Events

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.

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.

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.

Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

This strenuous 6.1-mile loop in the Indian Canyons on the south side of Palm Springs is one of the most popular hiking areas in the Coachella Valley. This hike will include a desert wash, views of the San Jacinto Mountains, and a walk through one of the largest native palm groves in the Southwest. Expect uneven ground and possible soft sand in the wash. No charge. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Meeting Place: From downtown Palm Springs, drive south on South Palm Canyon Dr. to the fee kiosk; we will meet 300 feet past it.  From Borrego Springs, it is a two-hour drive: go east on S22, turn left (north) onto Hwy. 86, then go west onto I-10. Take the Bob Hope exit, go left (south), then right (west) onto Ramon Rd.  Go left (south) on Sunrise, then go right (west) on Hwy. 111 / Palm Canyon Dr., and then left (south) on South Palm Canyon Dr.

Leaders: Greg Winterowd and Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers

Five-mile moderately strenuous hike through dry waterfalls and colorful metamorphic rock to a Blair Valley viewpoint. Good location for springtime blooms. Wear sturdy shoes/boots, hat, sun protection, and gloves (required); bring water, snack, and optional poles. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. for a 40-minute drive (carpooling recommended). Maximum nine participants. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to register.

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

This 11-mile hike takes about five hours with a lunch break, plus an hour of travel each way. Start on Milk Ranch Rd., loop to Paso Picacho Campground via Azalea Glen Trail, cross the highway, and ascend Stonewall Peak for a 360-degree park view. After lunch, descend Stonewall, pass the old horse camp, head to the lake, and finish at the Trout Pond parking area. No charge; registration required. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Note: Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool, or at 9 a.m. at Trout Pond/Middle Peak parking in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (located on the east side of Hwy. 79, at the southern tip of Lake Cuyamaca). Consult a map if unfamiliar with the location.

Leader: Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteer

This moderate hike is 5.4 miles, with a 1200’ elevation gain. A close-to-town, little-known gem. All vehicles are suitable. Maximum 15 participants. Meet at the ABDNHA by parking lot 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks and water. No charge, but call or visit the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.

Leaders: Greg Winterowd and Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers

This is a moderate two-to-four-mile hike. Steep but well-marked switchbacks lead to the pass in two miles, then descend to explore the other side. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, hat, and sun protection. Bring water and a snack. Hiking poles are optional. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.  Meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. for a 20-minute drive (carpooling recommended). 4WD preferred. Maximum nine participants.

Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer

Enjoy an easy, flat, quiet hike, under two miles round-trip, just five minutes from ABDNHA, with street-side parking. This little-visited wash gives you a “far-afield” experience, local history, the tallest ocotillo in town, a curious swirly land formation, and the mysterious Kiwanis item. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot. Wear hiking shoes, and bring water and a hat. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

Starting in Little Blair Valley, this fairly easy hike leads us past ancient Kumeyaay rock art and historic mortars to a dramatic dry waterfall with sweeping views of Earthquake Valley below. Three miles round-trip, with 400’ elevation gain, good tread with some rubble. Travel time: one hour each way. Not suitable for passenger cars, but okay for modest SUVs. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. No charge, but registration required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Maximum 10 participants.

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

This strenuous 5.3-mile hike follows the main trail to Volcan Mountain Summit, with stops at points of interest. After circling to the top, we'll return via the steep, rocky Five Oaks Trail. Expect to finish around noon and return to Borrego Springs by 1 p.m. Bring lunch if you'd like to stay up in Julian and visit Volcan Mountain Winery. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.

Note: Meet at 8 a.m. at ABDNHA parking lot, or at 8:45 a.m. at the Volcan Mountain trailhead (two miles from the town of Julian off Farmer Rd.). Consult a map if unsure of the location.

Leader: Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteer

This strenuous hike is six miles, with a 700’ elevation gain. The red that we see along this hike is volcanic rock scattered everywhere! Mostly a moderate hike, but with a steep ascent and descent near the top. One-hour drive to trailhead. All vehicles suitable. Maximum 15 participants. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water. No charge, but registration required. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer

This is an easy to moderate 2.3-mile round-trip hike. Enjoy views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Clark Dry Lake, and Borrego Badlands. We’ll drive up Inspiration Wash, then hike up a wash to a memorial rock bench for a 360-degree desert view. Mostly easy, with a short, steep, sandy climb near the end. 4WD/AWD required or carpool. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot. No charge, but call or visit the Nature Center (760-767-3098) to register.

Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

Join us on this moderate hike to Bitter Creek Spring—one of Anza-Borrego’s few year-round springs—tucked in remote Grapevine Canyon. This tiny spring often attracts birds and wildlife, and we may spot desert blooms. The final climb to the spring is steep. If time allows, we may continue past the spring. 4 mi RT, 400’ vertical. The sandy, two-mile access road is not suitable for passenger cars, but OK for modest SUVs. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks and water. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve. Max 10.

Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

This fairly strenuous 6.6-mile hike is in the Mecca Wilderness and Chuckwalla National Monument. Most of the walking is in washes and fairly easy.  There is a slot canyon and then a short ladder up to the Cave. Bring a flashlight or use your cell phone light if you need illumination to negotiate a short, strenuous section of the cave. The washes may have soft sand and possibly bouldering in the slot. No charge. To register, call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.

Meeting place: From Borrego Springs, drive north on Hwy 86, then right (east) onto Ave 66. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the light.  Drive 7.0 miles (2.9 miles past the canal) and park to meet the group on the left (north) side of Box Canyon Road.

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie

“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 a fairly easy 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 snacks and water. No charge, but registration required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 10.

Leader: Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteer

This strenuous 6-mile hike gains 1,200 feet and follows a mix of old Jeep roads and steep, rocky gullies. The route leads to an impressive ancient lakebed in the lower Coyote Mountains. All vehicles are suitable. Limited to 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Leaders: Greg Winterowd & Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers

This is a strenuous 8-mile hike through creosote, ocotillo, and teddy bear cholla, with views of Borrego Springs from the top. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, a hat, sun protection (it’s exposed), and bring water, a snack, and optional poles. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. for a 20-minute drive. Carpooling recommended; 4WD preferred. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Limit 9.

Leader: Amy Brewster, Volunteer Naturalist
This is a moderate to strenuous hike over a saddle and up a side wash to an overlook of Borrego Valley, with some boulder sections along the trail. Bring water, snack, hiking shoes, and optional poles. Carpooling encouraged. Max 15 people. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot. No charge; registration required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.

Leader: Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteer
This strenuous 6-mile hike gains 900 feet and passes through four, possibly five, slot canyons. Expect challenging dry falls and one very steep, rocky climb. AWD vehicles can reach the South Palm Wash trailhead; passenger cars should park at the top and walk 0.2 mile down to the start. Limited to 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. No charge. Come in or call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Leaders: Greg Winterowd & Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers
Strenuous. A beautiful, unique hike that involves climbing ladders as we ascend through a narrow canyon. Climb through creosote, ocotillo, and teddy bear cholla. View of Borrego Springs from the top. Wear proper hiking shoes or boots, a hat, and sun protection; it’s exposed. Bring plenty of water and a snack, and poles if desired. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. for a 20-minute drive. Carpooling recommended; 4-wheel drive preferred. No charge, but registration required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 9.