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 • November 9, 2023

Lithium Valley: Salton Sea’s Sustainable Surge

California's Salton Sea, once only known for geothermal energy, now thrives as a hub for lithium extraction, a process leapfrogging over traditional mining methods

Harnessing the Power of Geothermal Brine

Nestled by California’s Salton Sea, an innovative transformation is underway. Known for its geothermal prowess, the area is fast becoming the epicenter of an eco-friendly lithium revolution. The pioneering ‘ion exchange’ method, energized by the geothermal plants dotting the landscape, sidesteps the environmentally taxing practices of yesteryears’ mining. This green tech assures a low carbon footprint, heralding a sustainable future where clean energy and near-zero emissions are the gold standards.

Economic and Environmental Crossroads

The Salton Sea’s lithium venture is a beacon of economic promise. Leading entities like CalEnergy and Controlled Thermal Resources are at the forefront, driving projects poised to bolster job markets and inject revenue into the local economy. But this prosperity doesn’t come without its challenges. The region, parched and ecologically fragile, faces potential risks from water scarcity and biodiversity loss. It’s a complex nexus of progress and preservation, where every step forward must be weighed against the environmental ledger.

The Community’s Voice

In the midst of industrial momentum, the heartbeat of Lithium Valley remains its community. Their clarion call for development that honors and uplifts the Salton Sea’s ecological and social fabric cannot be overstated. Collaborative dialogue between the industry giants, environmental stewards, and local inhabitants is essential to chart a course for ethical and equitable growth. It’s a shared journey toward a narrative that celebrates not just economic gains but also environmental stewardship and community welfare.

Explore the comprehensive story of Salton Sea’s lithium prospects and the voices that shape its future at GoToBorregoSprings.com, where sustainability and innovation converge for a greener tomorrow.