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 • May 6, 2024

Water Management in Borrego Springs: The Role of the Watermaster

The Role of the Borrego Watermaster in Groundwater Management

Understanding water management in Borrego Springs includes considering the role of the Borrego Watermaster. Established through a court-supervised adjudication, the Borrego Watermaster oversees the management of groundwater in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and a court-ordered Judgment.

The Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin

The Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin spans approximately 98 square miles across Borrego Valley and is bordered by bedrock formations, faults, and significant geological features. The subbasin lies within San Diego County's jurisdiction and is surrounded by California State-owned land. It primarily consists of agriculture, residential, and recreational land uses, with water and sewer services provided by the Borrego Water District (BWD).

Who is the Borrego Watermaster?

The Borrego Watermaster is a committee of representatives from the sectors affected by the Judgment, including agriculture, recreation, the Borrego Water District, and the community. The Watermaster's primary role is to implement a groundwater management plan to ensure that groundwater pumping is reduced to sustainable levels by 2040. The Watermaster supervises groundwater levels and quality, enforces water allocations, and collaborates with the BWD on water management.

The Role of the Watermaster

The Watermaster's responsibilities include:

Overseeing the reduction of groundwater pumping to achieve sustainability.

Monitoring groundwater levels and water quality to manage the basin effectively.

Enforcing water rights and allocations as per the court-ordered Judgment.

Challenges and Ongoing Projects

The Watermaster faces challenges due to the historical over-pumping of groundwater, which led to significant drops in groundwater levels. To address this, the Watermaster is involved in several projects, including:

Expanding the Groundwater Monitoring Program to improve data collection.

Redetermining the Sustainable Yield to update estimates for water management.

Restoring Fallowed Lands to ensure unused agricultural land is rehabilitated.

The Technical Advisory Committee

A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) advises the Watermaster on technical matters related to groundwater management. The TAC makes recommendations based on the best available data to ensure sustainable management of the Borrego Springs Groundwater Subbasin. The TAC's duties include analyzing water budgets, identifying undesirable results, and improving water budget assumptions to enable better adaptive management.

Staying Informed

To follow the Watermaster's progress in managing Borrego's water resources, visit their official website here for the latest updates, meeting agendas, and data on water management activities.

Groundwater Monitoring Plan for the Borrego Springs Subbasin

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BORREGO SPRINGS WATERMASTER

Learn More About Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.

Christian Center to Host Harvest Festival Oct. 31

By Andrea McKenna • September 12, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE

Borrego Village Campus: Up to 60 Affordable Homes Proposed on Donated Land

By Andrea McKenna • September 11, 2026

Wellsprings Community Foundation would put housing for seniors and workers, a fire station, and a clinic on 22 donated acres in the center of town

Bargain Barn storefront sign on a white building with star decorations against a dark blue sky.

The Borrego Springs Bargain Barn: Season Update

By American Legion Post 853 Communications • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Thrifting for a Cause: Support Veterans at Bargain Barn.

Borrego Springs Sees Lowest Groundwater Pumping Since 2021

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs sees its lowest groundwater pumping since 2021, highlighting conservation efforts. Stay updated on local water management.

Rotary Sets Feb. 6 for Annual Fundraiser: A Roaring Twenties Speakeasy

By Andrea McKenna • September 10, 2026

Borrego Springs Rotary will bring the Roaring Twenties to La Casa del Zorro for its annual community fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Each February, the greater Rotary family gathers for one of its most important fundraisers of the year, raising funds to support programs and projects that benefit the Borrego Springs community. Last year’s Mardi Gras celebration drew 110 supporters for an evening of food, fun, raffles and auctions. Their generosity helped Rotary fund 30 student scholarships, send local students to leadership development programs, provide a Christmas toy for every child in Borrego Springs, and award 18 community grants. This season, Rotary is trading Mardi Gras for the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The 2027 Rotary Annual Fundraiser Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, at La Casa del Zorro, with a Roaring Twenties Speakeasy theme, complete with Prohibition-era cocktails and period-inspired cuisine. Guests are encouraged to “throw on your glad rags” and join Rotary for what organizers promise will be a festive evening — all in support of programs that directly benefit the community. Save the date: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027. Additional details, including ticket information, will be announced as the event approaches.