Please review our hiker info page to familiarize yourself with hiker safety rules and our hike ratings so that you can select hikes that meet your level of fitness. Unless specified otherwise in the activity descriptions below, hikes have a 15 person limit, and they begin in the ABDNHA parking lot.
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Birding Walk: Rams Hill Golf Course (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Looking for something different to do on Christmas morning? Join us at one of the better birding spots in the Borrego area! Generally closed to the public, we have permission to walk the course on the one day of the year when it's closed. Look for Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Grebes, and others. 4 mi RT, 100' vertical. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Lecture: Boomer Archaeologist
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Thomas Levy, Ph.D.
“I had better write my story down before I forget it,” is what world-renowned archaeologist of the deserts of the Holy Land, Professor Thomas Levy, thought to himself when he retired from teaching. There are many layers to the stories that Tom shares with us tonight in his latest book, “The Boomer Archaeologist: A Graphic Memoir of Tribes, Identity, and the Holy Land.” The book is written for many different audiences, with stories woven together for his family, his many students, his professional colleagues, the Boomer, Millennials, and later generations in the USA, the Jewish world, and for those archaeologists now charting the future of archaeology, with new technologies that offer new approaches, and changes in the way the field of archaeology views itself. Join us for this interview-format presentation. The book is a lot of fun to read, with graphic illustrations done by his niece, Lily Almeida, based in London. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the end of the presentation at the reception. Location: The ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online at www.abdnha.org or at the nature center, 760-767-3098.Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Little Grand Canyon (Moderate to Fairly Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesHike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
“Little Grand Canyon” is an impressive, although small, slot canyon in Coyote Canyon, near Desert Gardens. This will be our second trip this season, this time up the canyon itself. The trail meanders up a classic slot canyon, getting continually rougher — stop when it’s too much for you. If you make it all the way, you’ll be squeezing through a low-overhead tunnel. 5 mi RT, 600’ vertical, mostly good tread, with more rocks, rubble, and step-ups near the end. Access is via a sandy road that is usually no problem for most 2WD. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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Hike: Moonlight Canyon – Inner Pasture Loop Car Shuttle (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike 10 miles, 1100’ gain. After leaving a few vehicles at the hike’s end, we drive 3 miles back to Agua Caliente Park. After less than a mile on the Moonlight Canyon trail, we deviate up to the Inner Pasture overlook. Lots of little dry falls to navigate! Then we descend into Inner Pasture, walk a mile through it, then back to the road via an easy, very scenic unnamed canyon. Max. 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Lecture: Native Baskets – Function and Art
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Robin TenEyck
Woven baskets have served essential functions in societies worldwide for thousands of years. However, there is also an artistry to creating beautiful baskets, and Robin TenEyck has been weaving exquisite ones for many years. In tonight’s program, Robin displays some of her baskets as well as Kumeyaay & Diegueno baskets from her collection. She also discusses the history of basket making among Southern California’s native people, and how the arrival of the railroads in California led to a significant shift from utilitarian to decorative baskets, prompting the establishment of trading posts and a growing interest in collecting baskets for display as artwork. At the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Auto Tour of Borrego’s Metal Sculptures
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: ABDNHA Program Director Mike McElhatton
Join Mike on this auto tour of the outdoor sculptures in the Borrego Valley, including the newest addition, the Roadrunner and the Rattlesnake! See the sculptures, hear the story they were created to tell, and how and why they were made. No charge. Limit: 22, registration required. Visit or call the Nature Center to register, 760-767-3098. We will carpool from the ABDNHA parking lot.
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Public Presentation of the New Desert Botany Club
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesCoordinator: Don Rideout
If you are interested in being part of this new ABDNHA club or would like to learn more, there are two programs today you’ll want to attend. From 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., there will be an open meeting to discuss the club's activities, such as field trips, hikes, lectures, gardening, and more. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is the first club presentation, “The Plants of the Anza-Borrego Desert” in the ABDNHA Library. (See 6:30 below for more information.) Note: This afternoon's meeting requires no pre-registration. The lecture on Saturday night does require registration and a fee.
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Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director
Join ABDNHA’s Program Director Mike McElhatton on this month’s Full Moon Walk in South Palm Wash. Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. This is primarily a moderate walk, with a few areas that require “big steps” and flexibility on inclines. We meet at the ABDNHA Library and carpool from there. A flashlight, water, and good hiking shoes are required. Space is limited to 22. Activity cancels whenever cloud cover limits the moonlight. No charge. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to make a reservation.
