With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert.
The park features washes, wildflowers, palm groves, cacti and sweeping vistas. Visitors may also have the chance to see roadrunner, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as iguanas, chuckwallas and the red diamond rattlesnake.
Hours + Fees
Season:
Open year-round, from dawn to dusk
Amenities
Amenities:
Campground Modern Restrooms Picnic Area(s) Visitor Center
Details
Additional Details:
Most visitors approach from the east via Highways S22, S2, or 78. Visitors from San Diego via Highways 79 and 78 have the added pleasure of driving through the mountainous Cuyamaca Rancho State Park--quite a different experience from Anza-Borrego.
The highways from the east climb to 2,400 feet or so and then descend about 2,000 feet to the valley. Where the highway breaks out of the high-country vegetation, it reveals the great bowl of the Anza-Borrego desert. The valley spreads below, and there are mountains all around. The highest are to the north--the Santa Rosa Mountains. The mountains are a wilderness, with no paved roads in or out or through. They have the only all-year-flowing watercourse in the park. They are the home of the peninsular bighorn sheep, often called desert bighorn. Few park visitors ever see them; the sheep are justly wary.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
The Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs.
Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.
We also have the following visitor guides in New Mexico. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Santa Fe North Central
Santa Fe
North CentralSanta Fe has a rich cultural history and used to be considered the capital for the Spanish "Kingdom of New Mexico". These days, visitors can enjoy the many museums, galleries and dining options available in this beautiful and historic city. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Red River Northern New Mexico
Red River
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Farmington Northwestern New Mexico
Farmington
Northwestern New MexicoNorthwestern New Mexico is known by many as a magical place. Four Corners and the local Aztec Ruins are considered sacred ground for some and are fascinating to visit. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Las Cruces Southern New Mexico
Las Cruces
Southern New MexicoLas Cruces is a charming city nestled between the awe-striking Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. There are a variety of unique local attractions and historic museums to keep visitors entertained. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Bisbee Southern Arizona
Bisbee
Southern ArizonaVictorian neighborhoods, locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, bookstores, galleries and more make Bisbee a good choice for those seeking sophistication along with small town charm. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
El Paso Mexican Border
El Paso
Mexican BorderEl Paso meets not only New Mexico but Old Mexico as well, making it a place rich in culture and history. High mountains cut through the city which gives it a dramatic setting as well as a great offering of very nearby outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Truth or Consequences Area Southwest New Mexico
Truth or Consequences Area
Southwest New MexicoOur new address is 523 N. Broadway in Truth or Consequences.
Our hours are:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-3pm
Sunday: 11am-2pm
Sierra County Recreation & Tourism partners with the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway Visitor Center to provide visitor information. The volunteers at the Visitor Center have an extensive knowledge of local history, attractions, activities and events. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Village of Ruidoso South Central
Village of Ruidoso
South CentralPristine and removed from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, the mountain top village has emerged as a premier resort destination of the Southwest, offering four season recreation, breathtaking views and perfectly suited meeting and lodging accommodations. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Carlsbad - Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park Southeastern New Mexico
Carlsbad - Home of Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Southeastern New MexicoCarlsbad is known for the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, but we’re also the home of Living Desert Zoo & Gardens and Brantley Lake State Parks, have the Pecos River running through the heart of town, and we boast 350 days of sunshine a year! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Santa Fe County North Central
Santa Fe County
North CentralWelcome to Santa Fe County! - For the Adventurous Traveler who craves Authentic Experiences. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Cloudcroft New Mexico South Central
Cloudcroft New Mexico
South CentralCloudcroft New Mexico is a quiet, quaint cool scenic village with year-round events and activities. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Alamogordo South Central
Alamogordo
South CentralA destination offering a multitude of interesting sights and one-of-a-kind adventures, Alamogordo is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Come enjoy fishing, hiking and skiing in the Sacramento Mountains, or discover the natural beauty of White Sands National Monument. Alamogordo, New Mexico. Adventure for life. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Deming Tourism Southern
Deming Tourism
SouthernFor fun, adventure and discovery, there’s no place like Deming, New Mexico! Located in the heart of the historic Old West, there are plenty of things to see and do around Deming! From outdoor activities and tourist attractions to the world-class Deming Luna Mimbres Museum and the charms of Old Mexico in nearby Palomas, you’ll find something for everyone. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Hawaii
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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