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.

Borrego Springs Local • December 10, 2023

The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Small Towns

The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Borrego Springs: A Comprehensive Analysis

The rise of short-term rentals in Borrego Springs, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, has brought about significant changes in this charming desert town. These changes have sparked a debate on how best to manage the positive influx of tourism against the backdrop of housing and infrastructure challenges.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rentals in Borrego Springs

Pros:

Economic Growth: The influx of tourists staying in short-term rentals has a ripple effect on Borrego Springs’ local economy. From restaurants to retail stores, various sectors benefit from increased spending.
Homeowner Benefits: Residents of Borrego Springs who rent out their properties enjoy a supplementary source of income, which can be significant in a town with limited economic opportunities.
Tourism Diversification: Short-term rentals diversify the type of tourists attracted to Borrego Springs, catering to those seeking a more 'local' experience.
Property Value Increase: Homeowners may see an increase in property values due to the popularity of the area as a vacation destination.

Cons:

Housing Market Pressure: As properties shift from long-term to short-term rentals, residents find it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing in Borrego Springs.
Community Disruption: A high turnover of visitors can disrupt the sense of community, altering the small-town charm of Borrego Springs.
Resource Strain: Increased tourist numbers can strain public resources like water, waste management, and emergency services.
Cultural Erosion: The unique cultural identity of Borrego Springs risks being overshadowed by a tourism-focused economy.

Addressing the Housing Challenge in Borrego Springs

The challenge of maintaining affordable housing in the face of lucrative short-term rentals is significant. Borrego Springs needs strategies that protect both the interests of homeowners looking to capitalize on their properties and those of long-term residents who call the town home.

Proposed Solutions for Borrego Springs

Zoning and Regulation: Implementing zoning laws that limit where short-term rentals can operate or setting a cap on the number of rental days per year can help maintain a balance.
Affordable Housing Funds: Implementing a tax on short-term rentals that goes directly into an affordable housing fund can be a way to address the housing scarcity.
Community Engagement: Involving residents in the decision-making process ensures that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.
Infrastructure Investment: Allocating a portion of tourism revenue to enhance and expand public infrastructure can help mitigate the added strain from visitors.

The Role of Tourism in Borrego Springs

While short-term rentals bring undeniable benefits to Borrego Springs, particularly in boosting tourism and the local economy, it's crucial to manage this growth sustainably. This means ensuring that the influx of tourists does not detract from the quality of life for residents or the natural beauty that makes Borrego Springs a unique place to visit.

Future Outlook for Borrego Springs

The future of Borrego Springs hinges on a balanced approach that embraces the benefits of tourism while safeguarding the town's character and long-term livability. Thoughtful policies, community collaboration, and a commitment to preserving the town's heritage and environment are key to achieving this balance. Borrego Springs stands at a crossroads, with the potential to model how small towns can thrive in the face of changing economic landscapes and tourism trends.

Borrego Springs Honors Veterans at Christmas Circle

By Andrea McKenna • November 12, 2026

American Legion Post 853 hosted Borrego Springs’ Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, at the Christmas Circle Community Park bandstand.

SLOWJAMASTAN CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE WITH HISTORIC TERRITORIAL EXPANSION

By Robert Dobalina, Slowjamastan • November 12, 2026

World-Famous Micronation to Announce Five-Acre Expansion, Unveil Two New States During November 14 Jubilee The Republic of Slowjamastan is celebrating its fifth anniversary of independence with a historic announcement: the nation is expanding its territory by nearly 50 percent. On Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM, Slowjamastan will host its 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee, featuring the official announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony for five newly acquired acres of land, one for each year of independence. The five additional acres, contiguous with the nation's existing 11-acre territory, bring Slowjamastan's total footprint to 16 acres. The public is invited to participate in the festivities, which include: • Historic ribbon-cutting celebrating Slowjamastan's territorial expansion. • Two new states officially commemorated within the nation. • Visa-free entry for the first 10,000 visitors. Crocs remain strictly prohibited. • Free Cactus Cooler while supplies last. • Meet and greet with The Sultan and the Chief of the Porder Batrol. "Five years. Five acres. Sixteen acres of freedom, questionable legislation, and absolutely no Crocs," said The Sultan. "Most countries celebrate anniversaries with cake. We bought more country." Founded in 2021, the Republic of Slowjamastan has attracted worldwide media attention for its unconventional approach to nation-building, complete with its own government, passports, border checkpoints, and national traditions. EVENT DETAILS What: Slowjamastan's 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1–3 PM Where: Republic of Slowjamastan, Imperial County, California. See slowjamastan.org/location Admission: Free Learn more about Slowjamastan: www.slowjamastan.org MEDIA CONTACT Robert Dobalina bob@slowjamastan.org

OpiCure Ascent to Freedom ride: Uniting community to honor recovery

By OpiCure Foundation • November 10, 2026

This is more than a bike ride. The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom Ride in Borrego Springs takes place Saturday, November 21, and brings together riders, friends, families, and the recovery community for a full day of connection and celebration, in association with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Join the ride through the desert, jump into the pickleball tournament (all skill levels welcome), and enjoy meals provided for the riders as we come together to mark sobriety, share stories, and support one another. Whether you’re riding, playing, volunteering, or simply showing up, you’re part of this. Come be part of something bigger than any single activity — come be part of the Ascent to Freedom. “We wanted this to be a fun day that everyone can enjoy. Come meet the Opicure Community and grow with us,” says OpiCure Foundation President Cullen Easter. In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert, this inaugural OpiCure event brings together people in recovery, their families, and the cycling community to celebrate sobriety, share stories of strength, and raise awareness about the opioid crisis. "By turning the simple act of riding into a collective ascent toward freedom, it shows that recovery is possible, community heals, and every pedal stroke can move us closer to a life beyond addiction," says Cullen. "The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom is about community, movement, and celebrating recovery in every form." OpiCure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation focused on addressing opioid-related addiction and deaths. More information on the event is available at opicureride.com .