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Lecture: Plants of Anza-Borrego Desert
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Don Rideout, Desert Botany Club
This session in the ABDNHA library will inaugurate ABDNHA's Desert Botany Series with an overview of the plants of the Anza Borrego Desert and adjacent areas. It is intended for beginners and those who want to refresh their botanical knowledge. The most commonly seen species will be highlighted. Subsequent sessions will focus on specific plant families, locations, and topics. In the ABDNHA Library. Registration required. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Beginning Birding: Borrego Springs Resort (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
If you can’t tell a sparrow from a flycatcher from a wren, this trip is for you! Instead of racking up species, we will slow down and take more time with each individual bird, learning how to identify them. We will be carrying a scope, so you’ll get a good look at what distinguishes a bird. 1.5 miles, no elevation gain, easy trail. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 8:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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Hike: Rockhouse – Hidden Spring – Butler Loop (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike 10 miles, 1000’ gain. This is a 10-mile loop hike, with the first three miles walking on a Jeep road up Rockhouse Canyon. But we think it's worth it! After those three miles, you reach Hidden Spring. From Hidden Spring, we climb up the slope to the Jackass Flat area, cross the flat for a couple of miles, then enter beautiful Butler Canyon from the top. As we exit Butler Canyon at the bottom, we are almost back at the cars. 4WD vehicles are highly recommended. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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Nature Journaling (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Pat Matthews and Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteers
This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field until noon. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, a pencil, an eraser, a micron pen, colored pencils or a compact watercolor set, and a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and a snack are recommended. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Lecture: Life in the Borderlands – the History of Crossing the California-Mexico Border
Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesDesert Lecture Series
Speaker: Immigration Historian Deborah Kang, Ph.D.
In the early 1900s, people freely crossed back and forth between California and Mexico because federal immigration laws were not strongly enforced, and the two sides were often regarded as parts of the same community. World War I and the Mexican Revolution led to this change, as strict regulations were imposed amid growing concerns about foreign enemies and immigrants. Residents in the borderlands strongly objected because they relied upon easy crossings for their society, family ties, and economy. Their objections led to enforcement being relaxed once again. Our speaker tonight, Deborah Kang, is an immigration historian who will explain the evolution of laws and practices along the California-Mexico border, from around 1900 to the present day. Join us at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. The program is free for ABDNHA members, and $10 at the door for the general public. Seating is first-come, first-served.
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Birding Walk: Dos Palmas Reserve (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Dos Palmas is a delightful desert oasis on the northeast side of the Salton Sea. First, we’ll visit a cathedral-like grove of desert palm trees. Then, a 1-mile walk with beautiful desert views leads us to a series of ponds surrounded by lots of vegetation, which attract a variety of birds. We’ll look for Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Sora, Kingfisher, and others. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see a Prairie Falcon. Total distance, 5 miles, flat. The travel time is 1.5 hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Lecture: The Story of the Salton Sea
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Dave Blanchet, (ret.) Hydrologist
First there was the geology, and then came the flood. The Salton Sea is located along the San Andreas Fault, and it is geology that repeatedly created and drained a vast natural lake over millions of years, called Lake Cahuilla, in what is now the Imperial Valley. Starting in the 20th century, agriculture began to flourish in California’s Imperial Valley, and diversion canals were dug to divert water from the Colorado River into the dry desert. But the wild nature of the Colorado River soon took the upper hand. Events went horribly awry as record-breaking floodwaters destroyed the manmade dams and canals, and the full flow of the Colorado River flowed unabated into the Salton Trough for two years. Only through immense effort was the flooding finally stopped, and the Colorado River returned to its course, flowing into the Sea of Cortez. Tonight’s speaker, Dave Blanchet, is a retired hydrologist from Anchorage, Alaska, and a lifetime member of ABDNHA. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Please register at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Hornblende Canyon (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool to a parking area South of Blair Valley. Parking is limited there, so we need to take as few cars as possible. The hike up Hornblende Canyon is fairly flat in the beginning, but you'll need to be able to navigate a few small dry waterfalls until we reach a 40-foot-high dry waterfall and our turnaround point. We'll eat lunch here and then return the way we came. This hike will be limited to 15 people. Call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Hike: West Truckhaven Wash (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer
A mile east of Arroyo Salado, on the North side of S-22, lie the unique Truckhaven Rocks, a Swiss cheese sandstone formation. This 2.3-mile round-trip hike skirts the West side of the Rocks. We will walk up a sandy wash that eventually narrows between weathered sandstone walls. The hike is easy. However, there is one 3-foot dry waterfall that we need to climb up. Meet at ABDNHA and be willing to carpool. 2WD OK. Bring water, snacks, a hat, and sturdy boots. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 18 people.
