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.
This free event will take us to Toro Peak, one of the most prominent mountains in Southern California, located in the rugged Santa Rosa Mountain range, which separates the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs/Indio area) from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. For this tour, we will journey up to 8,300 feet on Toro Peak to take in […]
TOUR IS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer We meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00am. We will caravan to the Banner Store at 36342 HWY 78, then enter the trail there. We travel along and across the Chariot Creek and will take a break above Oriflamme Canyon. We proceed on the […]
CHANGED TO A NEW DESTINATION: ORIFLAMME CANYON. See the new event posting for the updated trip. Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer Join us on this 4WD adventure to Hidden Spring. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00 a.m. We will take S22 to reach the trailhead of Rockhouse Trail and then travel off-road for […]
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer TOUR IS CANCELLED - RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 13. This off-road adventure will take us through the scenic, soft sandy washes of Anza-Borrego’s northeast region. We’ll meet and brief at 9 a.m. in the ABDNHA parking lot, then drive the S22 for 17 miles to the Arroyo Salado Campground turnoff. […]
4WD TRIP IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer Join us for the "Cold Moon" rising as viewed from Font's Point. This is the last full moon of 2025. The sun's low angle should offer striking views of the Borrego Badlands, Ocotillo Wells, and the Salton Sea. Meet at […]
4WD TOUR IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
This off-road adventure will take us through the scenic, soft sandy washes of Anza-Borrego’s northeast region. We’ll meet and brief at 9 a.m. in the ABDNHA parking lot, then drive the S22 for 17 miles to the Arroyo Salado Campground turnoff. From there, we’ll air down and head south to the serene 17 Palms Oasis, stopping at the historic post office. Next, we’ll tackle the Cut Across Trail to Borrego Mountain, then wind our way up Buttes Canyon, known for its stunning smoke trees. We’ll stop for lunch at Hawk Canyon before descending and continuing south on Buttes Pass Road to Highway 78, where our adventure ends. This 18-mile, 4-hour journey requires a 4WD vehicle with high clearance and a full tank of gas. A GMRS Ch. 15 radio is optional. Lunch is BYO. No charge. Limited space and vehicles. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098. ABDNHA members only. If you are not a member, you may request being put on the waitlist.
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
Rated 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 Fish Creek trailhead. We travel 12 miles to the entrance of Sandstone Canyon, then drive 1.5 miles to the end of the jeep trail, where we will take lunch and take photos. We will return by the same route to the paved road. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and bring a hat and chair. We will be using 2-way GRMS radios on channel 15. No charge. Space limited. This is a member-priority trip. To register, call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
** Level 4: 4WD with short wheel base REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
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
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information
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
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
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
Speaker: Don Barrie, Geoscience Educator, ABDNHA Board Member
Join Don Barrie for this moderate 5-mile loop hike to Ash Wash, a tributary of Coyote Canyon. Our destination will be the Bishop Tuff—an ash layer deposited around 760,000 years ago when an enormous volcanic eruption created the Long Valley Caldera in the eastern Sierras. During this eruption, huge volumes of ash were blown into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread deposition as far away as the Midwest. At the entrance to Ash Wash, we’ll examine the Coyote Creek Fault—the western branch of the San Jacinto Fault Zone. Max 23 people (carpooling is encouraged). Bring lunch and water. 4WD vehicle recommended. Hiking poles, if you have them. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only**
We meet for our trip at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00am. Leaving Borrego Springs, we caravan west on Highway S22 for 7 miles and enter the trailhead at Old Culp Valley Rd. Next we turn onto Jasper Trail and then the Grapevine Trail. We stop at our destination of Yaqui Flats. If winter rains were sufficient, there will be abundant flowers. When leaving, we continue to Yaqui Well and highway 78. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, and bring a hat and chair. We will using 2-way GMRS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a members 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
Special 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 at 8:15 am. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Register here for the field trip.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Join us for the “Worm Moon” rising as viewed from Font’s Point. The sun’s low angle should offer striking views of the Borrego badlands, Ocotillo Wells, and the Salton Sea. We will meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 4:15 p.m. for a quick briefing, then shove off East on the S-22 to Font’s Point Wash turnoff. From there, we will travel on washboard and through some sandy washes for about 4 miles to a park less than 100 yards from the overlook. The point can be breezy. Please, check the weather and dress accordingly. Bring a chair, camera, beverage, and snack to enjoy with the moonrise at 6:16 p.m. We will leave Font’s Point by 7 p.m. to return to S22, where our journey ends. This portion will be at night and offer a different perspective off-road. Have a full tank of fuel and have 4WD (AWD is OK). GMRS Radio Ch. 15 is optional. This trip is weather-dependent. 22 participants, 10 vehicles max. No charge. Register at the Nature Center, or call 760-767-3098.
