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.
Calendar of Events
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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1 event,
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HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers |
1 event,
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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 […] |
2 events,
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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 […]
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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 […] |
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2 events,
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HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie
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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 […] |
2 events,
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.
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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. |
2 events,
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HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Geologist Don Barrie Note: Meet at the intersection of S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre Road.
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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). |
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2 events,
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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.
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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. |
1 event,
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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. |
1 event,
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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. |
2 events,
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.
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Coordinator: Don Rideout, ABDNHA Volunteer |
1 event,
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HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leaders: Tom Keffer & Lee Christie |
2 events,
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HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer 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. |
3 events,
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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.
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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.
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Speaker: Jose Marfori, Plant Propagation Specialist, The Living Desert
$8.00 – $12.00
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2 events,
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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.
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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. |
1 event,
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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. |
2 events,
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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.
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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. |
2 events,
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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 […] |
1 event,
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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. |
1 event,
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. |
2 events,
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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.
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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.
$8.00 – $12.00
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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 |
1 event,
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. […] |
1 event,
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Speaker: Thomas Levy, Ph.D.
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$8.00 – $12.00
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1 event,
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Hike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers “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. |
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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. |
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2 events,
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. […]
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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 & 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.
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$8.00 – $12.00
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4 events,
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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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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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.
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$8.00 – $12.00
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