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 • July 13, 2024

The Borrego Badlands: A Must-Visit for Nature Lovers

Explore the Geological Wonders and Stunning Landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

If you're planning a trip to Borrego Springs, the Borrego Badlands in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park should be at the top of your itinerary. This area is a geological wonderland, offering stunning landscapes, fascinating rock formations, and a chance to see the desert's unique wildlife.

What Makes the Borrego Badlands Special?

The Borrego Badlands are famous for their rugged terrain, shaped by millions of years of geological activity. Located southeast of Coyote Mountain, these formations are the result of the San Jacinto fault zone's powerful movements. Visitors can marvel at the elongated hills, up-tilted blocks, and dramatic rock structures that tell the story of the earth's dynamic history.

Quick Facts About the Borrego Badlands

Miocene Epoch (23 to 5 million years ago): The formation of the Borrego Badlands began with sedimentary deposits from ancient rivers and lakes.

Pleistocene Epoch (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago): Continued deposition and folding of sediments as tectonic activity intensified.

Holocene Epoch (last 11,700 years): Ongoing faulting and erosion shaped the current landscape of the Borrego Badlands.

The 1968 Borrego Mountain Earthquake

A significant event in the area's recent history is the Borrego Mountain Earthquake of April 9, 1968. This 6.4 magnitude earthquake caused visible shifts along the San Jacinto fault zone, creating unique opportunities for geological studies and offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's tectonic activity.

Quick Facts About the Earthquake

Magnitude: 6.4 on the Richter scale.

Epicenter: Near Borrego Mountain, affecting the entire Borrego Springs area.

Impact: Created visible fault lines and shifted large land masses.

Top Spots to Explore

The Borrego Badlands offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Here are some must-visit spots:

Split Mountain Gorge

Walk into Split Mountain Gorge to observe ancient debris-flow deposits and fanglomerates from the Miocene epoch. This hike provides a unique look at the sedimentary processes that have shaped the region.

Calcite Mine

Discover the remnants of a World War II calcite mining operation. This site offers a fascinating look at the area's industrial history and spectacular views of the surrounding desert.

Elephant Trees Trail

This unique hike showcases the rare elephant trees native to the region. It's a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and those looking to explore the desert's diverse flora.

Fonts Point: A Panoramic View

Fonts Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Borrego Badlands. On a clear day, you can see for miles, taking in the intricate geological formations and the expansive desert terrain. It's a favorite spot for photographers, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Quick Facts About Fonts Point

Elevation: Approximately 1,250 feet above sea level.

Views: Spectacular vistas of the Borrego Badlands.

Photography: Ideal conditions for capturing stunning desert landscapes.

Geological Highlights

The Borrego Badlands are not just visually stunning; they're also a geological treasure trove. Here are some highlights:

San Jacinto Fault Zone

One of the most active fault zones in California, the San Jacinto Fault Zone plays a major role in shaping the Borrego Badlands.

Ancient Lake Cahuilla

The region was once part of the massive prehistoric Lake Cahuilla. The ancient lake's shores left sedimentary deposits that are visible today, adding to the area's geological interest.

Fossil Discoveries

The Borrego Badlands are rich in fossils, including those of ancient marine life and terrestrial animals. It's a great place for budding paleontologists and anyone interested in the history of life on earth.

Plan Your Visit To Anza Borrego

Start your adventure at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center to get the most out of your trip. For hiking tips, group plans, and additional resources, check out the Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) and the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). These organizations offer valuable insights and guided tours to enhance your experience.

Conclusion

Whether you're a nature lover, a geology enthusiast, or just looking for a unique adventure, the Borrego Badlands have something to offer. From exploring ancient geological formations to enjoying breathtaking views at Fonts Point, this area is a must-visit destination in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Embark on your journey through the Borrego Badlands and discover the incredible stories written in the rocks of this stunning desert landscape.

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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(Q&A) Dennis Mammana: Astronomy and Dark Skies

By Shandel Sutherland • February 28, 2026

Meet Dennis Mammana, a passionate astronomer with nearly five decades of experience in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. Dennis’s journey began in Easton, PA, where he was captivated by the launch of the first Earth-orbiting satellites in the late 1950s.