Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Category: State park

Address: 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004, USA

Phone: +17607674205

Opening hours

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Reviews

Kelli Van Liew

Apr 4, 2022

We loved our stay at Blair Valley. We got a beautiful campsite. It is a wonderful time of the year to visit. There is so much to see here. The desert is in full bloom this time of year. Will definitely return.

jorge corbaton

Mar 13, 2022

An extraordinary desert with miles and miles to explore. There is so much stuff in this state park to discover, you will need weeks to enjoy everything it offers. From spectacular dark nights for star gazing to a natural Oasis in the middle of dry land. Miles and miles for off road vehicles to enjoy. A BLM shoot area nearby to bring your guns and shoot whatever it is that you shoot. Deceloped campsites are abundant and primitive campsites are also around. Tons of RV glamping for your enjoyment. Bring water as it can get pretty hot very quick, and please keep your dogs hydrated and cooled. I recommend visiting: - The wind caves if you have high clearance vehicle and 4x4. - Borrego canyon camp site. Walk a mile in to find the Oasis - Slot canyon. No off road or 4x4 needed here. Bring a camera for sure! - Tamerisk Grove campground for cabin sleeping, but you must bring your own sleeping pad. - Drive up to Julian (outside of Anza borrego state park, just about 39 miles west) if you have time, but do it in the early part of the day as most shops and restaurants close earlier than normal. - If you have dirt toys bring them, the Ocotillo off road area is just phenomenal.

Omprakash Home

Jan 4, 2022

If you're looking to take in a beautiful sunset over some exotic terrain, you could do worse than the Borrego Badlands, a 20-mile stretch of desert in southeastern California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This arid landscape is not the kind of dune-filled terrain that you might visualise when you think of a desert, but a series of rolling hills, canyons, gullies, and arroyos speckled with sparse but hardy vegetation. It makes for a surreal and beautiful view. Fossilised seashells found in the area reveal that this arid landscape was once submerged under the waters of the Gulf of California and the Colorado River. The terrain was shaped over time by water and wind erosion into its current form. Today, the Borrego Badlands is a favourite spot for campers, while photographers are drawn by the picture-perfect sunsets. ©bing.com

Adam Lee

Dec 14, 2021

Absolutely stunning! Most dispersed camping is free. Very few pit toilets, no firearms, and fire must be contained in a metal container so plan accordingly. Very beautiful area, tons of great geology, history, and even pictographs. Lots to do and to explore. Very mild weather in the winter but can get hot hot in the summer. The town of Borrego Springs is not far (less than one hour from most places in the park) if supplies are needed. 4WD is recommended off road although there are some 2WD friendly places to visit. The amateur photographer's/astrophotographer's dream!

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Questions & Answers

When is it a good time to see the blooming flowers?

Roxana Renteria | Sep 1, 2019
Ian Incolumis | Sep 1, 2019

Some are out now. Check with the visitors center for location of best spots

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Can i camp on the side of the road—small van?

April Hammack | Sep 1, 2018
Anthony Sicola | Sep 1, 2018

Unlimited roadside camping is available throughout the park, similar to Mojave National Preserve. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has fairly specific rules regarding their roadside parking: Do not camp farther than one car length from any dirt or paved road. Do not camp within 100 feet of any water source.

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How big is Anza-Borrego State Park?

Jan Nichols | Sep 1, 2018
lonely dolphin | Sep 1, 2018

With 600,000 acres (240,000 ha) that includes one-fifth of San Diego County, ABDSP is the largest state park in California and, after New York's Adirondack Park, the second largest in the contiguous United States.

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Are the desert flowers blooming today

Daniel Garcia | Sep 1, 2019
bella ameilon | Sep 1, 2019

Yes

What is a Jakisey

Edith Trowbridge | Aug 31, 2020
Kevin Lundeen | Aug 31, 2020

Man made Hot Springs

Are the flowers currently blooming and what's the best location to view them?

