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 […]
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.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer Aggregate Canyon is one of the most fascinating slot canyons in the Mecca Wilderness. The long hike up the wash is interesting and then the slot canyon goes for quite a distance. This hike would be rated easy, except that the […]
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 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly a fairly easy walk, with a few moderate areas that […]
Come look for treasures at ABDNHA's two-day Attic & Book Sale and support this fundraiser at the same time! Lots of vintage items, home décor, knickknacks, housewares, puzzles, holiday items and, of course, books! Don't miss this annual event! In the ABDNHA Activity Room and parking lot between ABDNHA and Carlee's restaurant. Items will be […]
FIELD TRIP IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist Starting approximately 12,000 years ago, the Colorado River periodically changed its course, flowing north into the Salton Sink and creating a massive prehistoric lake. For thousands of years, this lake filled and dried up repeatedly, becoming an important source […]
Come look for treasures at ABDNHA's two-day Attic & Book Sale and support this fundraiser at the same time! Lots of vintage items, home décor, knickknacks, housewares, puzzles, holiday items and, of course, books! Don't miss this annual event! In the ABDNHA Activity Room and parking lot between ABDNHA and Carlee's restaurant. Items will be […]
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot full of desert plants from throughout the southwest — trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, with many colorful signs, artwork, and informational panels. Look for birds and other wildlife activity. The garden begins to bloom […]
Hike Leader: Rachel Rench This hike will start at the parking area on Hwy 78 on a cross country route over to Plum Canyon. After dropping into Plum Canyon we'll turn Right and climb up a wash to Sentenac Mtn and enjoy the view of Granite Peak, Shelter Valley and the San Felipe Valley. From […]
Like rocks? Join BRAG and meet other rockhounds! The BRAG club field trip is every 2nd Wed, meeting in the ABDNHA parking lot. The October field trip will take us to a kyanite mine off Ogilby Road in the Cargo Muchachos Mountains. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 8:00 a.m. Note: Sometimes the field […]
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.
HIKE IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER - RESCHEDULED FOR NOV 22 Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer Surround yourself with the natural beauty of 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 […]
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 […]
HIKE IS FULL. Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell & Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteers Hike 4 miles, 500’ gain. You'll be amazed at the size and beauty of the oasis around this spring! We'll drive up Coyote Canyon and park at 2nd Crossing. Then we'll hike past 3rd Crossing and follow the old bypass road to the spring […]
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.
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.
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. […]
HIKE IS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie, ABDNHA Volunteer
This hike leads through Fossil Canyon in the Coyote Mountain Wilderness area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It takes its name from the fossilized corals, shells, and other marine life found there, telling a tale that is millions of years old, when this part of the desert was under water.
Note: Meet on S2 and Shell Canyon Road near Ocotillo!
Meet at the intersection of S2 (Imperial Highway) and Shell Canyon Road, just north of the town of Ocotillo. Bring lunch and water. 4WD required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.
20% Off in-store for Members & New Members who join today! ABDNHA members receive 20% off purchases 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today in the Nature Center. Do all your holiday shopping in one place and support ABDNHA with your purchases! Join us today and make the desert a part of your life!
PROGRAM IS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN Speaker: Dr. Randolph Baron, Astronomer, ABDNHA Volunteer Lecture followed by stargazing. Our solar system is part of the Milky Way Galaxy, and the Milky Way Galaxy has neighbors. Would you like to meet them? Then join us! In the ABDNHA Library for a lecture followed by viewing the Milky […]
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey Join Kathy Bussey for a short stroll around ABDNHA’s garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot full of desert plants from throughout the southwest — trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, with many colorful signs, artwork, and informational panels. Look for birds and other wildlife activity. The garden begins to bloom […]
HIKE IS FULL - Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie Enjoy an early Thanksgiving Day birding walk! Although the golf course at the Borrego Springs Resort is closed, its water features survive, attracting a wide variety of birds. We will look for Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Green Heron, […]
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.
