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 • June 24, 2024

Viewing SpaceX's Starlink Launch from Borrego Springs

Bright white rocket trail arcs across a dark night sky above silhouetted hills.

Watch SpaceX's Starlink Launches Clearly Visible from Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs offers a unique vantage point for witnessing SpaceX rocket launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. With its clear, unobstructed skies and scenic desert landscape, Borrego Springs is an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to enjoy these spectacular events. While you're in town, explore the many attractions and activities, including hiking, stargazing, and nature watching in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park.

Overview of the Starlink 9-2 Mission

On June 23, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink 9-2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 20 second-generation Starlink internet satellites, with 13 equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities to enhance internet connectivity directly to mobile phones. This launch was part of a double launch day, with another set of satellites launched from Florida earlier in the day.

Key Mission Details

Launch Time and Location: The liftoff occurred at pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 8:47 p.m. PDT (11:47 p.m. EDT, 0347 UTC).

Booster Details: The mission utilized the seasoned first-stage booster, B1075, marking its 11th flight. This booster has a storied history, having supported various significant missions including the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 and German military reconnaissance satellites.

Landing: Approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff, the booster successfully landed on the droneship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’, stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This landing was the 94th on this particular droneship and the 322nd successful booster recovery for SpaceX.

Night sky over dark mountain silhouettes with a bright streak, like a meteor or rocket, crossing diagonally.

Twilight sky over dark mountain silhouettes with a bright blue-white cloud streak and orange-lit clouds

Viewing from Borrego Springs

Residents and visitors in Borrego Springs had the opportunity to witness this launch due to the clear skies and favorable trajectory. The entire process, from liftoff to booster landing, was visible from any location in Borrego Springs, making it an accessible and thrilling experience.

Visibility: The rocket’s ascent and return were clearly visible across Borrego Springs, providing an unobstructed view of this technological feat.

Community Engagement: These launches offer perfect opportunities for community gatherings where people can come together to watch and celebrate advancements in space technology.

Educational and Recreational Significance: The launch underscores SpaceX's technical prowess and serves as a catalyst for education and interest in aerospace technology among residents and visitors.

A Perfect Destination

Visiting Borrego Springs for these rocket launches also offers a chance to explore the beauty of Anza-Borrego State Park. Whether you are hiking, stargazing, or enjoying the desert flora and fauna, Borrego Springs is a perfect blend of nature and technological wonder.

Plan your visit to experience the marvels of modern spaceflight and the serene desert landscape.

Find SpaceX Schedule Here

Falcon 9 delivers 20 @Starlink satellites to orbit from California pic.twitter.com/Z9V6JiLN6w
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 24, 2024

@gotoborregosprings 🚀 SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 20 Starlink satellites on Sunday, June 23 from Vandenberg SFS, CA! 13 of these have Direct to Cell capabilities. Liftoff at 8:47 p.m. PT. 🎥 Catch the replay on X @SpaceX. This was the 11th flight for this booster, previously launching SDA-0A, SARah-2, and 8 Starlink missions. The first stage landed on "Of Course I Still Love You" droneship in the Pacific! 🌌 View from Borrego Springs, a community in San Diego County surrounded by Anza-Borrego State Park. #SpaceX #Falcon9 #Starlink #SpaceLaunch ♬ Fireflies - Owl City