Ryan Arthur | Sep 1, 2019
Robyn Adams | Sep 1, 2019

Just went down last weekemd amd there are some blooms in the areas mentioned but the catepillars are eating everything Still s22 into anza borrego is beautiful and so green

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dogs on a leash in the state park?

James Bobbitt | Sep 1, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Sep 1, 2019

Dogs are allowed on a six-foot leash in the campground and on designated roads. Please check the Anza-Borrego State Park magazine for more information https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/ABDSP%20Magazine%202018-2019_web.pdf

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Only drove through one night traveling up from San Diego and it looked like people just parked and camp anywhere. Whats the rule on camping?

David Brown | Sep 1, 2018
Melanie Sheats | Sep 1, 2018

Anza-Borrego has four developed campgrounds, eight primitive campgrounds, and also allows unlimited roadside camping following established rules: Do not camp more than one car length from any dirt or paved road. Do not camp within 100 ft of any water source. Pack it in, pack it out. Ground fires are not permitted. A metal container must be used for all campfires.

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What are the best day hikes in the park?

Yuanxiao Xu | Sep 1, 2018
Anita Damato | Sep 1, 2018

Slot canyons, wind caves, mud caves, dome lands,whale peak, palm canyon, indian hill...the list is huge. Love them all. Oh, Fish creek!

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Do U have a pool, Laundry & Jakisey?

Beverly Rains | Sep 1, 2018
Elena Omelchenko | Sep 1, 2018

yes, plenty of Jakiseys, they are everywhere, very very annoying creatures :-)

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Are the blooming flowers now?

Jay Patel | Aug 31, 2021
Ross Barima | Aug 31, 2021

It was gorgeous! They are all popping right now

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Is it recommended to off road or is it okay to hike around the area?

Damage 462o | Aug 31, 2020
Daniel Conner | Aug 31, 2020

There is some hiking, it is desert, so go prepared. I would recommend an 4wd or AWD vehicle with decent clearance to get to most of the sites to see.

Have hiked slot canyon w guide & jeep. Will only have 2 wheel this time around. Any economical way to get to slots? There are 5 of us. Any 4 wheel shuttle system? Visiting April 10th morning. Thank you April 5th Thank you

Patty Frederking | Sep 1, 2018
Extreme Road Trip | Sep 1, 2018

Slot canyon can be reached with a 2wheel drive. The parking waa crowded 2weeks ago and full of minivans and honda cars

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Is it full hook up or dry camp in one's rv

Carollen Grady | Oct 5, 2021
Brett Stalbaum | Oct 5, 2021

The entire park is open to free dry camping wherever you want, making it a unique California State Park. (See the website for the rules.) ABDSP is a giant place with scores of State Park campgrounds sometimes hours apart. Yaqui wells, Bow Willow, Mountain Palm Springs, Blair Valley... again see the website for details. Some of the private campgrounds like Stage Coach Trails and Butterfield have everything, store, hookups, horse accomodations, pools. Auga Caliente (special, hot springs) and Vallecito are San Diego county parks. There is just about every kind of camping you can imagine. Palm Canyon in Borrego Springs is a nice starter, because the VC can help you understand the rest of the park, and the town is very nice, good eats, etc. That or Stage Coach Trails (private, in Shelter Valley) are probably best for ABDSP greenhorns. Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Park (not to be confused with nearby Palm Canyon Campground) in Borrego Springs is sort of the luxury RV place. Hope it helps!

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Is there any cell phone service in Anza Borrego park.

Larry E | Aug 31, 2021
Jim Fandrich | Aug 31, 2021

READ ALL of the REVIEWS, And you will have a good idea regarding connectivity in and around the park and surrounding area. My wife and I have been through the Anzo Borrega areas at least six times and we have gotten good connectivity on each trip. By the way we both love that entire area. It is geology and geography in action. (It might be slow action but you can read it in the rocks). Anyway, the phone service for us, was good. If you are interested in geology or geography you'll have a great time just exploring the area, it's a new adventure.

