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.

Leaders: Greg Winterowd and Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers

This strenuous hike goes six miles. Steep, beautiful, and varied landscape with awesome views of Borrego Valley. Wear proper hiking shoes or boots, a hat, and sun protection - it's exposed! Bring plenty of water, a snack, and hiking poles if desired. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. Drive five minutes to Hellhole, then take a 40-minute shuttle to Culp Valley. Limited to 9 participants. No charge, but registration required. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Note: Must have a State Park Pass or pay a $10 day-use parking fee.

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

A lake in the mountains seems like an unlikely place to see birds, but it will delight and surprise you. We’ll look for Pygmy and White-Breasted Nuthatch, Cinnamon Teal, Shovelers, Canvasback, and birds of prey. A fairly easy four miles round-trip, with  a 120’ gain in elevation, good tread. Travel time 1-¼ hour each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, water. No charge; registration required; call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.  Maximum 10 participants.

Note: Park fee $5, payable at the entrance.

Leaders: Selden McKee and Pat Matthews, ABDNHA Volunteers

Start nature journaling in the ABDNHA Desert Garden! No experience needed, just curiosity about the natural world. Bring a small journal, pencils, and your preferred pens, colored pencils, or watercolor set. Remember a chair, sun hat, water, and snacks for the outdoor activity. Held on the first Thursday of each month in the ABDNHA Desert Garden and nearby areas. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot. Free; register at the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.

** We have reached the vehicle limit, but there are still spaces available for passengers. **

Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer