Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a nature reserve in Riverside County extending into San Diego and Imperial counties, where desert flats, canyons, and palm groves form a wide expanse. The terrain rises from low valleys to mountain ridges and displays sandstone, clay, and rock formations from different geological eras.

The area became a protected zone in 1933 to preserve desert habitats and archaeological traces left by the Kumeyaay. Over the following decades, rock art was documented and boundaries expanded to include additional landscapes.

The name pairs a Spanish explorer with the Spanish word for bighorn sheep, which still inhabit the rocky slopes. Today visitors find signs and panels explaining both elements and pointing out where the animals are often spotted.

Main access roads follow Highways S22 and 78, which descend from mountain ranges and allow arrival from several directions. Early morning or late afternoon brings cooler temperatures, especially during summer months.

Recognition as an International Dark Sky Park reflects the unusually dark night skies, which show constellations and the Milky Way without interference from settlement lights. Astronomy events take place regularly and use the clear desert conditions for sky observation.

Location: San Diego County

Location: Imperial County

Location: Riverside County

Inception: 1933

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Website: http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638

GPS coordinates: 33.25920,-116.39900

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:04