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.

Anza Borrego Desert Modernism: 806 House

Architectural Harmony with the Desert Expanse

Location: Indian Head Ranch, Borrego Springs, California

In the heart of North San Diego County, the 806 House stands as a beacon of desert modernism. Architect Richard Orne and Designer Susan Hancock meticulously designed this home to blend with the Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s rugged beauty. The structure is a thoughtful composition, raised slightly above the desert floor to capture the breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Borrego Springs: A Desert Oasis Under the Stars

Borrego Springs, recognized as the world’s second Dark-Sky Community, offers a rare celestial experience just a few hours from Southern California’s bustling cities. Richard Orne and Susan Hancock were drawn to this serene setting, prompting them to create a sustainable home that harmonizes with the dark sky ethos.

The 806 House: An Architectural Beacon

This sustainable abode extends 142 feet in length, showcasing deep overhangs that exemplify mindful desert architecture. Orne’s design adheres to dark sky guidelines with minimal outdoor lighting, ensuring a delicate footprint on the nocturnal environment.

A Lantern in the Desert

Embracing the Dark-Sky Community’s principles, the house is sparingly lit, its illumination akin to a gentle glow against the vast desert backdrop. The strategic lighting design features recessed LEDs and photosensors, contributing to the area’s preservation of natural darkness.

Inside the 806 House

The interior unfolds in five distinct zones, each one aglow with dimmable LEDs, allowing for selective lighting that conserves energy and minimizes light pollution. In the moon’s full splendor, the couple often opts for natural lunar illumination, forgoing artificial lights altogether.

The 806 House is not just a residence; it’s a commitment to ecological architecture and a tribute to the enchanting darkness of Borrego Springs’ skies.