Health and Safety Tips for Visitors

The Borrego Village Association endorses The Anza-Borrego Foundation is joint “Leave No Trace Initiative” together with Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California State Parks and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

For more information please see the documents below, in both English and Spanish:

COVID-19 Anza Borrego - The Leave No Trace Recommendations for Getting Outside

7 Principals of Leave No Trace

For more information visit :

theABF.org

If you have any questions please email us at BorregoExperienceInfo@Gmail.com.

For more information please see:

Borrego Springs Coronavirus Resource Center

San Digo County Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information

State of California Public Health

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Update: ( February 1, 2021) With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted, State Parks is reopening campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other campground sites for new reservations, starting January 28. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open.

As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.

Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for this park unit.

What is open now?

• Camping (developed and primitive).
• Dispersed Backcountry Camping.
• Peg Leg and Culp Valley Primitive Camping Areas.
• Borrego Palm Canyon Full Hookup Campsites.
• Tamarisk Grove Campground.
• Arroyo Salado, Blair Valley, Yaqui Pass, Yaqui Well, Bow Willow, Mt. Palm Springs, and Fish Creek primitive camps.
• Backcountry Unpaved Roads.
• Hell Hole Day-use Area: for day-use activities only from sunrise to sunset.
• Sunrise Trail Head Parking/Day-use Areas.
• Coyote Canyon Above 3rd Crossing.
• North Coyote Canyon / Turkey Track Access Gate.
• Borrego Palm Canyon Day-use (Borrego Palm Canyon Trail Map).

What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?

Closed at this park:

• Anza Borrego Visitor Center (Information in available outside Thursdays-Mondays).
• Most special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
• Group camps and group picnic areas.

Statewide:

• Some park units and campground sites continue to be temporarily closed due to the pandemic, impacts from wildfires or other issues. Please visit the webpage of your local outdoor destination to find out if it is open.
• High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
• Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.

Are there any new visitor guidelines? 
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors: 

• Stay Local: Stay close to home during this pandemic period. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time.  
• Plan Ahead:
  • The ongoing pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of your outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open, if parking is available, and what visitor guidelines are in effect.  
  • Learn what safety precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.  
• SNO-PARKS: Make sure your vehicle is snow ready. A permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site. Parking is on a first come, first-serve basis at all SNO-PARK sites. The public is advised that parking lots are filling up early in the day. Illegal parking is prohibited. More information can be found at ohv.parks.ca.gov/SNOPARKS. 
• Stay Safer at Six Feet: No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings or parties. If there are too many people to maintain the required physical distance, please visit us on a different day.  
  • Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators. 
  • Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading. 
• Keep Clean: Be prepared as not all services may be available. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities. 
• Stay Covered: The state requires you to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times. 

Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.  

California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.

See the California State Park Website for the latest:

Safety Tips

Visitor Guidelines and Updates

Visitor Information and Latest Updates for the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area

Road conditions can change at any time!    

 See the latest updates for road conditions in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Galleta Meadows Sky Art Sculptures 

The land and artwork of Galleta Meadows has reopened. They have been closed off since April due to the coronavirus and stay-at-home orders. Please remember to follow health and safety guidelines when visiting and gathering at the sculptures.

Remember to carry a lot of water, be alert of the possibility of encountering wildlife, be mindful of your vehicle’s sustainability for visiting some locations, and please do not climb on or touch the art works.

The Under the Sun Foundation are stewards of the 130 free-standing, metal sculptures produced by artist Ricardo Breceda. The sculptures are spread over 1,500 acres of undeveloped desert land, and taken care of by the Foundation, who continue to actively plan for the long-term care of this important community landmark and resource.  

Source – The Borrego Sun https://www.borregosun.com/

Where can I stay, what restaurants are open, and what hours are specific shops/services open...see the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce website for up to date information:  https://www.borregospringschamber.com/

For more information and updated information about visiting the Anza-Borrego Desert region including the Community of Borrego Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park see:

Borrego Experience

Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association

Anza-Borrego Foundation

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park