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We went stargazing last night to Borrego springs but the moon was incredible beautiful almost full moon and too bright,when is a good night to go see the stars?

Juan Carlos Camarena | Sep 1, 2019
Jordan cooper | Sep 1, 2019

It's also good any night before the moon actually rises and moon rise is quite the spectacle

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Is this a good place to stargaze? If so is there a certain area of the park that is best?

Jessica Salgado | Sep 1, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Sep 1, 2019

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is an amazing place to stargaze. The park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park and Borrego Springs is a Dark Sky Community. The park also offers monthly Stargazing programs.

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If im camping off the trail can i have a camp fire

Jason Woodworth | Sep 1, 2019
Eddy Izm | Sep 1, 2019

All off trail fires must be in a metal container and you have to pack out all your ashes/trash. The visitor center guide will give clear instructions.

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Is there good bicycling in ansa borrego?

Gary D. Kanzler (Kanz) | Sep 1, 2019
Jesus Cordova | Sep 1, 2019

Yes on Road and even a lot of trails off road

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Is there any place to do target shooting near anza borrego state park..?

Dave Whiteman | Sep 1, 2019
Ryan Talmadge | Sep 1, 2019

There is blm land that supports target shooting but you need to pack out your brass and your targets. Don't mess up the last legal shoot spot in SD

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I see a few stock photos on google of people camping on top of fonts point. Is that allowed?

joshua cole | Sep 1, 2018
Diane M | Sep 1, 2018

No camping on the point.

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How far from San Diego

Otto Bussanmas | Sep 1, 2018
Jay Bolster | Sep 1, 2018

About 1-1/2 hrs.

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Do you need a pass to enter

Austin Stitzel | Jul 2, 2022
Austin Stitzel | Jul 2, 2022

What unit is the goat canyon trestle bridge?

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Where is the best spot to see the milky way and the full night sky?

H. Fenrus | Feb 2, 2022
Adam Asche | Feb 2, 2022

I would say anywhere is a good spot here. Fronts point is a really good view.

coming from Arizona, is the park open 10/30/2021? and is there a permit/fee that we might need for driving down Sin nombre canyon, arrollo tapiado, diablo drop, sandstone canyon out to ocotillo wells???

Claudio Sarabia | Nov 4, 2021
Eric Bartlett | Nov 4, 2021

It's a state park but unless you are camping in one of the developed campgrounds, there are no fees. I've camped in several of the places you listed and have never even so much as seen a park employee. The places you listed are not developed campgrounds.

Are there natural springs at this location? Coming in from out of town for the first time and want to find a spring.

aimee goodling | Nov 4, 2021
Ted Wallace | Nov 4, 2021

I here there's a waterfall at the end of hell hole hiking trail.

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Can we camp with a 40ft RV in the campground that has full hookups?

Martine Felts | Aug 31, 2021
Renee Gaskins | Aug 31, 2021

Probably not. Maybe one of the other private campgrounds in town could accommodate such a large unit. However, you might want to give them a call to confirm this.

is there skulls

100 subs with 0 videos 1 | Aug 31, 2021
Robert M.003 | Aug 31, 2021

I have been to this park twice. I didn't see any skulls but that doesn't mean they're not in the park.

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Is there any frozen or snow road to visit Anza Borrego from San Diego city now in Feb/2021? Should I prepare for the snow chain for my vehicle?

カガサム | Aug 31, 2021
Richard Nowakowski | Aug 31, 2021

Stay away from julian and you will be fine

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Is the park currently open to the public and campfires?

Bradley Mayberry | Aug 31, 2021
Ben Forte | Aug 31, 2021

Just there, open and campfires allowed in metal fire rings

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Can I camp on outside boundaries of camp.

Jessie Anthony Medina | Aug 31, 2020
Geoff S | Aug 31, 2020

Nope. Still closed bub

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Where is onza borrego Desert

فری امیر علیهان Sharifi | Aug 31, 2020
Daniel Beaudoin | Aug 31, 2020

West of Salton City on S22

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Are there hot springs? If yes can the public use the.?

