Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Visit Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park, California

Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park spans nearly 600,000 acres across San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties. It is California’s largest state park. It is also a spectacular showcase of desert landscapes. From vibrant wildflower super‑blooms to ancient geology and star‑packed night skies, this park offers a truly immersive desert experience rooted in natural history and outdoor adventure.

Why Anza‑Borrego Stands Out

  • Wildflower super‑blooms: When winter rains arrive, the desert bursts into color—poppies, desert dandelions, and lupine carpet the washes and hillsides .
  • International Dark Sky Park: Since 2018, stargazers have enjoyed some of the darkest skies in Southern California, with public astronomy events and minimal light pollution .
  • Diverse wildlife & geology: Home to desert bighorn sheep, roadrunners, and rare reptiles, the park also boasts badland formations, fossil beds, palm oases, and slot canyons.

Top Activities & Amenities

Hiking & Trails

Pack your boots and explore more than 110 miles of trails and 500 miles of dirt roads. Popular hikes include:

  • Borrego Palm Canyon Trail – 3‑mile roundtrip to a hidden oasis with California fan palms .
  • Hellhole Canyon – access to palm groves and seasonal waterfalls .
  • Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves in the Carrizo Badlands – explore these fascinating pseudokarst formations.

Camping & RV

Campsites range from full‑hookup RV sites to primitive backcountry spots:

  • Borrego Palm Canyon Campground: 52 full-hookup, 68 dry‑camping, and group sites; showers, restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and dump station .
  • Tamarisk Grove: rustic camp area with cabins and potable water .
  • Primitive/dispersed camping: permitted throughout the backcountry with Leave-No-Trace essentials.

Visitor Center & Services

  • Visitor Center: Open Oct 1–May 31 daily; weekends and holidays June–Sept. Exhibits, award-winning desert film, desert garden, restrooms, potable water, gift shop, Wi‑Fi, and stargazing programs.
  • Day‑use parking fee: $10 per vehicle (senior and disabled discounts available).

Special Experiences

  • Ranger‑led guided hikes and interpretive exhibits, especially during wildflower season .
  • Off‑road driving along designated dirt roads (no OHVs); horseback and mountain biking allowed on many trails.

Visitor Tips

  • Bring ≥1 gallon water per person/day—desert temperatures exceed 100°F in summer; carry food, maps, and sun protection.
  • Cell service is limited—download maps and inform someone of your plans.
  • Reserve campsites early (Oct–Apr), or arrive before 2 p.m. to secure walk‑in spots.
  • Pets allowed only in developed areas and must be leashed; not allowed on desert trails or in wilderness zones.
  • Fires only in metal fire rings; fire restrictions may apply during extreme heat or high fire danger.

Local Insight & Seasonal Gem

Visit during spring bloom season (Feb–Apr) to witness poppy and lupine “super‑blooms.” For fewer crowds and stunning skies, plan a one‑night camp at Borrego Palm Canyon, stay late for ranger‑led evening stargazing, then drive to Font’s Point before sunrise for a breathtaking overlook of the Borrego Badlands. Don’t miss the lesser‑known Mud Caves early morning for dramatic lighting and fewer visitors.

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