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 9, 2022

Borrego Springs, California: A Guide to Using Swamp Coolers

Efficiently Using Swamp Coolers in Borrego Springs

In Borrego Springs, California, swamp coolers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to cool your home. Understanding their functionality and limitations is crucial for optimal use. Swamp coolers draw in hot, dry air from outside, passing it over water-saturated pads, which cools and humidifies the air before it’s circulated indoors. This process can reduce the temperature by up to 15 degrees, but it is less effective on extremely hot days when the cooler might struggle to cool the air sufficiently, potentially increasing indoor humidity.

Maximizing Swamp Cooler Efficiency

To get the best performance from your swamp cooler, consider these guidelines:

Proper Sizing: Ensure your swamp cooler is appropriately sized for your home. An undersized cooler won't effectively cool your space.
Maintenance: Keep the pads clean and well-hydrated. Dirty or dry pads diminish the cooler's efficiency.
Supplemental Cooling: Use ceiling fans or open windows in conjunction with your swamp cooler to help circulate the cooled air.
Optimal Timing: Avoid using the cooler during the hottest parts of the day to prevent excessive humidity and inefficiency.

By following these tips, you can maintain a comfortable home environment in Borrego Springs with your swamp cooler.

Best Locations for Swamp Coolers

The placement of your swamp cooler is vital for its efficiency. Here are key considerations:

Access to Fresh Air: Position the cooler where it can draw in plenty of fresh, dry air, typically on the side of the house that gets the most sun.

Circulation: Place the cooler near a window or door to facilitate the circulation of cooled air throughout your home.

Post-Season Care for Your Swamp Cooler

Proper storage and maintenance at the end of the hot season ensure your swamp cooler remains in top condition.

Here’s how to protect your cooler:

Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the cooler, removing any dirt or debris from the pads and water tray.
Draining and Storage: Drain the water and remove the pads, storing them in a cool, dry place. Ensure they are completely dry before reuse.
Covering: Protect the cooler with a waterproof tarp or cover to shield it from the elements.
Indoor Storage: If storing in a garage or shed, ensure the cooler is not in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can dry out the pads. Be mindful that in desert areas, garages can become extremely hot.

By adhering to these care tips, your swamp cooler will be ready for use when temperatures rise again, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Additional Tips for Desert Areas

In desert climates like Borrego Springs, it's essential to consider the extreme conditions your swamp cooler will face. Regular checks and prompt maintenance can prevent common issues such as pad dryness and dust accumulation, ensuring your cooler functions effectively throughout the season.

For more detailed information and specific guidelines, you can visit the following sources:

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Restoring The Salton Sea: Progress, Promise, And Pressure

By NBC Palm Springs • September 25, 2026

There are so many tales of the Salton Sea, it's hard to know what's really the truth.

Equitable Building Decarbonization Program

By California Energy Commission • September 23, 2026

The goals of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program are to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in homes and advance energy equity. The Direct Install Program provides decarbonization retrofits to low- and moderate-income households. The Statewide Incentive Program incentivizes the increased adoption of low-carbon technologies. In addition to reducing GHG emissions, the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program will strive to encourage resiliency to extreme heat, improve indoor air quality, improve energy affordability, provide electric grid support, and increase payment of prevailing wage to the implementing workforce. Programs include: EBD Statewide Direct Install Program The Equitable Building Decarbonization Statewide Direct Install Program provides and installs energy-efficient upgrades to low-income households. EBD Tribal Direct Install Program The program will serve residential buildings owned or managed by a California Native American tribes, tribal organizations, or tribal members. EBD Statewide Incentive Program Loan loss reserve and interest rate buy downs to reduce the cost of loans for home energy retrofits that improve efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. Learn More: www.energy.ca.gov Contact: Equitable Building Decarbonization Program equitablebuildingdecarb@energy.ca.gov