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Astronomy Lecture: Fossils of the Solar System
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Dr. Neil Farber
Just as fossils on Earth are remnants of past life forms, there are astronomical fossils in space dating back to the early days of the Solar System that may provide insights into how the Solar System and life itself originated. NASA is conducting a multitude of missions to study asteroids, aiming to enhance our understanding of the Solar System and explore ways to mitigate the threats posed by potential collisions with Earth. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at www.abdnhaorg or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098. Held in the ABDNHA Library.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Sentenac Mountain Loop (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Tom Keffer, ABDNHA Volunteer
We start with a pleasant hike up well-shaded Plum Canyon, but then after a mile, we’ll head off-trail up a rough canyon, heading for the summit of Sentenac Mountain. The views on top are sweeping. The descent rejoins the Plum Canyon trail about a half mile from the parking area. 3 mi. RT, 800’ vertical. Steep with an occasional cholla. Sandy 1.5-mile access road, suitable for most 2WD. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Wear sturdy boots (no tennies!) and long pants. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10 people.
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Short Walk in ABDNHA’s Desert Garden
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot filled with desert plants from throughout the southwest deserts, trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, featuring many colorful signs and artwork. The garden begins to bloom in mid-February. Bird activity, artwork, and information panels lend additional color. The garden surface is flat, making it very easy to walk on. Meet in the ABDNHA Parking lot. Call or drop by the Nature Center to register. Also presented on Jan. 25.
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Hike: Truckhaven Rocks to Coachwhip (Moderate to Fairly Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
This walk will explore ancient rocks that were split from the Santa Rosa Mountains and uplifted due to tectonic action, located just northwest of S-22, near the Salton Sea. This is a moderate+ 3-mile hike mostly in Truckhaven Wash, circling behind the main rocks visible from the highway. We will leave that wash and cross a ridge to emerge in Coachwhip Canyon. The last part up and the first part down the ridge are steep. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes & you may want a stick (I’ll have several extras). Bring your AWD or 4WD vehicle if possible. We are going to do a shuttle hike. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m.
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Plant Amble (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will take a leisurely stroll through the desert, discussing various plant adaptations that enable them to thrive in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 and return by noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 […]
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4WD Tour: Dave McCain Spring (Members Priority)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information
We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m., then caravan to the trailhead at Fish Creek. We will drive 18 miles through deep sand in the canyon to reach our destination, where we will have lunch and explore. We will return by the same route to the paved road. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, a hat, and a chair. We will be using 2-way GRMS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a member-priority trip. Stop by or call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
** Level 4: 4WD REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
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Birding Walk: Salton Sea Unit 1, Vendel Rd. (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Today, we head to one of the best birding locations in our region: Unit 1 of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Expect Shovelers, Teals, Stilts, Avocet, Godwit, Dowitchers, thousands of Snow Geese, and more. Easy walk of 2 miles RT, no elevation, good tread. Travel time is 1 hour each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Lecture: Hunting Herps in Cambodia
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Lee Grismer, Ph.D., Herpetologist
Join world-class herpetologist Lee Grismer as he takes us along on his most recent exploration to find new reptiles and amphibians in Cambodia's jungles. It became a scientific journey of discovery that placed him right in the middle of an unexpected war between Thailand and Cambodia. As always, the photography will be award-winning, as will the stories that go with it. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Borrego Walkabout (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Selden McKee and Mike McElhatton
Get a little exercise, take some photos, learn the history, and hear the stories behind the buildings and places in this tiny desert town we all love so much - Borrego Springs. We will start at ABDNHA and cover approximately 1.5 miles, all of which is flat. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No charge, but pre-registration is required at ABDNHA's Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
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Lecture: Where it All Began, El Presidio of San Diego
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Author and Historian Richard Carrico
Join Richard Carrico as he explores Alta California’s first Spanish settlement at Presidio Hill in San Diego. Founded in 1769, the ruins of the mission and fort are now beneath the landscaped hills in Presidio Park. Carrico’s newly released book tells the stories of those who lived at the presidio, including the Kumeyaay people. One highlighted story is of Sinusin, a Kumeyaay woman who married a Spanish soldier and raised her family at the presidio. Carrico's extensive research draws from Spanish archives, Kumeyaay oral traditions, and nearly a decade of archaeological work at the site. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Mountain Palm Springs (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
We will visit not one, not two, not three, but five different palm groves, some of them with up to a hundred trees! 4.5-mile RT, 550’ vertical, mostly soft sand, but there are some moderate sections with a bit of bouldering. Be prepared to pay a $10 parking fee. Travel time is 1 1⁄4 hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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Hike: California Riding and Hiking Trail Part 2 (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to arrange our car shuttle. We'll drive up to mile 11.2 on Hwy S22 and leave a set of cars at the Big Spring parking area. We'll take the rest of the cars down to Hellhole Canyon and start our hike up to Culp Valley Camp. There will be a $10 parking fee for any vehicle parked at Hellhole Canyon if participants don't have a State Park pass. From here, we hike up the California Riding & Hiking Trail to the Culp Valley Campground Trail, over a small pass, and descend into Dry Canyon, where we'll pick up a faint social trail. The group will follow Rachel up a hill out of Dry Canyon and eventually pick up a trail that will take us back to the parking area on S22. This hike is approximately 6 miles with 2500 ft of elevation gain, and some steep sections to navigate. Long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Max. 12 people. Call to reserve.
