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 • October 29, 2023

The Bighorn Sheep of Anza-Borrego: Conservation

Majestic ram standing on a rocky hill at sunset with warm golden light and distant mountains

Safeguarding Anza-Borrego's Bighorn Sheep

Dive into the heart of Southern California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and meet its iconic inhabitant: the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. This majestic species not only captures the wild spirit of Anza-Borrego but also plays a pivotal role in the park's ecosystem, symbolizing the area's commitment to conservation.

The Majestic Peninsular Bighorn Sheep: Anza-Borrego's Pride

The Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, emblematic of Anza-Borrego's untamed landscapes, are more than mere inhabitants; they are a key piece of the park's ecological puzzle. Their survival and thriving populations reflect the area's dedication to preserving the natural world.

Adaptation and Survival: The Bighorn Sheep's Legacy

With their distinctive spiraled horns and muscular builds, these sheep are a testament to the desert's challenges. Their every move—from navigating steep cliffs to their diet of the desert's sparse vegetation—demonstrates an unparalleled adaptability to the harsh desert environment.

The Bighorn's Domain: A Diverse Habitat

Anza-Borrego's varied landscape, from its low-lying badlands to towering mountains, provides a dynamic backdrop for the Bighorn Sheep's life. Their migration patterns, driven by the seasons, reveal a deep connection to the land and its resources.

Safeguarding the Future: Conservation Efforts Unite

Faced with modern threats like habitat encroachment and climate change, the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep's conservation has become a rallying point for the community. Legal protections, scientific research, and local stewardship are crucial in ensuring their continued presence in Anza-Borrego.

Join the Conservation Movement: How You Can Help

By engaging with ethical tourism practices and supporting organizations like the Anza-Borrego Foundation, visitors and locals alike play a crucial role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures and their desert home.

Embrace the story of resilience and conservation in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep continue to roam free, inspiring efforts to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.