ABDNHA

Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Meeting
2025-10-22 20:00, 2025-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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: Aggregate Canyon (Strenuous) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-11-03 08:30 - 12:00
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 last 0.1 mile is a steep climb up the rim for a view of the Salton Sea. The total hike distance (round trip) is 4.8 miles. Sturdy shoes, walking sticks recommended. Bring snack/lunch and water. Limit 10.
Note: Meets at Box Canyon!
Driving instructions to meeting location: Drive North on Hwy 86, and go right (east) on 66th Ave. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the light. Drive 7.0 miles (2.5 miles past Painted Canyon Road), and park on the left (N) side of Box Canyon Road. No charge. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center.

Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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.

ABDNHA’s Annual Attic & Book Sale
2025-11-08 09:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 be marked down 50% on Sunday!

Field Trip: Ancient Lake Cahuilla
2025-11-08 09:30 - 12:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 of food and water for the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Cocopah peoples. The last time the lake was filled was between 1731 and 1733. Hydrologist John Peterson will lead this half-day field trip to the Salton Sea, providing an opportunity to look back in time and explore the remnants of the ancient lake, including the ancient shoreline (the “bathtub ring”) that is still visible and the fish traps along the old shoreline. 15 people. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

ABDNHA’s Annual Attic & Book Sale - 50% OFF
2025-11-09 09:00 - 13:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States

Short Walk in ABDNHA's Desert Garden (Easy)
2025-11-09 13:00 - 13:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 in
mid-February, but always has something in bloom. A good place for photographs. The garden surface is flat with very easy walking. Meet in ABDNHA’s parking lot. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098. Walk repeats on Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 11, 25.

Hike: Plum Canyon/Sentenac Mountain Loop (Strenuous)
2025-11-10 08:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 the top of the mountain we’ll head West, then South, briefly dropping into Plum Canyon. We’ll stay in this wash, and climb out and over a steep hill where we negotiate our way into a rocky drainage and the East Fork of Plum Canyon. We’ll return to our cars on the jeep road. The loop covers 6 miles, and 900 ft of elevation gain to Sentenac Mountain. Meet at ABDNHA at 8am to carpool to the parking area. Bring lunch, snacks and 2 liters of water per person.

Borrego Rock & Gem Club (BRAG) Field Trip
2025-11-12 08:00 - 15:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 trips may start at 8:00 am instead of 9:00 am. We usually try to get back to Borrego around 3:00 pm.

ABDNHA Friendly Friday Bike Ride
2025-11-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-28 10:00 - 12:00
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: The Bench (Easy) - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - RESCHEDULED TO NOV 22
2025-11-15 08:30 - 11:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 memorial bench for a 360 view. It is an easy hike, except for the final short ascent up a sandy wash to the bench. AWD or 4WD OK. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. No charge, call or stop by to reserve.

ABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Oriflamme Canyon - CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER
2025-11-15 09:00 - 14:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 trail into the canyon where we take lunch at the abandoned CCC Camp. After lunch, we enter the Vallecito Wash and exit the trail at Box Canyon and the S2 highway. Bring water, food, snacks, chair, hat and weather-appropriate clothing. If you have a GRMS 2-way radio, we will be communicating on channel 14. ABDNHA members only. If you are not a member, you may request being put on the waitlist.

ABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Hidden Spring - CANCELLED
2025-11-15 09:00 - 16:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 12 miles north. The last 3 miles of trail between Butler Canyon and Hidden Spring require a vehicle with sufficient clearance, a short wheelbase, and a tire tread design to negotiate the trail. There is no steep terrain, but the trail consists of large, smooth river rock. Parking at 4WD trail end 33.42278,-116.38778, where we take lunch. Those who wish may join the leader on 2-mile round-trip walk to the dry falls in the spectacular Rock House Canyon. The walk is easy, and the terrain is flat. Departing from Hidden Spring, we return to S22 on the same 4WD trail and say goodbye. Bring plenty of water, food, snacks, a hat, and a chair. If you have a GRMS 2-way radio, we will be communicating on channel 14. ABDNHA members only. If you are not a member, you may request being put on the waitlist.

Hike: Catarina Spring (Moderate) - FULL
2025-11-18 08:00 - 13:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 where there is a historic monument and interpretive info. High clearance vehicles recommended. Max. 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

ABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Cut Across Trail to Borrego Mountain - CANCELLED - Rescheduled for Saturday, December 13.
2025-11-22 09:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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. 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.

Hike: Fossil Canyon Geology Hike (Easy) - CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
2025-11-22 09:00 - 16:00
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.

ABDNHA Member Appreciation Day
2025-11-22 09:00 - 17:00
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!

Stargazing: Exploring the Milky Way and its Neighbors - CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
2025-11-22 18:00 - 19:30 | ABDNHA Library, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 Way through an amazing telescope in the ABDNHA garden. GP $12, M $10, V $8. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098. Heavy cloud cover can cancel stargazing.

Short Walk in ABDNHA's Desert Garden (Easy)
2025-11-23 13:00 - 13:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 in
mid-February, but always has something in bloom. A good place for photographs. The garden surface is flat with very easy walking. Meet in ABDNHA’s parking lot. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098. Walk repeats on Dec. 7, 14, Jan. 11, 25.

Birding Walk: Borrego Springs Resort (Easy) - FULL (Waitlist)
2025-11-27 08:00 - 10:00
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, Black-crowned Night Heron, and many others. 1.5 mi, no elevation gain, easy trail. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.

Field Trip: Borrego’s Strontium Volcano (Moderate) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-11-29 09:00 - 12:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 war. The deposit likely formed during an extrusive hydrothermal event when the mineral was extruded through surface vents. These vents are still present on the surface of the deposit. This moderate hike is about a 1.5-mile roundtrip with a vertical gain of 500 feet on an old mining road and trail. The surface is rough and rocky, so hiking shoes are required, and hiking poles recommended. We will start and return in the ABDNHA parking lot and carpool as needed. From ABDNHA, the drive to the site includes 0.5 miles on Fish Creek Road, which is rocky with areas of soft sand. High clearance is required, and 4WD recommended. No charge, but registration is required, 760-767-3098.

Borrego Walkabout (Easy)
2025-11-29 10:00 - 11:30 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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: Little Grand Canyon Overlook (Fairly Easy) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-11-30 08:00 - 12:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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: Skeleton Canyon Slot (Moderate) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-12-01 08:30 - 12:00
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 (round trip) is 4.9 miles. Sturdy shoes recommended. Bring snack/lunch and water. Limit 10.
Note: Meet at Painted Canyon Road off of Box Canyon Road!
Driving instructions to meeting place: Drive North on Hwy 86 and go right (east) on 66th Ave. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the
light. Drive 4.5 miles and turn left onto Painted Canyon Road. We will meet here. The road is usually OK for 2WD with high clearance. 4WD/AWD suggested. Register at or call the Nature Center.

Hike: Nolina Canyon (Moderate) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-12-02 08:00 - 13:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 waterfalls to climb before the canyon ends at a 50-foot-high (!) dry waterfall. High clearance vehicles recommended. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Nature Journaling (Easy)
2025-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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 a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and snack are recommended. Meet in parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

Birding Hike: Pacific Crest Trail to Eagle Rock (Moderate) - FULL (waitlist)
2025-12-04 08:00 - 14:00 | ABDNHA Parking Lot, 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
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.