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Hike: Crazycline Canyon Loop (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike: 5.0 miles, 1000' gain. A very rocky and interesting canyon. Plenty of rocks and dry waterfalls to go up, over, and around. Many synclines and anticlines, hence the canyon's name. High clearance vehicles recommended. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks/lunch, water, good hiking shoes, and a good attitude. (Hike statistics subject to change based on group, weather, or other factors.) -
Nature Journaling in the Field (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
Come practice nature journaling in the field with Pam Blake. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. and set out from there. You’ll need your own supplies and some familiarity with this practice, as this session offers a chance for further nature journaling with a group but without instruction. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve. This activity is repeated on the third Tuesday of each month.
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Birding Walk: Sonny Bono Refuge Visitor Center (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Some of the best birding in our area. We will walk out to Rock Hill, 2 miles RT, with no elevation gain. We are likely to see Snow Goose (sometimes in the thousands), Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Dowitcher, and Burrowing Owl. Travel time is 1 ¼ hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Lecture: Flash Floods in Semi-Arid Landscapes
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpecial Earth Sciences Weekend
Speaker: Suzanne Walther, Ph.D., University of San Diego
It has been said that the two most common ways to die in the desert are from thirst and from drowning. Flash floods are the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. and many parts of the world, and cause billions of dollars in damage. Dr. Suzanne Walther is a fluvial geomorphologist. She studies rivers, streams, floods, sediment movement, and how the natural flow of water shapes the landscape, interacts with ecosystems, and significantly impacts human development. The focus tonight is on flash floods in semi-arid areas, such as Borrego Springs, where they can occur, the conditions that lead to their formation, the powerful forces they unleash, their effects on water supply and drought, and what can be done to mitigate their destructive impact on human development. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Field Trip: Ancient Lake Cahuilla
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpecial Earth Science Series
Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist
Approximately 12,000 years ago, the Colorado River altered its course, forming a massive prehistoric lake known as Lake Cahuilla, which is now the Salton Sea. The lake served as a vital resource for the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Cocopah peoples. Over the centuries, the lake filled and dried up many times. It last filled between 1731 and 1733. Hydrologist John Peterson will lead a half-day field trip to the Salton Sea, where participants can explore the ancient lake's remnants, including visible "bathtub rings" and fishing traps. Meet at ABDNHA. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $10.00 – $18.00 -
Lecture: Geology of San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpecial Earth Science Series
Speaker: Geologist Don Barrie
Please join Mesa College geology professor and ABDNHA board member, Don Barrie, for this lecture on San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges, with emphasis on the Laguna Mountains west of Borrego Springs. Don’s lecture will focus on how plate tectonic processes have created the complex collage of igneous and metamorphic rocks exposed both regionally, throughout southeastern California, and locally, in the Lagunas. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. A related field trip is scheduled for Sun., Jan. 25.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Moonlight Canyon and Inner Pasture Overlook (Fairly Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Tom Keffer, ABDNHA Volunteer
This year, we will be hiking the Moonlight Canyon loop. Halfway around, we’ll take a three-mile round-trip side trail (four to six-foot waterfalls, uneven footing, steep sections) to a terrific view of the Inner Pasture. Five miles round-trip, 900’ vertical. Park fee $5. Travel time is one hour each way. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 am. Wear sturdy boots (not tennis shoes). Bring lunch/snacks and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
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Field Trip: Geology of San Diego County’s Peninsular Ranges
Special Earth Science Series
*Note the start and end locations in the description below!
