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.

Events for March 21, 2026

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The Birds of Anza-Borrego: Two Days of Birding Field Trips

Leader: Kurt Leuschner, Professor of Natural Science, College of the Desert

This is an excellent opportunity to go with Kurt Leuschner, one of this region’s best birding guides. Kurt will have a number of great spots to visit each day, driving in and around the Anza-Borrego Desert. This program also includes an introductory webinar on March 17. There is no fee for this program; donations are welcome.  Max. 15 people; this will fill quickly. Call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098, to register.

Mar. 21, Sat., 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.  &  Mar. 22, Sun., 7:30 a.m. – Noon

Hike: Santa Ysabel East Preserve (Moderately Strenuous)

ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks

This moderately strenuous 7-mile car-shuttle hike starts on Farmer Road and heads west through a forest of sycamore and oak. After crossing beautiful Santa Ysabel Creek, the trail climbs steeply to the ridge line at around 4000 feet. From there, we begin our descent, cross the San Diego River, and join an old pioneer trail that descends to the Santa Ysabel Preserve Nature Center. The hike is rated moderately strenuous due to steep trails (bring trekking poles if you use them), 600 feet of elevation gain, and 1,600 feet of elevation loss. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Santa Ysabel Preserve Nature Center parking lot. The entrance is on Hwy 79, 0.3 miles north of the intersection with Hwy 78 in Santa Ysabel. From there, we will carpool and shuttle to the start of the hike on Farmer Road. Following the hike, some of us may gather at the Volcan Mountain Winery at the intersection of Farmer Road and Wynola Road. No charge. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098.

Borrego Walkabout (Easy)

ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

Leaders: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer

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.

Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

Leader: 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.

BRAG: Borrego ROCKS!

ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

The Borrego Rock and Gem (BRAG) Club will be hosting a demonstration event in the Visitor Plaza just outside of the Nature Center. Come see BRAG members cut geodes, demonstrate lapidary work, display rocks that are local to Southern California, and answer questions about local rockhounding. Each visitor gets to select a free rock to take home! Geodes, patches and stickers will be available for sale. Free; no registration required.

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