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 4, 2023

The I-8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project

An Integral Step in Protecting California's Wildlife

Situated in the rugged terrain of Southern California, the I-8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project addresses a critical issue where Interstate 8 bisects the Peninsular Mountain range. This area, vital for the movement of the Federally Endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, has become increasingly fragmented due to heavy traffic on the interstate. The project, spanning a crucial 5-mile stretch of habitat between the East and Westbound lanes of I-8, aims to reconnect these fragmented landscapes, providing safe crossing points for wildlife.

Anza-Borrego State Park's Role in Conservation

Adjacent to this critical project lies the expansive Anza-Borrego State Park, a vital sanctuary for the Peninsular bighorn sheep. The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures, providing a large, protected area where they can roam, feed, and breed without the immediate threats posed by urban development and busy roadways. Anza-Borrego's diverse habitats, ranging from desert lowlands to mountainous regions, offer an ideal environment for the bighorn sheep to thrive. The park's efforts in habitat preservation, research, and public education are integral to the survival and recovery of this endangered species.

A Call to Action for Conservation Awareness

For those interested in learning more about the I-8 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Crossing Project and how it complements the conservation efforts of Anza-Borrego State Park, visiting i8wildlifecrossing.org is highly recommended. This website offers in-depth information about the project, its significance, and how it aims to create a safer, more connected ecosystem for wildlife in Southern California.

The project not only serves as a vital step in wildlife preservation but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in conservation. It reminds us of the delicate balance between human development and the natural world, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to protect our planet's biodiversity.