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie
Don will lead the group on an exploration of the rocks along Sunrise Highway, west of Borrego Springs. The rocks in this area comprise part of a regional geologic suite known as the Peninsular Ranges Batholith (PRB), which extends from southern Baja, California, northward into the Palm Springs area. We'll meet near the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Interstate 8, then follow Sunrise Highway into the Laguna Mountains, stopping to examine rock exposures along the way. The last stop will be in Julian, where the group will tour the Eagle/High Peak gold mine and learn about the gold rush in Julian during the 1870s. On the field trip, we'll discuss the geologic story of how the gold got into the rocks. During the gold mine tour, we'll learn how hard-rock miners got the gold out of the rocks. To register, www.abdnha.org, or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098. General Public: $20, Members: $14, Volunteers: $10. Please note that an additional $14 entrance fee per person is required, payable upon entry to the mine.
Field Trip Details: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sun., Jan. 25, ending at the Eagle-High Peak mine in Julian. Meet at 9 a.m. along Sunrise Highway (County Road S1), about 1/4 mi north of the Interstate 8 Sunrise Highway exit, in a dirt parking area along the east side of the road. Bring lunch and water. 2WD okay. Please check the local weather in Mt. Laguna and dress accordingly (it may be chilly!). Carpooling is highly recommended. Heavy rain or snow cancels. The trip ends at the Eagle-High Peak Mine in Julian.
Get Tickets $10.00 – $20.00 -
Short Walk in ABDNHA’s Desert Garden
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot filled with desert plants from throughout the southwest deserts, trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, featuring many colorful signs and artwork. The garden begins to bloom in mid-February. Bird activity, artwork, and information panels lend additional color. The garden surface is flat, making it very easy to walk on. Meet in the ABDNHA Parking lot. Call or drop by the Nature Center to register.
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Hike: Mecca Grotto (Fairly Strenuous)
Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer
Note the meeting location. The Mecca grotto collapsed several years ago, so this hike leads to the beginning of the now impassable slot. Expect sandy washes, views of the Salton Sea from the high point of the ridge, as well as a visit to the palm grove on Hidden Spring on the way back. The total hike distance (round trip) is 5.7 miles. No bouldering, but there are some uneven, steep sections on the ridge. Sturdy shoes recommended. Bring snack/lunch, electrolytes, water, and poles. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10. Driving instructions to the meeting location: Drive North on Hwy 86 and go right (east) on 66th Ave. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the light. Drive 9.9 miles and park just past the jeep road on the right side of Box Canyon Road. We will meet here. The road is usually OK for 2WD with high clearance.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.
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Hike: T-Canyon (Easy to Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesHike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie
A 3-mile hike with 400' of elevation gain up a local canyon with a "T" at the end, offering two bitter ends for the price of one. Let's call it "T-Canyon". It's located in the Desert Gardens area out Coyote Canyon. Access is via a sandy road that is usually no problem for most 2WD. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Limit 10. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at ABDNHA.
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4WD Tour: Culp Valley – Grapevine – Pinyon Mountain (Members Priority)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance
Join us for an adventure starting at ABDNHA. We’ll head west on S22, air down our tires on Culp Valley Road, and ascend to 4000 feet, taking Jasper Trail to a scenic overlook. We'll stop at Stuart Spring and the Angelina Spring Cultural Preserve. Afterward, we’ll turn south at Butler Creek Canyon and finish at Hwy 78. For part two, we'll go to Shelter Valley via Scissors Crossing and enjoy a surprise guest and potluck lunch at the Squeeze (please bring a side or dessert!). After lunch, you can return or hike to Heart Attack Hill (1.5 miles).
