wyatt says is extremely popular.

Additionally, check out the outstanding and very affordable pottery collection.

Summer offers a cool, relaxing opportunity to enjoy the gallery and gift store.

Hours-Wed, Thur, Sun

10am-4pm -Fri, Sat 10am -5pm

Heatwave- The Gallery At The Palms- curated by, Elizabeth Rodriguez

Elizabeth packs an artist punch with her fabulous summer show ‘Heatwave.’ Featuring the artwork of Debbie Gallerini one of the top selling artist’s showing in Borrego over the last couple of years. Debbie combines her goofy sense of humor when creating her signature iconographical desert wildlife characters. Using a mid century modern color palate. Her works suit the Borrego vibe. Also showing are some of Gallerini’s whimsical, quirky, sculpture’s. She only creates a few of these a year. New Gallerini works will be replacing sold pieces throughout the summer.

Also featured artwork by Lesley Duncan, a beloved Borrego artist for all seasons. Her innate artistic curiosity sets Lesley’s apart. Like the coyote or fox she paints Lesley is on the prowl exploring and discovering new art forms. This is a charming collection of new works on paper. Each one a jewel. Everyone one should own a Lesley Duncan. With delight I have often run into her earlier works hanging in Borrego homes. Some purchased twenty years ago. Lesley is ‘the people’s artist.’ Also showing are her signature ‘Raven’ sculpture’s, artistic totems honoring the popular Borrego Raven. Grab one of these delightful works if available to add to your collection.

Mike Horton, known as Neon Mike, and photographer Paul McGilly are also showing.

Open everyday through summer. Show closes 9/27.

Gallery 628- Curated by Gary Henderson

What an impressive first season for Gallery 628.

Talented owner interior designer Gary Henderson brings a well honed sense of style and chic, contemporary, sophistication to his new Gallery 628. Gary set a high standard for the artist’s he has selected to show this past season. Not surprisingly, considering Gary’s designer career, Gallery 638 is recognized for its gorgeous contemporary design. Attendance to shows has grown throughout the season. Gallery 628 also has a significant online presence extending the reach for art shown in the gallery to a national audience.

The Summer Show features works by Robert Landry,

Borrego’s Artist Laureate Wil Gardner, and Kippi Leonard.

Santa Ysabel Galleries

Want to escape summer heat head up to Santa Ysabel to visit their galleries. Meet legendary local sculptor artist Ted Berryman, at the Santa Ysabel Berryman Gallery. Enjoy a conversation with Ted that you probable will never forget. A sign at the gallery entrance reads, “ you are instructed, encouraged to touch the art.” Ted invites viewers to touch and feel apart of his art. His inspiration is often socially driven, always deeply personal and each work has a fascinating story behind it.

Make your way up from Ted’s to the historical Santa Ysabel Gallery.

Feature show through July 6th-Art Of The River- Artwork inspired by the San Diego River and its ecosystem whose source is not far from Julian. A portion of sales are donated to San Diego River Park foundation. This is a beautiful show with many exquisite, dreamy poetic works. Check out The Glass Blowers Gas House Gallery in the parking lot also. Include during your art day in Santa Ysabel a visit to Dudley’s famous bakery and restaurant.