Events

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.