Why the Stars Still Shine in Anza-Borrego: The Power of Being a Dark Sky Park & Community
Imagine standing in the desert at night. The air is still. A cool breeze moves across the sand. You look up, and instead of a dull haze or distant flickers, the entire sky is alive with stars. The Milky Way stretches from one horizon to the other. Constellations are bright and bold. The night feels […]
Surviving the Heat: How Mojave Desert Tortoises Beat the Sun
When the summer sun scorches the landscape and surface temperatures soar above 110°F, most creatures seek shelter. But for the desert tortoise, one of the region’s most resilient animals, survival is all about adaptation. These slow-moving reptiles have evolved extraordinary ways to endure life in one of the harshest climates in North America. Here’s how […]
How Hot Does It Really Get?
Summer in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is not just hot, it’s extreme. From June through September, daytime highs often soar past 100°F, with rock and sand surfaces reaching 140–150°F—hot enough to fry an egg in minutes. Even as the sun sets, temperatures linger near 80°F+, offering little relief after dark. In this environment, careful planning […]
Summer in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Top Five Survival Strategies
Summer in Anza-Borrego Desert: Top Five Survival Strategies Anza-Borrego Desert State Park comes alive in countless ways each summer if you know where (and when) to look. While temperatures can soar above 110°F (43°C) and water becomes more precious as gold, many desert inhabitants thrive rather than merely survive. From stealthy nighttime foragers to plants […]
From Yips to Howls: Coyotes Come Alive in Spring
Coyotes in Anza-Borrego come into a unique phase during spring that not only marks a time of change in the desert but also plays an important role in our ecosystem—and in our upcoming coyote webinar! In the spring, after the relative quiet of winter, coyotes become noticeably more active as they engage in behaviors vital […]
ABF Member Spotlight: Fred & LLouise Jee
What is your favorite location in the Park? Fred: Fish Creek is still my favorite location in the Park. Patrolling and living there for three years and then using it as a backdrop for programs or just showing off the Park in one area continues to be a reason to visit and enjoy that part […]
2025 Desert Warriors Award
We are proud to honor Diana and Lowell Lindsay as Desert Warriors! The Desert Warrior Awards is awarded to individuals who are dedicated to conserving Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Award was established in 2020 to recognize individuals for their extraordinary contributions in supporting the mission of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Anza-Borrego Foundation, and the […]
California Fan Palms- a Park Native
(Washingtonia filifera), the California desert fan palm is native to Southern California’s low deserts, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. These palms can live for up to 90 years, reaching heights of 75 feet and weighing up to three tons. Their fan-shaped leaves can grow up to six feet long, often forming “petticoats” of dead fronds […]
Using Repeat Photography to Assess Climate Change Impacts
Of particular concern was the decline of our most iconic plants, including ocotillo, teddy bear cholla, and desert fan palm. For example, within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, all but one of the historical photographs revealed significantly fewer ocotillos today.
Don’t Bust the Crust: Protecting the Desert’s Hidden Heroes
When exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, it’s easy to focus on dramatic vistas, blooming wildflowers, or the elusive desert wildlife. But beneath our feet lies an unsung hero of the desert ecosystem: cryptobiotic soil. Often overlooked and fragile, this living crust plays a critical role in the health of desert environments, […]
Ten Things to do in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park This Winter
Ten Things to Do in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park this Winter Nestled in the southeastern corner of California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a sprawling, awe-inspiring desert landscape that encompasses 650,000 acres, making it the largest state park in California. Located about two hours east of San Diego and three hours southeast of Los Angeles, […]
Inspiring Community and Connection in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Environmental BIPOC Campout
Inspiring Community and Connection in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Environmental BIPOC Campout By: Lizbeth Bárcena, California Naturalist and ABF Member and Volunteer Nature lovers come from all walks of life. On a sunny November weekend, thirty nature enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground to share the joy of conservation. I […]
Discover Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Through the Lens
Discover Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Through the Lens At Anza-Borrego Foundation, we believe that nature has the power to inspire, and there’s no better way to share that inspiration than through photography. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or a seasoned professional with a camera, our Annual Photo Contest invites you to capture the […]
A Narrow Escape: Saving a Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard
A Narrow Escape: Saving a Flat-Tailed Horned Lizard By Donna Roy I found myself on the highway staring down an 18-wheeler semi-trailer truck barreling towards me. How did I end up here? I have to rewind to a month earlier. My friend Joe, an environmental scientist, had been looking for help with flat-tailed horned […]
Volunteer Opportunities
Join Us! Volunteer with Anza-Borrego Foundation and Make a Difference! Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and giving back to the community? We’d love for you to join our team of dedicated volunteers! As a volunteer, you’ll play a key role in protecting and preserving Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—California’s largest state park and a place […]
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Designated as a Quiet Conservation Area by Quiet Parks International
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Designated as a Quiet Conservation Area by Quiet Parks International This recognition highlights our commitment to preserving the natural soundscapes of one of California’s most serene desert landscapes. Why Quiet Matters in Nature Quiet Parks International, a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting natural quiet, emphasizes the importance of silence in nature […]
A Day in Borrego Palm Canyon: Witnessing Bighorn Sheep
A Day in Borrego Palm Canyon: Witnessing the Majestic Bighorn Sheep By Arun Balakrishnan On a warm October day, I found myself with a few wildlife trackers in the first wash in Borrego Palm Canyon. There were no other people around. The chupa rosas were a vibrant red, there were signs of rabbits feeding on […]
The Finest City Podcasts
The Finest City Podcasts Did you know we were featured on an episode of The Finest City podcast not once but twice? These podcast episodes offer a fantastic glimpse into the hard work Anza-Borrego Foundation does behind the scenes to continue protecting your favorite state park. The Magic of Anza-Borrego Desert Join Bri Fordem, Executive […]
Five Adventures to Have in Borrego Springs
Five Adventures to Plan in Borrego Springs Next Season By: Jacq- The Bubbly Mermaid Avid traveler and adventurer Jacq- The Bubbly Mermaid here. I have absolutely fallen in love with Borrego Springs and want to share some great adventures to be had in this amazing SoCal location. Join me as we explore the California Desert […]
Anza-Borrego: An International Dark Sky Park and Borrego Springs: A Dark Sky Community
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the nearby community of Borrego Springs earned prestigious designations that highlight their commitment to preserving the night sky. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, while Borrego Springs is celebrated as an International Dark Sky Community. These accolades, awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), […]
