ABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Return to Toro Peak

This free event will take us to Toro Peak, one of the most prominent mountains in Southern California, located in the rugged Santa Rosa Mountain range, which separates the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs/Indio area) from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

For this tour, we will journey up to 8,300 feet on Toro Peak to take in the expansive views of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Salton Sea, Coachella Valley, and beyond.

MEET at 8:45 a.m. in Mountain Center, Riverside County, at intersection of State Route 371 and SR 74 at the Paradise Valley Café parking lot, 61721 CA-74, Mountain Center, CA 92561. (The cafe opens at 8 a.m. and serves breakfast). Important: From Borrego Springs, allow at least 90 minutes to the meeting place.

We will depart at 9 a.m. for the Santa Rosa Road trailhead, where we begin our ascent at 4,600 feet and wind up 12.5 miles on a one-lane service road through thick shrubland, which gives way to tall pines. Steep drop-offs along the drive offer impressive views. Enroute are numerous single and multi-camp sites, as well as a pit toilet. At the top are rock outcroppings within a moderate 200-300-yard hike that offer a bird’s eye view below. A bring-your-own lunch stop is planned at the top.

Dry road conditions are good, but some areas require 4WD and high clearance. Bring a full tank of fuel. Hiking poles recommended. Please check the weather and dress accordingly. GMRS Channel 15 is optional. Trip ends about 2 p.m. at SR 74. Trip is weather-dependent.

Space and vehicles limited. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call 760-767-3098 to reserve your spot.

If you are not already a member of ABDNHA, we invite you to join!