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.

Hike

Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: 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.

  • Hike: Hot Springs Mountain (Strenuous) 

    Mar. 15, Sun., 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Hike: Hot Springs Mountain (Strenuous) 

    Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks

    Join us for this steep 10-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Hot Springs Mountain. At 6535 feet, Hot Springs Mountain is the highest peak in San Diego County, 21 feet higher than Cuyamaca. The total elevation gain/loss is 2200 feet. Most of the hike is on a graded dirt road to an old fire tower. After the tower, an easy uphill trail leads to the peak boulder. Climbing the peak boulder is a nice challenge and a rewarding experience. 360-degree views from the peak looking out to San Gorgonio and San Jacinto to the north, Mt. Palomar and Mt. Cuyamaca to the west and south, and Toro Peak, Anza-Borrego, and Salton Sea to the east. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8 a.m. at the intersection of S2 and Highway 79. No charge. 760-767-3098, or stop by to reserve. Note: The hike and peak are on the Los Coyotes Reservation, and a $10 fee is payable in cash at the entrance station.

  • Hike: The Wilson Trail and Overlook  (Moderately Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Join me for an 11-mile RT hike on the Old Wilson Trail from Old Culp Valley Rd to the Overlook, then up to the Wilson Benchmark. This is a fun hike with 800 ft of elevation gain and loss. With lots of rolling hills, it never gets steep anywhere along the way. We'll have a rewarding view at the Overlook and the top of the Wilson Benchmark of Grapevine Canyon and the Salton Sea. The area is at a higher elevation near Ranchita and may have some wildflowers blooming in late March, along with cooler temperatures. High clearance or AWD vehicles will be required, so meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:30 am to arrange carpools. This hike will be limited to 15 people.

  • Hike: Casino Hike (Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: 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.

  • Hike: Glorietta Canyon (Moderate to Strenuous) – CANCELLED

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Amy Brewster 
    *** THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT ***
    Hike with naturalist Amy Brewster up Glorietta Canyon, over a saddle and up a side wash to an amazing overlook of the Borrego Valley. The hike is approximately 6 miles. There are a few spots on the trail where boulders need to be navigated. Bring water and a snack and hiking poles if you choose. Meet at ABDNHA. Carpooling is encouraged. Maximum 12 persons. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Hike: Santa Ysabel East Preserve (Moderately Strenuous)

    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) – CANCELLED

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer
    *** THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT ***

    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.

  • Photography: Around Town Photo Walk – CANCELLED

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Photographer Tom Hogan
    *** THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT ***

    Join local photographer Tom Hogan for a casual walk around town as he and the group find interesting subjects and photograph them in different ways. This is open to all experience levels and all levels of equipment, including smartphone cameras. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required. Call 760-767-3098 or visit the Nature Center to reserve.

  • Hike: Golden Queen Mine Shuttle (Fairly Easy)

    Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Most of the walking will be on trails- Mason Valley Truck Trail, and the California Riding and Hiking Trail - with a small amount of bushwhacking to the mine. This 5.9-mile hike offers a nice view of Lake Cuyamaca. The hike starts in ABDSP and finishes in Rancho Cuyamaca SP. Bring lunch/snack, hat, water, and good shoes.  Limit 10. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098. No charge.

    Meeting point is on S1 Sunrise Highway - Driving instructions: From Hwy 78 in Julian, drive South on Hwy 79 for 5.8 miles and turn left onto S1 (Sunrise Hwy). Drive 1.6 miles and turn left into the pullout for Fages Monument. We will carpool/shuttle from here to the beginning of the hike. The drive is on paved roads and ok for 2WD. This is a shuttle; all drivers must be willing to take extra passengers.

  • Hike: Golden Queen Mine Shuttle (Fairly Easy)

    Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Most of the walking will be on trails- Mason Valley Truck Trail, and the California Riding and Hiking Trail - with a small amount of bushwhacking to the mine. This 5.9-mile hike offers a nice view of Lake Cuyamaca. The hike starts in ABDSP and finishes in Rancho Cuyamaca SP. Bring lunch/snack, hat, water, and good shoes.  Limit 10. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098. No charge.

