Hike: Kiwanis Wash (Easy) – FULL (waitlist)

HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer Just 5 minutes from ABDNHA is a little-visited wash that gives you that far-afield experience. Easy, flat terrain. Convenient street-side parking. See the tallest of ocotillos, mysterious holes drilled in sandstone walls, and the mysterious Kiwanis item! Learn a bit of local history. Under 2 miles RT. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot. Wear hiking shoes, hat, bring water. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

Continue ReadingHike: Kiwanis Wash (Easy) – FULL (waitlist)

ABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Cut Across Trail to Borrego Mountain – FULL (waitlist)

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.

Continue ReadingABDNHA Members 4WD Tour: Cut Across Trail to Borrego Mountain – FULL (waitlist)

Hike: Vista del Malpais (Moderate) – FULL (waitlist)

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.

Continue ReadingHike: Vista del Malpais (Moderate) – FULL (waitlist)

Short Walk in ABDNHA’s Desert Garden

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.

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Hike: Fossil Canyon Geology Hike (Easy) – CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN

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.

Continue ReadingHike: Fossil Canyon Geology Hike (Easy) – CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN