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 • January 3, 2023

Clark Dry Lake Bed: Anza Borrego State Park

Clark Dry Lake is a dry lake bed (playa) located within the Borrego Sink in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, in the Colorado Desert.

Clark Dry Lake: Facts and Information

Clark Dry Lake is located in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California. This dry lake bed, known as a playa, is part of the Borrego Sink in the Colorado Desert. The lake bed spans a large area and contrasts with the surrounding rugged landscape.

Geological Formation and Location

Clark Dry Lake is a dry lake bed, or playa, situated in the Borrego Sink within the Colorado Desert. This area features a flat, expansive surface, differing from the nearby rough terrain.

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Clark Dry Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Anza-Borrego Desert

Flora and Fauna

Even in its dry conditions, Clark Dry Lake supports desert-adapted plants and animals. Creosote bushes and various reptiles and birds have adapted to survive in this environment.

Recreation

Visitors to Clark Dry Lake can enjoy activities such as hiking, photography, and stargazing. The area’s open spaces and minimal light pollution provide clear views of the desert and night sky.

Accessibility and Climate

Clark Dry Lake is accessible by driving through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, with parking areas available nearby. The climate is typical of a desert environment, with hot summers and mild winters, so visitors should be prepared for extreme temperatures.

Cultural and Conservation Significance

Clark Dry Lake has historical significance as a site of Native American activity. The area is now protected within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to preserve its natural and historical features.

Fairy Shrimp

Underneath the dry surface of Clark Dry Lake are dormant eggs of fairy shrimp, small crustaceans that hatch when rainwater temporarily fills the lake. These shrimp are an important part of the desert ecosystem.