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.