    Meeting point is on S1 Sunrise Highway - Driving instructions: From Hwy 78 in Julian, drive South on Hwy 79 for 5.8 miles and turn left onto S1 (Sunrise Hwy). Drive 1.6 miles and turn left into the pullout for Fages Monument. We will carpool/shuttle from here to the beginning of the hike. The drive is on paved roads and ok for 2WD. This is a shuttle; all drivers must be willing to take extra passengers.

  • Hike: Coyote Peak (Strenuous) – CANCELLED

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
    *** THIS HIKE IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT ***
    Hike, 6 miles, 2,618’ gain, strenuous. Join Carmelita and Terri on their grand finale hike for the season! This hike is only for well-conditioned hikers. We hike out and back to Coyote Peak from Rockhouse Truck Trail. Wonderful 360-degree views of Borrego Springs and beyond from the top. Well-marked use trail once we're on the ridge. The dirt road should be fine for AWD cars. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Hike: Golden Mine Shuttle (Fairly easy)

    Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Most of the walking will be on trails- Mason Valley Truck Trail, and the California Riding and Hiking Trail - with a small amount of bushwhacking to the mine. This 5.9-mile hike offers a nice view of Lake Cuyamaca. The hike starts in ABDSP and finishes in Rancho Cuyamaca SP. Bring lunch/snack, hat, water, and good shoes.  Limit 10. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098. No charge.

    Meeting point is on S1 Sunrise Highway (see detail below)
    Driving instructions to meeting point: From Hwy 78 in Julian, drive South on Hwy 79 for 5.8 miles and turn left onto S1 (Sunrise Hwy). Drive 1.6 miles and turn left into the pullout for Fages Monument. We will carpool/shuttle from here to the beginning of the hike. The drive is on paved roads and ok for 2WD. This is a shuttle; all drivers must be willing to take extra passengers. Check the weather; it will be colder than the desert.

  • Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon – CANCELLED

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Marlin Burke, Naturalist Volunteer
    *** HIKE IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXTREME HEAT ***
    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.

  • Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)

    ABDNHA Library 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: 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 1.2-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly a moderate walk, with a few 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. 

  • Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman

    Go birding around town with local birders. This week, we'll visit the hawkwatch morning site, since the hawkwatch is not officially over until April 15. Then, we'll continue our search for other spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

  • Hike: Volcan Mountain Preserve (Fairly Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

    This hike is a 5.6-mile round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain. We'll hike up the main trail to the summit, then take the Five Oaks Trail on the way down. This hike is rated Moderately Strenuous for hiking steep hills to the summit and rocky terrain on the Five Oaks Trail. Bring 1 to 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear comfortable hiking boots with good tread. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m to arrange carpool. People driving from San Diego can meet us at Farmer's Rd at the trailhead at 8:45. After the hike, we could stop for lunch in Julian before returning to Borrego Springs. Call 760-767-3098 or come in to reserve. No charge. Max 15 people.

  • Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman

    Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

  • Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman

    Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

  • Sunset and Moonrise at Font’s Point

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director

    This has become an annual ABDNHA end-of-season program. We leave Borrego in time to be at Font's Point when the sun sets, and we stay until the moon rises, and a little longer if we like. The sun sets at 7:28 p.m., and the moon rises at 7:53 p.m. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 6:15 p.m. Bring chairs, snacks to share, and a beverage of your choice. 4WD recommended. No charge, but space is limited and registration is required. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman

    Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

  • Borrego Birders Weekly Walk (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Co-Leaders: Hal Cohen and Jonathan Berman

    Go birding around town with local birders. We'll search for spring migrants, such as Warblers. Orioles, Grosbeaks, and others we may find. Beginners and all levels welcome. No charge, but please register at ABDNHA Nature Center, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, phone number: 760-767-3098. Meet at ABDNHA at 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Limit: 10.

  • Hike: Santa Ysabel-Kanaka Loop (Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

    This hike covers 7 miles of the upper Santa Ysabel East Preserve from the trailhead on Farmer's road to the Kanaka Loop and back. The hike is rated Moderate for hiking on old farm roads and some rolling hills with minimal elevation gain.
    Bring 1 to 2 liters of water, and wear comfortable hiking boots with good tread.
    Mett at 7:50 a.m. at the ABDNHA Parking lot, or at 8:45 a.m. at the trailhead on Farmer's road.
    After the hike, we could stop for lunch in Julian or Wynola before returning to Borrego Springs. Call 760-767-3098 or come in to reserve. No charge.

×

Cart