Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California's largest state park, covering more than 600,000 acres of desert landscape in the southeastern part of the state. Badlands, slot canyons, palm oases and rugged mountains make it a place of great variety and dramatic scenery. Wildflower blooms can turn the desert floor into a carpet of color after wet winters, and the park's remote location gives it some of the darkest night skies in Southern California. Hikers can explore canyons and palm groves, and campers can choose from developed campgrounds or open desert camping. The town of Borrego Springs serves as a convenient base. Day use is $10 per vehicle, and camping runs $35 to $50 per night. Visit in fall, winter or spring, since summer temperatures can be extreme.