Derrell Christy | Aug 31, 2020
Grigoriy Chudnovskiy | Aug 31, 2020

Agua Caliente County Park

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Hi everyone, is there public wifi at the state park? Thanks!

Drea Drury | Aug 31, 2020
B Radd | Aug 31, 2020

No

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Ate off road vehicles permitted ?

Ted Schafer | Sep 1, 2019
Don James | Sep 1, 2019

I don't think you can eat off road vehicles

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Are there camp restrooms? Or do we bring one or dig a hole? XD

M J | Sep 1, 2019
wyatt holtkamp | Sep 1, 2019

They're out there, but there aren't alot of them. If its important to you, id pick a site thats closer to the entrance. Cause thats where they usually are. The deeper you go, the more need for a shovel 😅

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Is Borrego Springs Dune buggy/OHV/ATV friendly?

BrendaR GenAcc | Sep 1, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Sep 1, 2019

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park requires all vehicles in the park to be highway legal. Our neighboring park, Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area has great opportunities for OHV's. Please be sure to consult official maps and be aware of where the boundary between the two parks is.

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Is there a lake there

Sandra Rackley | Sep 1, 2019
Douglas Sperber | Sep 1, 2019

Nearby is Aqua Caliente with some hot springs as well

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Are there any locations for camp fires?

Kameron Vincent | Sep 1, 2019
Ezekiel Rodriguez | Sep 1, 2019

This place has so many trails. You can find somewhere. You like. The view whatever. Build a pit out of rock.But dig a whole. In the center. For containment. Stay away from the houses. It's old school camping. And enjoy. So many things. It's beautiful. Oh and if you search. You will find. Fire pits. Pretty much every where.

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Are there still wildflowers to see?

Jim Dolph | Sep 1, 2019
David Lee | Sep 1, 2019

No, last week, I was there, almost all flowers were gone. I do not think raining these days would be helpful.

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I heard that there will be road closures on April 3. What roads are going to close?

George Echeveste | Sep 1, 2019
Flying AlieN | Sep 1, 2019

I believe I saw signs stating that certain sections of SR 78 would be closed during certain dates in April.

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Can you ride a bike .. ???

Juan Carlos Arreola | Sep 1, 2019
Santiago Reynal O'Connor | Sep 1, 2019

But of course

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Is this week (March 22-25) or the first week of April (April 5-8) better to see the super bloom here? We are flying out from NJ, and these are our only flight options.

Angela Everitt | Sep 1, 2019
Richard Krueger | Sep 1, 2019

It was beautiful last week. I revommend the sooner the better.

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Where does the hone tour meet tomorrow, and where do I pick up the tickets we ordered online a few days ago? Patricia Rose

Patricia J Rose | Sep 1, 2019
Gary Haupt | Sep 1, 2019

Call the state park office for the correct info.

Can you see the sculptures from the road? We would like to ride through on motorcycles but not sure how much is visible from the paved road.

Lisa Norris | Sep 1, 2019
Charles Blue | Sep 1, 2019

Not the best view, but yes, you can see from the road.

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My son and I are planning a 3 day trip to the mud caves. Are we allowed to tent camp at the caves? \

Nicky Barrows | Sep 1, 2019
Joel Pointon | Sep 1, 2019

Contact the State Park Headquarters as conditions and restrictions change with weather.

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If my husband and I are planning a trip to San Diego - how many days should we commit to the Borrego State Park to view desert flowers and some great hikes? Is it best to stay in a motel in the town of Borrego Springs for the easiest accessibility?

Nancy Ladd | Sep 1, 2019
Donna Reed | Sep 1, 2019

It doesn't take long to see the blooming desert. It will depend how long you 0lan to hike.There are many campgrounds but don't know about hotels

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Is a mid size SUV without 4wd going to work on the roads marked "primitive" on the park map? Are the roads packed desert road or gravel or what? Are they full of potholes?

