QPI Honors Anza-Borrego Desert State Park with
‘Quiet Conservation Area Award’
September 2024: Quiet Parks International (QPI) is proud to announce that Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has been awarded the prestigious ‘Quiet Conservation Area Award’.
Nestled in the vast and rugged desert landscape of Southern California, this designation honors Anza-Borrego’s commitment to preserving the natural soundscapes and quiet of one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world.
Matt Mikkelsen, Field Recordist and Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Park said: “Anza-Borrego Desert State Park exemplifies what it means to protect not just landscapes, but soundscapes. In a world increasingly filled with noise, the quiet of this desert wilderness is a rare and precious resource. By preserving its natural sound environment, Anza-Borrego offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form—where silence becomes as vital as the scenery itself. We are proud to recognize this extraordinary park with the Quiet Conservation Area Award for its unwavering commitment to protecting the profound and often overlooked power of quiet.”
A represensative of the Anza-Borrego Foundation stated: "Quiet is a defining element of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Here, you can wake to the dawn chorus of over 300 bird species, feel the rush of desert winds through canyons, and at the right moment, hear water quenching the thirst of palm oases. As the sun sets, the yips of coyotes may lull you to sleep under a canopy of stars. People come to Anza-Borrego not just for adventure, but to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with themselves. In the quiet, far from the noise of modern life, we remember what it means to truly be a part of the wild. We are thrilled to receive this award."
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Nestled in Southern California’s vast and rugged desert landscape, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a place of unparalleled natural beauty. Spanning over 650,000 acres, it is the largest state park in California and offers visitors a truly unique experience, where endless desert vistas, rich history, and abundant wildlife are protected.
A Haven for Nature Lovers
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes, featuring towering mountains, expansive valleys, and colorful badlands. The Park's name is derived from explorer
Photos by Anza Borrego Foundation and Matt Mikkelsen
Juan Bautista de Anza and the Spanish word "borrego," meaning bighorn sheep, one of the Park's iconic species. In the spring, the Park bursts into vibrant life as wildflowers bloom, creating one of nature’s most spectacular shows. The Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep, roadrunners, kit foxes, and mountain lions.
Vast Designated Wilderness Areas
One of the most remarkable features of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is its commitment to preserving the natural desert environment. Much of the Park has been designated as official wilderness areas. These 12 wilderness areas provide visitors with the chance to explore untouched desert landscapes, where the land remains as it has for thousands of years. From deep canyons to towering mountain ridges, these protected zones offer opportunities for solitude, self-reliance, and discovery in a raw, unspoiled desert setting.
A Geologic Treasure
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a geology enthusiast’s dream. Erosion from wind and water has carved out the Park's unique rock formations, badlands, and slot canyons over millions of years. Fossils from prehistoric animals, such as mammoths and camels, have been discovered here, making it one of the most significant paleontological sites in the world.
Rich Cultural Heritage
The Park is also rich in cultural history includes seven designated cultural preserves for their outstanding historic and cultural interest. These areas provide a window into the lives of the Native American tribes, including the Kumeyaay and Cahuilla, who have called this desert home for thousands of years. Visitors can explore ancient rock art, petroglyphs, village sites, and trail systems that tell the stories of these early peoples. These culturally significant areas are carefully protected to preserve their historical and spiritual importance.
A Stargazer’s Paradise
Thanks to its remote location, the Park boasts some of the darkest night skies in Southern California, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. The Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and constellations with little to no light pollution.
Endless Opportunities for Adventure
Anza-Borrego offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, from hiking and camping to 500 miles of dirt roads to explore, and bird watching. Trails wind through diverse terrains, leading visitors through palm oases, slot canyons, and scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the vast desert landscape.
Press Contact
Gordon Hempton, Executive Director of Media Affairs, gordon@quietparks.org, cell +1-360-477-9588, Skype ID quiet.planet1
Matt Mikkelsen, Field Recordist and Executive Director of Wilderness Quiet Park: matt@quietparks.org
Jaime Purinton, Communications & Marketing Director: jaime@theabf.org
Samantha Young, Education Manager, Anza Borrego Foundation: samantha@theabf.org
Emily Blanchard, Anza Borrego Foundation: emily@theabf.org