National park · United States
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Visit Anza-Borrego for a day hike (e.g., Palm Canyon, 2 h) if you have a car and water; for a multi‑day trek (e.g., Borrego Palm Canyon Loop, 6 h) bring a permit and camp – avoid peak summer heat (June–Sept).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,420 km² (934 sq mi)934 sq mi (2,420 km²)
approximate
Established
1933
Best months
Mar–Apr
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 12Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- California ↗Agricultural inspection stations sit on major road entrances into the state; you may be asked about farm visits and fresh produce.
- California ↗Outside San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego cores, a rental car is effectively required; book it before you land.
- Desert California ↗Carry 4 L of water per person per day; there is no reliable water between towns.
- Desert California ↗Fill up whenever you see a pump; some stretches run 80–160 km with no services.
- Desert California ↗Joshua Tree and Death Valley charge an entrance fee per vehicle (2026 estimate US$30, valid 7 days); Mojave National Preserve is free.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 2,420 km² (934 sq mi)934 sq mi (2,420 km²)
- The park covers about 2,420 km² (≈ 935 sq mi); figures vary slightly between sources.
- Established
- 1933
- Best months
- Mar–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Borrego Springs
Anza‑Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in California, offers extensive desert scenery, spring wildflower displays, and a network of dirt roads and trails for hiking, off‑road driving, and cycling, with modest vehicle and camping fees.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1933.
Size and age
2,420 km² (934 sq mi)934 sq mi (2,420 km²) · national park since 1933
The park covers about 2,420 km² (≈ 935 sq mi); figures vary slightly between sources.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Borrego Springs.
Why go
- Vast desert landscape with wildflower blooms in spring.
- Long network of dirt roads and trails for hiking, off‑road driving, and cycling.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanMild days, cool nights.
- FebCool, occasional rain.
- MarWildflower peak, comfortable temps.
- AprBloom continues, warm.
- MayWarm, still good for hikes.
- JunHeat rises, need early start.
- JulVery hot, risk of heatstroke.
- AugExtreme heat, limited water.
- SepCooling evenings, still hot days.
- OctMild, occasional rain.
- NovCool, possible bloom after rain.
- DecCool, clear skies.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Bighorn sheepAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Chuckwalla lizardsMar–Oct | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| RattlesnakesApr–Sep | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Center (Borrego Springs) | Information desk, restrooms, map shop. | Open daily 9 am–5 pm (check). |
| Palm Canyon Trailhead | Popular 2‑h hike to palm oasis. | Free access from road. |
| Blair Valley Campgrounds | Developed campsites with water. | Pay per night. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate; main facilities centered near Borrego Springs.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-use vehicle entry | US$15 | vehicle | Paid at park gate or online. |
| Camping (standard site) | US$20 | site | Most sites; primitive sites free (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Camping permit permit or guide
Backcountry off‑road permit no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$15
- US$20
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on California State Parks – Anza-Borrego before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on roads only; not on trails.
- Fires
- Only use provided fire rings; fire bans may apply.
- Camping
- Camp only in designated sites or free primitive areas with permit.
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission.
- Off‑road vehicles
- Stay on marked dirt roads; avoid sensitive habitats.
Where to stay
Near the park
Borrego Springs motels
Budget rooms 5‑min from park entrance.
In the park
Campgrounds inside park
Developed sites with water and restrooms.
Safety
Heat exhaustion high
Snake bite medium
Lost in backcountry medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor Center parking and short paved paths are wheelchair‑friendly.
- Most trails are unpaved and steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on established roads and trails to protect fragile desert crust.
- Pack out all trash; use refillable water bottles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
Day‑use vehicle entry is $15 per car; camping is $20 per night at most sites (some primitive sites are free).
What are the best hikes in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
Palm Canyon Trail (2–3 h, easy) and the Borrego Palm Canyon Loop (5–6 h, moderate) are popular; spring wildflower drives add scenic stops.
When is the best time to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?
Spring (March–April) for wildflowers and mild temps; also fall (Oct–Nov) for comfortable hiking. Summer is very hot and best avoided.
Do I need a permit to camp?
Yes, register at the visitor center or online; most campgrounds are free but require a permit for record‑keeping.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed on paved roads and parking areas if leashed; they are not permitted on most trails.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Loading…
Was this useful?