Elaine Smiley | Sep 1, 2019
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Sep 1, 2019

Road conditions can change. Currently we recommend 4WD for all dirt roads.

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When is a good time to go see the blooming flowers?

Roxana Renteria | Sep 1, 2019
Nellie McConnell | Sep 1, 2019

Excellent place to spend the winter an explore.

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Does this park have hook-ups?

Donna La Fleur | Sep 1, 2019
Denise Weatherwax | Sep 1, 2019

Palm Canyon has hookups, but is very hard to get into, especially when the wildflowers are blooming (End of Feb. - March). Nice CG. Make reservations as soon as you know. Otherwise there are a couple RV resorts in Borrego Springs and limited dry camping areas in the state park.

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How close to the Mexican border? (MEXICALI)

Boo&Cassie Harris | Sep 1, 2019
Carl Linden | Sep 1, 2019

About 85-90 miles. It's not a bad drive. If time is not an issue, I would take the 98 to S2. Much more scenic. Will add about 20 min. To the drive.

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Can you fly drones in the park?

Jonathan Riddle | Sep 1, 2019
Jeff Steinbock | Sep 1, 2019

No

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I want to boondock with a 30' 5th wheel and a 2 wheel drive 3500 dualie. Any suggestions?

Beth Pallai | Sep 1, 2019
Richard Eidsmoe | Sep 1, 2019

Blair Valley off of S2.

Is there anywhere in Ansa Borrego Springs to play pickleball?

Leanna Kerr | Sep 1, 2019
Nick M | Sep 1, 2019

Not sure but not likely

Are there trees not just barren dry land

Jkaren Newcombe | Sep 1, 2019
Robert Mckinney | Sep 1, 2019

Actually there are trees. There is a palm oasis a couple miles in to one of the canyons. Just search Anza Borrego Palm Oasis on google. I went there myself and saw them first hand. There is a small cluster of 30-50ft trees. Worth the trip to see in my opinion. Check my profile.

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Are dogs allowed? I could not findtgat info on the web site. Thank yoy.

kathy Bissell | Sep 1, 2018
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park | Sep 1, 2018

Pets must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs or cats must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed cross-country or on hiking trails. Dog information is under Park Regulations

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Open RV camping is allowed as long as you stay one vehicle length off the road. In the area between Clark Dry Lake and the highway there are numerous roads, so it's allowable to park/camp off these roads?

John Acosta | Sep 1, 2018
Frank's workhouse | Sep 1, 2018

I live very close by and I see RVs parked in different locations that obviously haven't been moved in a while. The only place I don't see them as on the right side of the road leading to the Julian area. There are signs that indicate what type of vehicles aren't allowed. Hope it helps.

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When is the best time to see blooming fields of flowers?

Marek Dzida | Sep 1, 2018
S.J. Lee | Sep 1, 2018

Usually late march to mid april but this year the weather is dry we don't have the vary fields of flowers than last year. I guess early to mid april is the best time.

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Is there cell phone coverage?

Celeste Dodd | Sep 1, 2018
Cerin Rodriguez | Sep 1, 2018

This park is so huge it really depends on where in the park youre going. If you call the Anza Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, they would probably know where the signal is good or dead.

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Does it allow dirt biking?

Nameless 69 | Sep 1, 2018
Curtis Cox | Sep 1, 2018

Ocotillo Wells is your best bet most of Anza is off limits to non plated vehicles

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Is there cabins

mario, Jazlyn and kennedy preciado | Sep 1, 2018
Boh Ireland | Sep 1, 2019

There are cabins at the Agua Caliente county park

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is it free

betty jo diaz | Sep 1, 2018
Chesney Hoagland-Fuchs | Sep 1, 2018

the visitors center is free, but entering the camp ground and access to the Palm Canyon Oasis trail is the same cost as entry for any California State Park

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