FIELD TRIP IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist Visit this interesting old mine site, active in the 1940s, located north of the entrance to Fish Creek and north of the gypsum mine. The deposit was mined for strontium in WWII, which was used in flares during the […]
Leaders: Selden McKee & Mike McElhatton Enjoy a post-Thanksgiving walk around town to hear the stories and history of Borrego Springs. Learn about some of our mid-century buildings and the people who built Borrego Springs. Wear comfortable shoes. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot. No charge. Space limited. Sign up at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
“Little Grand Canyon” is an impressive, although small, slot canyon in Coyote Canyon, near Desert Gardens. We will make two trips this year. This one is the easier one with a view down into the canyon. Access is via a sandy road that is usually no problem for most 2WD. 3 mi RT, 400’ vertical, good tread with some small rubble. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer This hike goes into the red colored mud hills of the Skeleton Canyon Fault, part of the larger San Andreas Fault Complex, with a wonderful slot canyon before the stopping point. Expect uneven ground and some bouldering. The total hike distance […]
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell & Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteers Hike 4 miles, 500' gain. We will drive to the end of Nolina Wash Jeep Road to start the hike. Hike begins as a sandy wash then eventually narrows to a canyon. There are a couple easy dry […]
Leaders: Pat Matthews & Selden McKee This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, pencil, eraser, micron pen, colored pencils or compact watercolor set, and […]
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie
Hike with a focus on birding. We will walk on the PCT along pleasant Canada Verde Creek, then through open grasslands, until we reach Eagle Rock. Along the way we'll look for raptors, Wild Turkey, Oak Titmouse, Bluebirds, and Acorn Woodpeckers. 6.6-mile RT, 700' vertical, easy tread. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.
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 […]
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.
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 1.5-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.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: Geologist Don Barrie
Join Don on a hike to explore the geology of Canyon Sin Nombre, located in a major fault zone, and shaped by ancient faulting, sedimentary rock, and ongoing erosion. Meet along S2, at the intersection of S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre Road. Bring lunch and water. 4WD required. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.
Note: Meet at the intersection of S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre Road.
ABDNHA members are invited to join us for delicious homemade chili, cornbread and cookies! Members also receive a 20% discount in the Nature Center during the Chili Fest from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Do all your shopping in one place! We will offer options for both take home and outdoor seating (weather permitting).
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Trip leader: Tom Keffer
Gorgeous sandstone cliffs, killer views out the Borrego Valley, all in a close-to-home package. We will be entering from Hawk Valley, then climbing up a hidden slot to the ridge above, then on to West Butte. 3.5 miles RT, 500' of climbing, steep sections with scary drop offs, some step-ups. Access road is suitable for most 2WD. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey
Join Kathy Bussey for a stroll around ABDNHA's desert garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot full of desert plants from throughout the southwest -- trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, with many colorful signs, artwork, and informational panels. Look for birds and other wildlife activity. The garden always has something in bloom. A good place for photographs. The garden surface is flat for easy walking. Meet in ABDNHA's parking lot. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Walk repeats on Dec. 14, Jan. 11, 25.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
East of Font's Point several miles on the same escarpment, closer to the Salton Sea with 360-degree views, we'll 4WD off S22 on Palo Verde Wash and Center Cut Wash about 3 miles. We will park on the side of the jeep road to the Vista and do a moderate hike 1.5 miles (each way), gradual gradient up washes to the Vista, then walk along the rim for a few hundred yards, before returning down the same washes. There will be a narrow trail along the rim with a steep drop off for one-quarter mile. If you do not like heights, you may not want to do this one. Bring water, sunscreen, a windbreaker, a hiking stick, good hiking shoes, and 4WD vehicle if you can. Meet in ABDNHA's parking lot by 7:50 a.m.
Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
This is a variation on Pam's ambles, focused on plants. We will enjoy a slow stroll through the desert discussing different plant adaptations to living in this challenging environment. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and be back before noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.
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 am or 9:00 am, depending on the destination. We usually try to get back to Borrego around 3:00 pm.
Coordinator: Don Rideout, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meeting to be held in the ABDNHA Activity Room. This is the first meeting of ABDNHA’s new botany club. Everyone is welcome. The primary purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the club’s programming and activities, outline the club's operational structure, and plan the club’s first public presentation, scheduled for Saturday, January 3. All interested are encouraged to attend. No charge, registration not required.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie
Hike with a focus on birding. A pleasant, easy walk through a little-visited preserve. There are many migrants that frequent the preserve, especially in the riparian woodlands along San Felipe Creek. We will look for Roadrunner, Cooper's Hawk, Oak Titmouse, Bluebirds, and Acorn Woodpeckers. 4 miles RT, 250' vertical, easy tread. You must buy a $5.66 personal pass for this walk! See https://tinyurl.com/hkrkshtu, and select "Continue as Guest," then "Lands Pass." Area of use is "San Felipe Valley Wildlife Area." Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer
Just 5 minutes from ABDNHA is a little-visited wash that gives you that far-afield experience. Easy, flat terrain. Convenient street-side parking. See the tallest of ocotillos, mysterious holes drilled in sandstone walls, and the mysterious Kiwanis item! Learn a bit of local history. Under 2 miles RT. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot. Wear hiking shoes, hat, bring water. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
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.
