Whether you know a lot or a little, come discover how the Colorado River, San Jacinto Falt, wind, rain, and many other forces have come together to shape the geologic wonderland known as Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  Guided tours are available in town, or pick up a map, guide book, and desert essentials and start exploring. Download: Geologic Gems of California State Parks: Anza Borrego Your adventure awaits!

Narrows Earth Trail Guide

Over 400 miles of desert roads are waiting to be explored!  Plan your adventure with a little help from the 'Local Voices' featured here at BorregoExperience.  Get the insider scoop on favorite camping spots, where to go for an amazing sunrise, and where to grab a burrito after a long day on the trail.  Then bring a horse, a bike, a four-wheel-drive vehicle, or just some hiking boots and make your own adventure!

 The World’s Toughest Bicycle Race – passes through Borrego Springs on June, 18th 2024

Starting from Oceanside, CA “RAAM” spans over 3000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states, and finishes at the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey 

Race Across America is one of the most respected and longest running ultra-endurance events in the world. RAAM is seen as a pinnacle of athletic achievement not only in cycling circles but the greater sporting community as well.

Open to amateur and professional racers, in solo, 2-, 4- and 8-person relay teams, there is no other race in the world comparable to RAAM. The Race has become a global icon, having had over 35 countries represented. Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice.  Racers have raised over $2 million per year over the past 5 years.

The first check point for the racers is at Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs, with riders expecting to begin passing through around 5:00pm on June 18th. Come cheer on these world class endurance athletes  as they complete the first stage one of most arduous bike races on the planet.   

 ArtPark – A creative blend of community gardens, orchard, and stunning desertscape, ArtPark is the outdoor portion of the Borrego Art Institute campus and it’s bound to inspire you! Here you can get hands-on education on creating a sustainable and ecofriendly environment, take a healthy eating stroll and enjoy the serenity of an ever-changing desert garden. Fresh, seasonal produce is available throughout the year and visitors are always welcome!

Venture through a land of enchantment as only Borrego can offer.  Over 140 sculptures dot the landscape surrounding town; some from fossil records found in Anza Borrego, some historical, and a few that can only be described as whimsical!  Adding to the whimsy is the chance of catching a roving clan of fun-hearted pirates at one of the many Borrego festivals.  Or perhaps you will meet the Sandman, a mythical (or perhaps not?!) creature said to call the desert home.  Ghost stories and folk lore come alive as the sun dips behind the mountains, so pack your imagination and ready your camera... it's gonna get FUN!

Let the stars sweep you away as you enter the magical wonders of a Borrego night sky.  In 2009 Borrego Springs was recognized as the world's second International Dark Sky Community.  And in 2017 Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was certified as an International Dark Sky Park.  What does all this mean to you?  It means it's...DARK!  Come experience the night sky and gaze in wide wonder at the stars and planets.  The desert is a perfect location to bring your telescope and set up for a night of amazement.  No telescope?  Bring a blanket or chair and cast your eyes to the stars for an unforgettable celestial show.  Night Sky tours led by expert astronomers are also available.  See you under the stars!

Take a peek at the Borrego Events Calendar and you will find this 'Sleepy little desert community" is FAR from asleep!  Events are a way of life in Borrego and each day brings something new.  Don't miss the upcoming...April 20-September 29, 2024: CELEBRATING THE SUMMER SHOW.  For more information see  Borrego Art Institute.

640,000 acre Anza-Borrego desert State Park is the largest state park in the western USA.  Three county paved roads, over 500 miles of dirt roads and 12 wilderness areas provide access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Click on “Things to Do” for hikes recommended by locals. For a comprehensive on - line guide to the hiking trails in the Park see the All Trails website.  The State Park Visitors Center and in downtown Borrego Springs the Anza-Borrego Foundation and Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association stores all have excellent inventories of trail guides, books, maps and plenty of “insiders” advice on great places to hike.  Remember it’s a desert out there. Bring plenty of water. Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return, Leave No Trace and have a great experience out there!  Please check out these SAFETY TIPS before you head out.

Local Voices - Bri Fordem

Located in the Colorado Desert portion of San Diego’s East County – between the Cleveland National Forest and the Salton Sea – explore 1,000 square miles of pristine wilderness in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the welcoming hospitality of the community of Borrego Springs enfolded within it. It’s quieter than Joshua Tree, and it’s more accessible than Death Valley.  And it’s got some of the darkest night skies you’ll find in SoCal, as the Golden State’s first and only International Dark Sky Community.  But there’s so much more to explore in Anza-Borrego beyond your campsite.  Whether you’re a desert dweller or a backcountry newbie, here are five of the best ways to absorb all that this expansive desert park has to offer.  Read more here.

Borrego Springs derives it's name from the Big Horn Sheep, Borrego in Spanish, that populate the mountain ranges that frame our community and the numerous natural "springs" that has been part of a major transportation corridor through time due to its geography and water sources. Native American migrations, Juan Bautista de Anza’s inland route to San Francisco and other missions, stagecoach routes, the gold rush, Mexican War troop movement, Ranchers and cattlemen, farmers, settlers etc all follow the same routes we use today and used the same water sources we use today.