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.

Jake Hinton • November 6, 2023

Rocker Keith Emerson: Piano Burn in Borrego

Keith Emerson: From Synthesizers to Borrego Springs

In 2008, rock legend Keith Emerson filmed a CD/DVD in Borrego Springs for the "Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla." The shoot, set in Borrego’s stunning desert, included the unforgettable burning of a piano, captured on film. Explore this unique moment in Emerson's career and his connection to Borrego Springs.

Keith Emerson & Marc Bonilla – ‘Burning in Borrego Springs’ video. Source: The Piano Warehouse

Keith Emerson & Marc Bonilla – ‘Burning in Borrego Springs’ Video (2008)

In March 2008, Keith Emerson and Marc Bonilla filmed a memorable video in Borrego Springs for the CD/DVD “Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla.” The shoot, led by director Michael Tweed, captured the dramatic burning of a grand piano set against Borrego Springs' serene desert landscape. The piano, in disrepair, was donated for the shoot and left as a monument on the property after filming.

Narrated by Marc Bonilla, the video showcases Emerson’s daring spirit as he plays the piano through the flames, all under the watchful eyes of the Borrego Springs Fire Department. Bonilla’s commentary adds insight, recounting how Emerson was always up for anything risky. The fire technician stood ready as the wind picked up, but the shoot went off without a hitch, creating a stunning intersection of music, art, and nature.

Chief Thompson and the Borrego Springs firefighters even joined in the fun, helping ensure safety during this fiery spectacle.

Key Moments from the Video:

Keith’s Fearlessness: “Anything life-threatening, Keith was totally in for.”

Playing Through the Flames: “Keith said, I want to play it while it’s on fire. I said, well, go ahead.”

Local Support: “The Borrego Springs Fire Department was right on the case, and they ended up having a good time.”

This shoot remains a unique chapter in Emerson’s storied career, immortalizing his bold performance in the beautiful backdrop of Borrego Springs.

Keith Emerson: Musical Pioneer

Keith Emerson, a trailblazer in rock music, forever changed the sound of the genre. From his early love for the Hammond organ to his innovative use of synthesizers, Emerson’s influence spanned iconic bands like The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Highlights of His Career:

The Hammond Organ: Emerson began his musical journey at 15 with the Hammond organ, shaping his future in progressive rock.

The Nice: Co-founding The Nice in 1967, he fused rock, jazz, and classical music, creating a dynamic stage presence.

Synthesizer Innovation: Inspired by "Switched-On Bach," Emerson became the first musician to tour with a Moog synthesizer, popularizing it in rock.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer: In 1970, Emerson formed ELP, pushing musical boundaries with jazz and classical-inspired rock.

Despite health challenges later in life, Emerson’s legacy as a keyboard and synthesizer pioneer endures.

Key Timeline:

1967: Co-founds The Nice
1970: Forms ELP
1976: Releases first solo record
1998-2016: Continues solo career and collaborations

A Tragic End

Keith Emerson passed away in 2016. His passing was a loss to the music world, but his legacy continues through his son, Aaron Emerson, and countless fans.

Aaron Emerson: Continuing The Musical Legacy

Check it out here!

Aaron Emerson, the son of Keith Emerson, has taken up the mantle to honor his father’s musical legacy. He recently recorded a new version of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer classic “Lucky Man,” even playing his father’s famous Moog solo on Keith’s actual synthesizer. The recording also features other renowned musicians like Yes keyboard player Geoff Downes, Keith Emerson Band guitarist Marc Bonilla, and Inglorious vocalist Nathan James. Read more

Buy the CD >> Keith Emerson Band Featuring Marc Bonilla

Buy the Keith Emerson Hardcover Book

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Artist Carol Lindemulder Featured in Changing Terrain Exhibition

By Andrea McKenna • August 25, 2026

Borrego Springs artist featured in regional landscape exhibition.

Borrego Art Institute Calls for Artists for ‘Of Earth & Sky’ Exhibition

By Andrea McKenna • August 25, 2026

The season’s first exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the plants and animals of the natural world. The Borrego Art Institute is inviting artists to submit work for Of Earth & Sky, an exhibition centered on the plants and animals of the natural world. The exhibition will run October 17 through November 29, 2026 , at the Borrego Art Institute gallery, 665 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Artwork in any medium may be submitted. Artists may enter a maximum of two pieces, with work received at the gallery on October 10 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wall art must have wire on the back so it can be displayed using the gallery’s cable-and-hook system. All work must be clean, presentable and reasonably priced. BAI members pay no entry fee. Nonmembers pay $20 for each accepted work. The institute will not accept artwork that has previously been shown in the gallery. For questions or entry forms, contact Cody at gallery@borregoartinstitute.org. Summer Show Artwork Must Be Picked Up by October 11 Artists with work remaining in BAI’s Celebrating the Summer Show must pick it up no later than Sunday, October 11. Artwork may also be collected before that date. Beginning October 1, gallery hours are: Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. BAI Membership Borrego Art Institute members pay no entry fees for BAI exhibitions, with the exception of the Plein Air Invitational. A variety of membership levels are available. Borrego Art Institute 665 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Growing this Summer August 2026

By Wade Beane • August 18, 2026

Growing this Summer If you have landscaping or a garden, you have probably spent time this summer wondering if your plants are going to make it. There have been many days I’ve walked outside, looked at a plant and said, “Sorry little feller, I feel your struggle!” Be patient with your plants. In Borrego, nighttime heat is one of the biggest challenges. During the summer, plants need cooler nights to breathe. When night temperatures stay in the 80s, plants struggle because they conserve water by closing their stomata, which are tiny pores used for gas exchange. On hot nights these pores stay closed to prevent plants from losing more water than they can afford. But then they struggle to breathe. Cool nights are what allow desert plants to absorb carbon dioxide so they can create energy. In simple terms, hot nights keep plants from breathing, which slows the creation of sugars they need to be happy and survive. Look at the plants that naturally grow around us. There is a reason so many desert plants have small, thick leaves covered in wax. A smaller leaf has less surface area where water can escape. Waxy leaves create another protective layer that helps hold moisture inside the plant. Creosote and other plants have spent a very long time figuring out how to live wisely in the desert. Other landscape plants are less adapted to living through a Borrego summer. Even cacti struggle with the heat and get sunburned. And when a plant looks stressed, giving it more water is not always the answer. Too much water can complicate problems even further for many desert plants. Summer is a good time to practice patience. Pause for a moment and let the plant tell you what it needs. Sometimes plants need an extra drink and some shade cloth. Other times a little pruning will focus good energy on what is still alive. And when all else fails, slow down for a moment and talk to your plants. They are good listeners and appreciate words of encouragement. It has been a hot summer, and the plants are struggling just like the wildlife and many of us are. Wander outside and offer a little extra attention to everything that is surviving this summer. A few caring words and a little patience can make all the difference.

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