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.
This is the first organizational meeting to form an astronomy club in Borrego Springs. If you are interested in astronomy or astrophotography and would like to learn from others or share what you know, please plan to attend. In the ABDNHA Library.
Speaker: Jose Marfori, Plant Propagation Specialist, The Living Desert
This will be a great program for anyone interested in desert plants, especially those who garden and are interested in growing native plants from seeds or cuttings. Jose Marfori is the plant propagation specialist for The Living Desert, in Palm Desert, a non-profit zoo and desert botanical garden showcasing flora and fauna from deserts around the world. Jose will explain what plant propagation is, why it's important to The Living Desert, and how to get started. He will be using local desert plants as examples, including the difficult to propagate desert smoke tree. In the ABDNHA Library. GP: $12, M: $10, V: $8. Register online or at the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Typically, the Torote Tree (Elephant Tree) grows only in the harshest deserts of Mexico, but we have a small population here in Anza-Borrego, its northernmost range. 3 mi RT, 600’ vertical, sandy tread with a few loose rocks and step-ups. Travel time is 75 minutes each way; not suitable for passenger cars, but okay for high-clearance all-wheel drive SUVs. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.
Leader: 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 Dec. 20, Jan. 11, and Jan. 25.
Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer
Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. to depart promptly at 8 a.m. to set up a car shuttle. We'll leave a set of cars at Culp Valley Camp, then drive up to the Jasper Trail, park the rest of the vehicles, and begin hiking. We'll hike 3 miles down the trail toward Culp Valley Camp, then turn west to explore the Peña Spring area and the top of Hellhole Canyon. Then, we’ll head back to Culp Valley and the first set of cars. We'll hike approximately 5.5 miles mostly downhill, with about 500 feet of elevation gain at the end. The route may be overgrown, making long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles recommended. Limited to 12 people. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteers
Hike 4 miles, 500’ gain. Hike with us cross-country up Juanito Canyon to the top. There are plenty of big rocks to scramble up and around, but nothing too difficult. Then we descend the trail through pretty Glorietta Canyon and walk 0.6 miles on the road back to the cars. Dirt road suitable for all cars. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leader: 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.
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
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.
THIS HIKE IS CANCELLED.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
We will be visiting two sites along the west shore of the Salton Sea, which can be very hit-or-miss. We have been treated to a 30-minute spectacle of a Sora feeding at our feet, but occasionally, if hunters are in the area, we've seen very little. Fortunately, most of the time we see Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks, Sora, Stilts, Grebes, Dowitchers, and lots of peeps, between the two sites, about 1.5 miles total walking, no elevation gain, excellent footing. Travel time in each direction is about one hour. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 am. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Bring lunch/snacks, water, and binoculars.
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.
Leader: 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. 11, and Jan. 25.
Speaker: Astronomer Randolph Baron
What in "heavens" is a star factory? Join us and find out. In the ABDNHA library. General Public $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098. Half-hour lecture followed by stargazing. Stargazing may be cancelled with cloud cover.
Leaders: 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
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.
Speaker: 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.
Hike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
HIKE IS FULL – PLEASE CALL ABDNHA TO GET ON WAITLIST
“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.
Leaders: 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.
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.
THIS PROGRAM IS CANCELLED.
Speaker: 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 and 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.
Leader: 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.
Coordinator: 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.
Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director
PROGRAM IS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
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.
Speaker: 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.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on the waitlist.
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.
Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
N.B: This hike is replaced by a hike to Rattlesnake Canyon due to flooding.
Hike 8 miles, 1375’ gain. Walk up a beautiful canyon to where it ends at an interesting 25 foot dry waterfall. Have fun figuring out the best way up the canyon, as it is quite wide, and there are many different routes you could take, and many rocks to step up and around. But none of them are too difficult. No dirt driving, park right off the road. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leaders: 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.
Desert 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.
Leaders: 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.
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. […]
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL.
Speaker: 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.