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 • January 27, 2026

The Annual Liars’ Contest in Borrego Springs | March 7th

The Peg Leg Smith Liars’ Contest Returns

One of Borrego Springs’ longest-running traditions returns on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the American Legion Post 853.

Event Details

Date: March 7, 2026
Location: American Legion Post 853
Address: 4515 Borrego Springs Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

About the Event

The annual Peg Leg Smith Liars’ Contest celebrates tall tales, quick wit, and Western-style storytelling. Storytellers are given five minutes to deliver their most creative and outrageous lies before a live audience and panel of judges.

How It Works

Judges score each performance based on originality, delivery, humor, audience response, and inclusion of Peg Leg Smith in the story. Costumes and props are encouraged. Stories should be imaginative and entertaining, but not overly profane.

A Local Tradition

Promoted in the early 1900s by desert writer and artist Harry Oliver, the Peg Leg Smith Liars’ Contest has become a long-standing Borrego Springs tradition and continues to draw storytellers and spectators each year.