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 9 a.m. Open to Level 4 4WD vehicles only (no AWD). Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank. Check the weather and dress appropriately. The trip lasts about 5 hours. This is a member-priority trip. No charge. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
** Level 4: 4WD Higher Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
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Hike: Borrego Badlands, Billowy Loop (Moderate)
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
This loop hike packs a complete badlands experience in just three miles. Appetizer, main course, and dessert! Fabulous, colorful vistas, soft, rounded, billowy mud hills, and steep malpais cliffs; cross-country route-finding and meandering walks in badlands washes in which you may lose all sense of direction. If you love the feeling of being lost in the badlands, this hike will keep you smiling. The hike is rated moderate but involves walking through mud hills and loose dirt, as well as short uphill and downhill scrambles. Meet at the entrance to Palo Verde Wash (S22 mile marker 32.9, 13.7 miles east of Christmas Circle) from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles three miles to the start of the hike. No charge. Max: 22. Call to reserve: 760-767-3098.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Hawkwatch Training Session 1
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesFirst training session in preparation for the 2026 Borrego Springs Hawkwatch that will begin on Feb. 20. We will begin inside at the ABDNHA Library, followed by a visit to the viewing sites. All are welcome—those interested in finding out more, as well as new and returning volunteers. Please sign up at hawkwatchborregosprings@gmail.com and abdnha2@att.net. Eyes to the sky!
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Lecture: The Urban Ecosystem
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Rachel Larsen, Ph.D.
As cities around the world continue to grow, they are increasingly recognized for their potential to incorporate wildlife habitats into the urban environment. Wildlife in cities offers city dwellers a better quality of life by connecting them with nature. Our speaker, Dr. Rachel Larson, is a scientist at the San Diego Natural History Museum and an urban ecologist. She will share insights from her research on what makes cities unique ecosystems, how wild animals are trying to make a living alongside us, and what it will take better to incorporate nature into the world’s concrete jungles. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Borrego Badlands – Font’s Foot Loop (Moderate to Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
Have you stood at the top of Font’s Point and thought it would be fun to be down in one of the colorful washes at the base? Join us for this moderate 8-mile loop hike in the Badlands washes below Font’s Point. We will include a trip to Font’s Foot, the very base of Font’s Point, and wave back at the incredulous visitors looking down at us. We will then scramble up to the Bowl and return via the west fork of Rainbow Wash. If time permits, we will explore a narrow slot canyon that requires twisting your body to get through. Meet at the bottom of Texas Dip (8.7 miles south of Christmas Circle on Borrego Springs Road) at the entrance to San Felipe Wash. Park on the east side of the road, from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles several miles to the start of the hike in Rainbow Wash. Bring water, a snack, and lunch. No charge. Max: 22. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098.
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Lecture: The Birds of the Salton Sea
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Kurt Leuschner, Natural Sciences Professor, College of the Desert
Join expert birder Kurt Leuschner as he tells the fascinating story of the diverse species of resident and migratory birds that live and visit the Salton Sea. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. You can register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
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Field Trip: The Birds and Other Wonders of the Salton Sea
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Kurt Leuschner, College of the Desert
Meet at 7:30 in the ABDNHA parking lot for carpooling. Bring a lunch and full tank of gas. We will explore the south end of the Salton Sea, stopping at various sites along the way, including Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center, Vendel Road (Unit One), Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters for lunch, Garst Road near Red Hill Marina, the mud volcanoes, and more. Return to Borrego Springs around 3-4 p.m. General Public: $20, Members: $16, Volunteers: $12. You can register online at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $12.00 – $20.00 -
Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director
Join ABDNHA’s Program Director Mike McElhatton on this month’s Full Moon Walk in South Palm Wash. Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly a fairly easy walk, with a few moderate areas that require “big steps” on inclines. We meet at the ABDNHA Library and carpool from there. A flashlight, water, and good hiking shoes are required. Limit 22. Activity cancels if cloud cover limits the moonlight. No charge. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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Hike: Casino Hike – Lots of Slots! (Strenuous)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
Hike, 6 miles, 900’ gain. The lucky people who join us on this hike will go through four, yes, four slot canyons! There are a few challenging dry waterfalls to go up and one steep, rocky area to climb. After two stops, we'll be at Calcite Mine, followed by two more stops on the way back. A really fun hike! AWD cars can drive to the start of the hike in South Palm Wash. Regular cars can park at the top and walk 0.2 miles to the start of the hike. No charge. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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Nature Journaling (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Pat Matthews and Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteers
This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field until noon. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, a pencil, an eraser, a micron pen, colored pencils or a compact watercolor set, and a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and a snack are recommended. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Hike and Write: Glorietta Canyon (Easy to Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLovely ramble up Glorietta Canyon with volunteer Amy Brewster. About 2 mile hike, stopping at an overlook of Borrego Valley, and then take time to write. Option to share your writing. Bring writing materials, such as a small notebook. Max: 10 people. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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ABDNHA Travel Series: Romania Travelogue – Beautiful Landscapes and Complex Identities
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Don Barrie, ABDNHA Board Member
Join Geologist, traveler, and photographer Don Barrie for this fascinating recap of his recent trip to Romania. Last summer, Don traveled to Romania for two weeks as a photographer for the Global Neighborhood Project, a San Diego-based organization dedicated to citizen diplomacy. During the trip, he met with students and faculty at a Hungarian-language school in Romania’s Transylvania region. He also photographed locals in a remote farming village outside Brasov, Romania, as they shared their stories and explained their way of life. For this informal talk, Don will share his photographs and his overall first impressions of this land of striking beauty and rich history. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, Volunteers: $8. Register online at abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Plants of Anza-Borrego
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club
Short Lecture and Field Trip (Easy walk, okay for all vehicles)
An offering of the new Botany Club, these walks will focus on the plants of Anza-Borrego Desert, with locations varying depending on where we find the most interesting plants. Our pace will be generally slow, allowing plenty of time for plant identification, questions, discussion, and photography. All levels of knowledge are welcome, including children. Meet at ABDNHA; carpool as best we can, as we head to the field trip site. No Charge. Space is limited. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.
