Visitor Center

Although this Visitor Center is like many others on the inside, the building is quite unique.  It has been built into the hillside, is underground and is completely hidden from view as you walk towards it from the parking area.  If this is your first visit, plan on spending at least an hour, if not two, to take it all in.  It is time well-spent. 

Inside the Center, there are many great exhibits that show the natural, cultural and historical aspects of Anza-Borrego.  Because much of the extraordinary landscape of Anza-Borrego has been shaped and molded by geologic forces, many of the exhibits explain the geology here and how it relates to what you’ll see when you’re out in the Park.  Similarly, the exhibits on the unique desert wildlife of Anza-Borrego are a must-see as they explain many of the special adaptations Mother Nature has given to the plants and animals here.

There is also a nice little theater that usually runs an informational film that lasts 15 minutes or so.  It sometimes talks about Anza-Borrego as a whole or it may be about a particular subject and it is always interesting.  At the front desk, you’ll find numerous brochures on hikes, sights to see and camping plus the helpful Park Rangers who can answer any questions you may have. 

And don’t miss taking a walk onto the “roof” of the Visitor Center.  You can get to it from the parking lot (before walking down the stairs to the entrance of the building) or by turning right as you exit the front door.  From the doors, walk about a hundred feet, make a sharp right turn and climb the stairs.  Because the center sits on high ground, the view of Borrego Valley and the surrounding desert and mountains is stunning.

Even if the Visitor Center isn’t open, it is worth going to.  In addition to the view we just mentioned, there are several easy trails that take you around its east side.  These trails loop through various desert plant gardens where you can learn about some of the plants from their labels. 

Although we have visited Anza-Borrego many, many times, we always make a stop at the Visitor Center to find out what’s new.  There’s always a new film playing, new brochures to check out, sometimes an updated exhibit and something new in the gift and book store.

From Christmas Circle (in the center of Borrego Springs), head due west on Palm Canyon through the center of town – towards the tall mountains.

At 1.7 miles, various signs indicate that the main road (Hwy S22) turns left but you will keep going straight.  You’ll pass the Park Headquarters on the left and then the road starts veering to the right as it turns into the parking lot of the Visitor Center. 

As of 2018, there are two seasonal sets of operating hours for the Visitor Center.  For the cooler months of October through May, the hours are 9am to 5pm daily.  For the hotter months of June through September, the hours are still 9 to 5 but they are only open on the weekends.  Since policies can change, always check their website for the current operating hours.

The Visitor Center was built in 1979 at a cost of $1 million.  It was designed to fit seamlessly into the natural landscape and what better way to accomplish that than to literally build it into the desert.  The result is that it is hidden underground and is very energy efficient thanks to the natural insulation of the Earth.  Its unique design won an award from the American Institute of Architects.

Much of the funding to build the center and to maintain it into the future came from the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, or ABDNHA.  The ABDNHA puts on fundraiser events throughout the year to help fund the State Park and its Visitor Center. 

They also provide Ranger-lead tours and lectures through the Visitor Center or ABDNHA.  Check the events calendar on the websites for both the Center and ABDNHA to see if there is anything interesting scheduled for the time of your visit.