Click here for info on hiker safety rules and our hike ratings.
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer
Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary with the route chosen. No charge, and no registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
Speaker: Lewis Hinchman, Author and Hiker
Join author and desert hiker Lewis Hinchman as he shares his favorite hikes—the “best of the best” from his new book, Hiking Southern California’s Desert Parks. Lew and his wife, Sandy, have shared a love of hiking since meeting in grad school in New York. Inspired by Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire, they fell for the western deserts, with Sandy publishing Hiking Southwest Desert Country in 1990. Their passion led them to move to Moab, Utah, in 2008. In the ABDNHA Library. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Reserve at 760-767-3098 or www.abdnha.org/activities.
To register: Call 760-767-3098 or click here.
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.
ABDNHA Members, warm up with a bowl of chili, cornbread, and dessert, and spend an easy evening reconnecting with fellow ABDNHA members at this much-loved annual social event. Chili Fest is all about good food, familiar faces, and our showing appreciation for our members. Let’s gather to catch up before the busy winter/spring season. During the event (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), members receive 20% off at the Desert Nature Center—perfect for holiday shopping and supporting ABDNHA at the same time. RSVP at the Nature Center at borregonaturecenter@gmail.com, or call 760-767-3098, or stop by. New members welcome! Take-home and outdoor seating available (weather permitting). ABDNHA Activity Room and parking lot. Last serving at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Click here for more info.
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.
Meet in the ABDNHA Parking Lot. bragmail@yahoo.com
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
This is a hike with a focus on birding, a pleasant, fairly easy walk through a little-visited preserve. Many migrants frequent the reserve, especially in the riparian woodlands along San Felipe Creek. We will look for Roadrunner, Cooper’s Hawk, Oak Titmouse, Bluebirds, and Acorn Woodpeckers. 4 mi RT, 250’ of elevation gain, easy tread. You must buy a $5.97 personal pass for this walk! See https://www.licenses.wildlife.ca.gov/internetsales/, then select “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, and water. No charge, but registration is required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 10 people.
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer
Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary with the route chosen. No charge, and no registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
Leader: Don Rideout, ABDNHA Botany Club Coordinator
The San Jacinto Mountains are a region of special interest to plant lovers. These peaks reach higher elevations than the mountains of San Diego County, giving rise to some unusual and fascinating species. The San Jacinto Mountains are also a thoroughly pleasant destination for summer hiking, featuring dense forest, rocky crags, and numerous trails. Don Rideout will present photos of both common and rare species, some found nowhere else. Registration required: General Public $12, Members $10, Volunteers $8. Register at ABDNHA’s Nature Center, 760-767-3098, or online.
To register: Call 760-767-3098 or click here.
Leader: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer
Curious about the story of Borrego Springs, from its historic beginnings to today? Enjoy a walk around the town while hearing about the people, places, and buildings of this tiny desert town that we love. We will start at ABDNHA and cover roughly 1.5 miles, all on flat terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a good sun hat, and bring water. No charge, but registration required. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.
Leader: Don Rideout, Club Coordinator
The Borrego Botany Club will kick off the desert season with a meeting and lecture on Saturday in the ABDNHA Library. Everyone is invited. If you are interested in desert plants, then the Botany Club is the place to be. This is an informal gathering. Don Rideout will explain the Botany Club and provide an overview of the meetings and field trips for this desert season. Open to all. No charge. Please register by visiting or calling the Nature Center: 760-767-3098.
Leader: Don Rideout, Club Coordinator
The Borrego Botany Club will kick off the desert season with a meeting and lecture on Saturday in the ABDNHA Library. Everyone is invited. If you are interested in desert plants, then the Botany Club is the place to be. This is an informal gathering. Don Rideout will explain the Botany Club and provide an overview of the meetings and field trips for this desert season. Open to all. No charge. Please register by visiting or calling the Nature Center: 760-767-3098.
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.
Newcomers welcome! bragmail@yahoo.com
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Bird-focused hike on the PCT along Cañada Verde Creek and grasslands to Eagle Rock. Look for raptors, Wild Turkey, Oak Titmouse, Bluebirds, and Acorn Woodpeckers. 6.5 miles round trip, 700' gain, easy tread. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. No charge; registration required. Reserve by calling or visiting the Nature Center at 760-767-3098. Max 10.
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: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer
Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary with the route chosen. No charge, and no registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
Speakers: Urmi Ray and Sanjiv Nanda, ABDNHA Volunteers
Giant Petrels and Royal Albatrosses soar around our ship as we circumnavigate the Scotia Sea, visiting King and Gentoo Penguin colonies in the Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Observe newly hatched Gentoo chicks, year-old King Penguin young, and three other penguin species. The Antarctic Convergence creates the planet's largest marine buffet, attracting Arctic Terns migrating over 20,000 miles and humpback whales from Brazil to feast on krill. Through photos, videos, and stories, experience the summer feeding frenzy up close. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Hybrid presentation: in person at the ABDNHA Library and via Zoom.
To register for the in-person lecture: Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098, or click here.
To register for the webinar: Click here.
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.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Looking for something different on Christmas morning? Join us at a top Borrego birding spot—open to us for one day only. Spot Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Grebes, and more on this easy walk. 4 miles round trip, 100' gain. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. No charge. Reserve at 760-767-3098. Max 10.
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer
Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary with the route chosen. No charge, and no registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
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.
Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
Start the New Year with a resolution: start birding! 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 bird, learning how to tell them apart. We'll bring a scope, so you’ll get a good look at each bird's distinguishing features. This is a 2.0-mile walk, with no elevation gain, on an easy trail. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 10.
Enjoy a tour of 4-6 beautiful private homes and gardens in Borrego Springs at your own pace during ABDNHA's annual Desert Home & Garden Tour. Tickets will be available for sale in January 2027.
Click here for more info.
Join Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association on a tour of Mongolia, a country full of beautiful nature and fascinating culture. ABDNHA-GeoTours Mongolia will visit Mongolia’s highlights and will attend the annual Naadam festival in a beautiful setting. Geologist and ABDNHA Board Member Don Barrie will be the group co-leader along with GeoTours guide Matt Ebiner.
Click here for more information about this trip on the ABDNHA website.
Click here for more information about this trip on the GeoTours website, and to get on the waitlist.