Hike

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.

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.

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.

Leader: Amy Brewster 

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.

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.

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.

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. Check the weather; it will be colder than the desert.

Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub

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.