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.

Andrea McKenna • June 2, 2026

Shade Structure Under Construction at Borrego Springs Dog Park

New shade structure adds comfort to the Borrego Springs Community Dog Park.

Good news for local dogs and their owners: a new shade structure is under construction in the large dog area at the Borrego Springs Community Dog Park.

The structure was purchased and donated by Tail is Up Foundation. County crews moved quickly on the project, which still needs footings poured before it is complete.

Tail is Up Foundation also donated a picnic table with benches to be placed under the structure. The County has also approved adding trees along the south and west sides of the enclosure.

The improvements will add much-needed shade and seating, making the large dog area more comfortable for dogs, residents, and visitors who use the park.