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 • July 26, 2024

Witness the Perseid Meteor Shower in Borrego Springs

A Spectacular Night Sky Event in Borrego Springs

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year, is set to light up the night sky over Borrego Springs. This annual event offers an incredible opportunity to witness a dazzling display of meteors streaking across the heavens, making it a must-see for both amateur astronomers and sky watchers alike.

Key Dates and Viewing Information

The Perseid meteor shower will be active from July 17 to August 24, 2024, with the peak occurring on the night of August 11-12. During this period, observers can expect the best viewing conditions when the constellation Perseus is above the northeast horizon, which typically occurs around 10 p.m. This timing provides an excellent opportunity to witness the meteor shower before dawn. (Source: ABDNHA - Dark Sky Coalition)

Suggestions for Stargazing in Borrego Springs

The Science Behind the Perseids

The Perseid meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through the trail of debris left by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As these tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating the bright streaks of light known as meteors. The Perseids are renowned for their high rate of meteors, often producing up to 60 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.

Viewing Conditions in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs, known for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, is an ideal location for viewing the Perseid meteor shower. However, this year, the Moon will be near its first quarter phase during the peak, potentially interfering with the visibility of dimmer meteors. Despite this, the brightest meteors should still be visible, especially in the early morning hours when the Moon has set.

Additional Celestial Events in July and August

In addition to the Perseid meteor shower, several other notable celestial events will occur in July and August:

July 3: Conjunction of the waning Moon and Jupiter.
July 13: Mercury visible 16 degrees above the western horizon just after sunset.
July 15: Conjunction of Mars and Uranus, a binocular sight.
July 21: Full Buck Moon rising at 8:39 p.m.
July 24: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.
August 14: Conjunction of Jupiter and Mars.
August 19: Full Sturgeon Moon rising at 7:48 p.m.
August 20: Conjunction of the Moon and Saturn.
August 27: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

Plan Your Viewing

For those planning to witness the Perseid meteor shower, it's advisable to find a dark, open area away from city lights for the best viewing experience. Given the dry heat of Borrego Springs, which can reach up to 100°F even at night, we recommend booking a hotel rather than planning to sleep outside. This ensures a comfortable and safe viewing experience, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle without the discomfort of the heat. Don't forget to bring plenty of water and perhaps some snacks to make the most of this celestial event.

The Borrego Dark Sky Coalition provides resources and information on viewing conditions and best practices for night sky observation in the region. For more details, visit Borrego Dark Sky Coalition.

Don't miss this chance to experience one of nature's most awe-inspiring displays!

Learn More About Borrego Springs

A Yacht Club in the Borrego Desert

By Andrea McKenna • September 28, 2026

Borrego Springs Yacht Club Brings Model Sailboat Racing to Rams Hill Borrego Springs is home to an unusual desert pastime: model yacht racing. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club was founded in 2010 by Steve Luckman and Dennis Daoust. The club has grown to about 40 members and operates at a pond on the former nine-hole golf course at Rams Hill. Members race V32 sailboats, 32-inch non-motorized model boats controlled remotely through their sails and rudders. The boats were manufactured in California for decades but are no longer in production. Races typically draw 16 to 20 boats, with courses marked by duck decoys used as buoys. The racing season runs from November through May, although members can practice throughout the year. Six club events are held during the season, including Opening Day in November, the Pacific Cap in January, the Invitational in February, the Misplace Race in March, the Powder Puff in April and the Tequila Bowl in May. Winners receive trophies that are held until the next event. The club also maintains a palapa-style clubhouse and hillside seating overlooking the pond, providing space for members and spectators during race days. Membership was listed at $250 per year. The Borrego Springs Yacht Club offers a distinctive local version of sailing, combining competition, model boat craftsmanship and community activity in the desert. If you have any interest, contact Dennis Daoust at captain-havoc@earthlink.net .

The History of The Mall in Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna • September 22, 2026

Mid-century design and a community vision that began in 1965.

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Nightfall Star Party Returns to Borrego Springs Nov. 6–7

By Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) • September 9, 2026

The Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference returns to Borrego Springs on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6–7,

Old Borego Open House Celebrates the Valley’s Historic Heart

By Martha Deichler • September 4, 2026

Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration No, Borrego is not misspelled in the title above. This is the way Borrego was spelled back in 1928, when the first post office opened in what is now called “Old Borego.” The site is located at 1580 Rango Way. Please join the Civic Foundation for its annual Old Borego Days celebration of the historic heart of the Borrego Valley on Sunday, November 8, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The turnoff from Rango Way will be marked with a sign. Please note that no restrooms are available. Visitors will be able to enter the old post office and general store, originally run by Eslie Wynn, and view a fascinating video from the 1950s extolling the virtues of life in Borrego Springs. One of the first homes in Borrego Springs will also be open for public viewing, offering a nostalgic look back at life in the community’s earlier years. In addition, Borrego Springs Elementary School fourth graders, who study California history, will have their essays on display. Three students will receive awards for their writing on “Borego Now and Then.” Old Borego Days Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 1580 Rango Way, Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs High School Blood Drive

By Borrego Springs High School • August 29, 2026

Wednesday, September 16

George & Rosa Featured in St. Barnabas “Who Is My Neighbor?” Series

By St Barnabas Communications • August 27, 2026

Borrego Springs-made short film screens Oct. 11 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will present the award-winning short film George & Rosa on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1–2 p.m. as part of its “Who Is My Neighbor?” film and discussion series. Written, produced and directed by Borrego Springs resident Matt Bosson, the 24-minute drama follows George and Rosa, two people living on the margins who form an unexpected bond despite speaking different languages. The story explores loneliness, companionship and human dignity. George & Rosa was produced entirely in Borrego Springs, with local talent involved in the production and the Anza-Borrego desert serving as its backdrop. The film won Best Medium Short in the Reale Film Festival’s June 2026 Monthly Awards. Bosson worked for many years in television video playback on productions including 24, House MD and Grey’s Anatomy before relocating to Borrego Springs, where he teaches English and continues his filmmaking and music work. His previous short BAD was also filmed and premiered in Borrego Springs. The screening will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Road, followed by a community discussion as part of the ongoing “Who Is My Neighbor?” series.