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Lecture: Applied Earth Science – The Rare Earth Elements
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: Manhukar (Maud) Rao, Ph.D.
Rare earth elements have been very much in the news recently, but what exactly are they? What are they used for? Why are they so uniquely essential? Where do they come from? How are they processed? And, why does the U.S. import about 80 percent of them, despite their importance? Dr. Rao is a retired Chemical Engineer and currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Workforce Development at Innovation Impact Partners, LLC. He has more than 36 years of industrial R&D experience with major chemical and semiconductor materials companies. Maud volunteers as a math and science teacher and as a docent at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and enjoys engineering, history, and teaching. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Borrego Badlands, The Trifecta (Moderate to Strenuous)
Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
Join us on this moderate seven-mile loop hike as we experience badlands vistas from three iconic Borrego Badlands viewpoints: The Bench, Font's Point, and Inspiration Point. As a bonus, we will examine a prominence that Bill Sullivan dubbed Pointed Hill and contemplate routes to the top. The hike route is cross-country and through lightly trodden washes around Font’s Wash and Inspiration Wash. There are a couple of short scrambles. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8:00 am at the entrance to Inspiration Wash (S22 mile 28.4, 9.2 miles east of Christmas Circle) from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles a short distance to the start of the hike. Max: 22. No charge; call or stop by the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
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Hike: The Bench (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer
Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Clark Dry Lake, and the Borrego Badlands on this easy 2.5-mile round-trip hike. We will drive up Inspiration Wash, then hike up an unnamed wash to the man-made memorial bench for a 360-degree view. It is an easy hike, except for the final short ascent up a sandy wash to the bench. AWD or 4WD OK. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. No charge; call or stop by the Nature Center to reserve.
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Plant Amble (Easy)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will enjoy a stroll through the desert, discussing different plant adaptations to living in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 am, and be back before noon after a relatively short, easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 […]
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4WD Tour: Canyon Sin Nombre-Diablo Dropoff-Fish Creek (MEMBERS PRIORITY)
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Level 4 Required – 4WD High Clearance**
We'll meet at 9:00 am at the south entrance to Canyon Sin Nombre, off the S2, 34 miles south of SR78 (Scissors Crossing), about 0.6 miles south of Sweeney Pass. We'll brief and air down before starting our journey within ABDSP. We'll travel 13 miles on Canyon Sin Nombre to Vallecito Creek Road, then to Arroyo Seco del Diablo, reaching the Diablo drop-off, which has both easy and challenging descents. From there, we’ll head north to Split Mountain Road, where our trip ends. Expect rocky roads, washboard, soft sand, and mild challenges. Lunch is BYO, and a stop will be made. Check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring water and a full tank of gas. GMRS channel 15 is optional. 4WD is required; no AWD. This is a members-priority trip. Visit the Nature Center or call to reserve: 760-767-3098.
** Level 4: 4WD High Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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SPECIAL ROCK ART WEEKEND: Dr. Whitley’s Lecture, Part 1 – Understanding Native Californian Rock Art
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: David Whitley, Ph.D.