Leader: Ken Wuytens, ABDNHA Volunteer
Join us for this session demonstrating practical 4X4 equipment and tools, and how to use them. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot, then drive to a nearby location for our session, designed to provide instruction for those just starting their 4-wheeling adventures, as well as for those with moderate skill levels. We will discuss topics such as airing down, treading lightly, general trail safety, trail etiquette, basic recovery, and driving/spotting techniques. The number of people and vehicles and people is limited. Expected to fill quickly; call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center to reserve your spot, 760-767-3098. Following the session, Ken plans a short trail ride; route to be determined. Those attending are welcome to join, with a return to Borrego Springs by approx. 3:30 p.m. If you plan to join the ride, be sure to have a full tank of gas, lunch, and water. This is a free program provided by ABDNHA, but donations are appreciated.
ABDNHA Member-priority trip
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
We meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. We will caravan to the Banner Store at 36342 Hwy 78, then enter the trail there. We will travel along and across Chariot Creek and take a break above Oriflamme Canyon. We proceed on the trail into the canyon, where we take lunch at the abandoned CCC Camp. After lunch, we enter the Vallecito Wash and exit the trail at Box Canyon and the S2 highway. Bring water, food, snacks, a chair, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. We will be communicating on GRMS channel 15.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
*** THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT - RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MARCH 26 ***
Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance
We will explore points of interest in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA and ABDSP. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 8:30 a.m. for a briefing before caravanning to Pole Line Road off SR 78, where we air down and begin our journey. Restrooms are available here, as well as our lunch spot at the Pumpkin Patch. We will wind our way north and west through the SVRA. There are 6 features on our route, and we will stop at as many as we have time for, including the artesian well, gas domes, Shell Reef, Pumpkin Patch, 5 Palms, and 17 Palms Oasis. Our trip ends when we exit the park at Arroyo Salado at S22, 17 miles east of Borrego Springs. Road conditions vary from hardpan and washboard to mildly rocky, to some easy hills and soft sandy washes. We will cover about 28 miles with a total elevation gain of about 880 feet. Lunch is BYO. 4WD only and a full tank of gas. GMRS channel 15 is optional. Check the weather and dress accordingly. No fee. Space is limited. Call to reserve 760-767-3098.
Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance
We will explore points of interest in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA and ABDSP. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 8:30 a.m. for a briefing before caravanning to Pole Line Road off SR 78, where we air down and begin our journey. Restrooms are available here, as well as our lunch spot at the Pumpkin Patch. We will wind our way north and west through the SVRA. There are 6 features on our route, and we will stop at as many as we have time for, including the artesian well, gas domes, Shell Reef, Pumpkin Patch, 5 Palms, and 17 Palms Oasis. Our trip ends when we exit the park at Arroyo Salado at S22, 17 miles east of Borrego Springs. Road conditions vary from hardpan and washboard to mildly rocky, to some easy hills and soft sandy washes. We will cover about 28 miles with a total elevation gain of about 880 feet. Lunch is BYO. 4WD only and a full tank of gas. GMRS channel 15 is optional. Check the weather and dress accordingly. No fee. Space is limited. Call to reserve 760-767-3098.
Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer
We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00a.m., then caravan to Box Canyon. We enter the trail at Vallecito Wash (elevation 2200 ft). We continue to Rodriguez Spur Truck Trail and begin driving up the canyon between Chariot Mountain and Granite Mountain. We enter the historic Julian District gold mining area at elevation 3500 ft. Turning onto Chariot Canyon Trail, we continue until we reach Highway 78 at the Banner Store. Total 9 trail miles. Bring water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing. We will be using GRMS Radio channel 15. No charge. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leader: Ed Pollock, ABDNHA Volunteer
*** THIS PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA AT 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist ***
We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00a.m., then drive Highway S22 to the Calcite Mine turnoff at South Palm Wash, just before the county line. At the bottom of the hill, there's time for an optional guided hike into Palm Wash slot canyon - the site of Mike McElhatton's popular full moon hikes. Afterward, we regroup and drive to historic Calcite Mine, a couple of uphill miles on a fairly easy dirt road, with some narrow shelf driving and sharp turns on this scenic route. At the mine, there's time for individual exploration.
This is the last BBQ trip of the season. Meat and utensils are supplied. If you wish, bring a side dish to share and your own drinks. Camp chairs and small camp tables are helpful.
All properly functioning AWD vehicles are welcome; full gas tank and extra water are required.
After our meal, we regroup and return to Hwy S22, where the trip ends. We should be back in Borrego at 4 pm.
No charge. Call or visit ABDNHA Nature Center 760-767-3098 to reserve.