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 • May 25, 2024

Sunset and Moon Rise at Fonts Point: ABDNHA

A Night to Remember at Fonts Point: ABDNHA Event

On May 23rd, a group of about 10 gathered at the ABDNHA parking lot for a special event marking the end of the season. This "Sunset and Moon Rise at Fonts Point" gathering, led by ABDNHA Program Director Mike McElhatton, brought together locals and visitors for a unique experience in the heart of the desert.

Welcoming Participants from Near and Far

Our group was diverse, with attendees including visitors from France eager to explore the desert, a solo traveler from Orange County and one from Palm Springs who both joined last minute, a couple of new part-time Borrego residents, and a few ABDNHA regulars.

Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Program Director and the guide for the event, handled all the carpool arrangements and welcomed everyone, making it feel comfortable and inclusive. The drive to Fonts Point, with its mix of hard and soft sand, was managed smoothly thanks to the experienced drivers.

A Stunning Display of Nature

Fonts Point, a renowned viewpoint in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Borrego Badlands. The location is part of a designated Dark Sky Park, making it perfect for stargazing and night sky observation.

Upon arrival, the group enjoyed perfect temperatures in the 70s with an occasional slight breeze. As the sky lit up orange at sunset, attendees shared an array of snacks and drinks, including crackers, chocolate-covered bacon, wine, water, and other beverages.

A Community Experience

The atmosphere was relaxed and communal, with participants finding their own spots to take in the scenery while staying connected as a group. Mike provided a historical account of the land, enriching the experience with fascinating insights. It seemed no one was a stranger, and everyone was included.

The Full Flower Moon in Scorpius

The highlight of the evening was the Full Flower Moon in the Scorpius constellation. Rising in the southeast just after sunset, the moon appeared in the sky as the sun set, and it would set with the sunrise the following morning. As the sky looking east toward the Salton Sea appeared hazy, the moon began its rise in a beautiful red-pink hue. This spectacular sight was the highlight of the evening and the primary reason for the gathering at Fonts Point.

A Perfect End to the Season

The event concluded with the group packing up and driving back to ABDNHA. ABDNHA, a nonprofit organization run by passionate and dedicated individuals, continues to foster community and appreciation for the natural beauty of the desert.

For those interested in getting involved or learning more about future events, visit ABDNHA. This experience was a testament to the beauty of the desert and the power of shared moments in nature.

>> www.abdnha.org/calendar