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 9, 2024

Borrego Springs Shines in California's Top 10 Affordable Retirement Towns

In a recent highlight of California's best retirement destinations, Borrego Springs emerges as a standout choice for those seeking an affordable yet enriching retirement lifestyle. Nestled in the serene Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Borrego Springs offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and cost-effective living, making it an ideal destination for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years without breaking the bank.

Borrego Springs: A Desert Gem for Retirees

Renowned for its captivating Sky Art Metal Sculptures and a harmonious mix of pueblo, ranch, and modern architecture, Borrego Springs provides an idyllic setting for a tranquil yet active retirement. With its affordable living costs – a monthly expense of just USD 1,344 per person without rent – it stands out in Mona Bassil's list of "10 Small Towns In California Where You Can Retire For Less Than $2,000 A Month." This desert oasis is not only budget-friendly but also rich in amenities, offering top-notch resorts, spas, and a plethora of activities like stargazing, camping, hiking, and cycling. Its close proximity to Palm Springs ensures that additional urban pleasures are just a short drive away.

With a population of 2,566 and a median home cost of $337,100, Borrego Springs strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality of life. The town's lower cost of living, coupled with its scenic trails like the Yaqui Well Nature Trail and the South Fork Palm Wash Canyon Trail, make it an attractive destination for retirees seeking both comfort and adventure in California's golden landscape.

The Reality of Retiring in Borrego Springs: A Bit More Information

Borrego Springs, a charming community nestled in the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, is recognized for its affordable living costs, particularly in housing and healthcare. However, this affordability is somewhat offset by higher expenses in certain areas due to its remote location.

Cost of Living in Borrego Springs

General Cost of Living: Borrego Springs has a cost of living index of 154.9, meaning it is 54.9% higher than the U.S. average but 3.3% lower than the average for California. In 2023, the area experienced a 2.6% increase in prices, with notable rises in transportation, food, and housing.
Housing Costs: The average cost of a single-family home in Borrego Springs is approximately $524,582, which is high compared to the national average but relatively low within California. Housing prices are about 116% higher than the national average.
Healthcare and Services: The town has limited healthcare facilities, with a small clinic available. For more advanced medical needs, residents often travel to nearby cities such as Escondido, Indio, or Palm Springs.
Goods and Services: Some goods and services, like groceries and dining out, tend to be more expensive in Borrego Springs due to its remote location.

Reasons for Higher Costs

Remote Location: Being a remote desert town, Borrego Springs faces higher costs for transporting goods and services, which in turn increases the prices for residents.
Limited Healthcare Options: With only a small clinic in town, residents need to travel for more comprehensive healthcare, adding to their expenses.
Housing Market Dynamics: The unique housing market in Borrego Springs, with its limited growth and supply, contributes to higher property prices.

Considerations for Retirees

While Borrego Springs offers a lower cost of living in certain aspects like housing and healthcare, retirees should consider the higher costs of certain goods and services and the limited healthcare options. Potential residents should also be aware of the higher costs for utilities like electricity, propane, and water, which are important factors in the overall cost of living. The town's serene desert environment and strong community spirit, however, make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful retirement.

Check out the article: 10 Small Towns In California Where You Can Retire For Less Than $2,000 A Month

Puttin’ on the Glitz Gala to Support Performing Arts in Borrego Springs

By BSPAC • November 13, 2026

Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center is seeking sponsors for its November 21 fundraiser

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 .

The Old Chevron Station at Yaqui Pass: Norris Bakko’s Corner

By Andrea McKenna • November 4, 2026

The old Chevron station across from La Casa del Zorro has stories

Borrego Springs Groundwater Use Falls 45% Below Allowed Limit

By Borrego Springs Watermaster • November 4, 2026

Borrego Springs is making major progress in groundwater conservation. See the latest numbers and what they mean for the valley’s future.

Pilot killed in Ocotillo Wells plane crash

By Miriam Raftery • November 4, 2026

Video Credit: FOX 5 San Diego / YouTube

Borrego, November 1949: Ten Cents a Copy

By Andrea McKenna • November 2, 2026

Actor Jon Hall, Borrego’s new honorary marshal (center), with the October 1949 Borrego Sun at the opening of Hoberg’s Desert Resort. From left: Sun publisher Paul Strand, Paramount starlet Mari Blanchard, actress Beverly Tyler and Jack Benson of Benson Tours. Photo by Gaylord Johnson, Borrego Sun, November 1949. Courtesy of the Fred Jee Collection.

Studio 628 Opens the Season with “Mixed Tempos”

By Andrea McKenna • November 1, 2026

Six artists come together for a collective exhibition Check out the most recent review by Art Critic, Sally Walsh Gary Henderson Interiors Studio 628 will celebrate its season opening with Mixed Tempos, a collective exhibition featuring Kevin Goddess, Victoria Johnson, Kippi Leonard, Robert Landry, Wil Gardner and Marcy Gregory. Mixed Tempos at Studio 628 & Galeria el Patio 622 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs CA. Show goes through November, Gallery Hours Friday-Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM. Bringing six artists together in one exhibition, Mixed Tempos offers visitors an opportunity to explore their work and welcome the return of the local gallery season. The evening will also include a sneak preview of Galeria el Patio, adding another reason to stop by and see what’s ahead. Community members and visitors are invited to join the celebration, enjoy the exhibition and spend an evening connecting with Borrego Springs’ arts community.

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