The meanings of pictographs and petroglyphs have long been a mystery to most people, including archaeologists. The result has been a series of supposedly common-sense guesses, like “hunting magic” or “maps to water,” that were offered because people claimed Native Americans themselves did not know why these sites were made or how they were used. But the unpublished field notes of the state’s Native American tribes — the ethnographic record — some dating back to the 1870s, together with extensive published research, paint a different picture. With substantial research to identify and compile this widely scattered information, Dr. Whitley will explain how a clear understanding of the origins, meanings, and uses of the sites results, providing a better understanding and appreciation of the remarkable artistic and intellectual record of California rock art. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Smugglers’ Canyon Overlook and Pictographs (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
This hike is located in Blair Valley, off S2, and involves a 45-minute drive from the ABDNHA parking lot, with the last five miles on a jeep road that is rough in places and requires 4WD/high clearance. This is a three-mile (round-trip) hike past pictographs and a native American village to a beautiful overlook. Bring water, sunscreen, good shoes, and a 4WD vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA no later than 7:50 am. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.
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Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeader: Marlin Burke, Naturalist Volunteer
We meet at ABDNHA and then carpool to Coyote Creek, where we explore the history of Native Americans and early settlers, geology, paleontology, Plant life, Coyote Creek itself, and whatever else catches our attention. Easy walking; driving on a dirt road. High clearance 2WD or SUV acceptable due to dirt road with possible rocks or potholes. No charge, but registration is required. Call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
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SPECIAL ROCK ART WEEKEND: Dr. Whitley’s Lecture, Part 2 – European Cave Paintings and the Origins of Art and Religion
ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesSpeaker: David Whitley, Ph.D.
Few aspects of our archaeological past are more intriguing than the ancient cave paintings and engravings of France and Spain. These are exemplified by the remarkable murals in sites such as Lascaux, Altamira, and Chauvet caves, which date from roughly 14,000 to 35,000 years ago. They, and similar sites, are widely regarded as signaling both the first “creative explosion” in human history, as indicated by the earliest true masterpieces of art, as well as the origins of religious beliefs and practices.
In tonight’s presentation, Dr. Whitley will discuss his extensive research into cave art and how he has brought two distinct sciences together to find answers. The first part begins with archaeological data that suggest when, where, and why this phenomenon may have first emerged in human history. The second part involves investigating the cognitive sciences to understand why religious beliefs are found in every culture, at all time periods. This is not to determine the veracity of religious belief, which is a matter of personal faith, but to explain why religious and spiritual beliefs are universal to the human experience. Whether it is the result of biology or divine inspiration, aspects of human cognition have caused us to believe in gods, spirits, and spirit worlds from the earliest days of humanity. In the ABDNHA Library. General Public: $12, Members: $10, ABDNHA Volunteers: $8. Register at abdnha.org or the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Get Tickets $8.00 – $12.00 -
Hike: Borrego Badlands – East Truckhaven Lollipop (Moderate)
ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesLeaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
We will take the east fork of Truckhaven Wash. At about three-quarters of a mile, we will come to a boulder blockage that we will crawl our way through. An easy scramble then takes us over to Arroyo Salado. We will do an out-and-back exploration of this lightly visited portion of Arroyo Salado. On the way back, we will climb out of Arroyo Salado and visit the Elephant, a Native American solstice site. Here, you will have an opportunity to scale some of the iconic uplifted slanting Truckhaven Rocks. We complete the lollipop by returning via the east fork of Truckhaven. This six-mile hike is rated moderate, with one place where you will have to get down on your hands and knees. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8:00 am at the ABDNHA Nature Center. We will carpool to the trailhead, as parking on the shoulder at Truckhaven Wash is limited. Max: 22. No charge, call or stop by to reserve, 760-767-3098.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 […]
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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ABDNHA’s Annual Desert Home & Garden Tour
Enjoy a tour of 4-5 beautiful private homes and gardens in Borrego Springs at your own pace during ABDNHA's annual Desert Home & Garden Tour. Tickets will be available for sale in January 2026.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 […]
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.
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ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer. Relaxed social ride of 20-30 miles, mostly flat, at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes vary weekly, and fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return times vary depending on the chosen route. FREE, every Friday. No registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the County Public Library.
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. Note: Field trips may start at 8:00 […]
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Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds!
The BRAG club meets every 4th Wed of the month in the Activity Room.
Note: In Nov & Dec, the meeting is on the 3rd Wed due to holidays.
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Romania Trip 2026
Spots are still available!
Join Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association on a grand tour of Romania, one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Romania has beautiful nature, charming medieval towns, stately castles, colorful monasteries, traditional rural areas, interesting history, and several UNESCO world heritage sites. The group will be led by geologist Don Barrie, GeoTours tour director Matt Ebiner, and an English-speaking Romanian guide.