Bird Walk: Christmas Day Bird Walk at Rams Hill Golf Course – FULL (wait list)

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers *** Hike is FULL, please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on the wait list **** Looking for something different on Christmas morning? Join us at a top Borrego birding spot—open to us for one day only. Spot Cinnamon and Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Grebes, and more on this easy walk. 4 miles round trip, 100' gain. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. No charge. Reserve at 760-767-3098. Max 10.

Continue ReadingBird Walk: Christmas Day Bird Walk at Rams Hill Golf Course – FULL (wait list)

Hike: Little Grand Canyon Overlook – FULL (wait list)

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie *** Hike is FULL, please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on the wait list **** “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 a fairly easy 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 snacks and water. No charge, but registration required. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 10.

Continue ReadingHike: Little Grand Canyon Overlook – FULL (wait list)

Hike: Bitter Creek Spring and Maybe Beyond – FULL (wait List)

Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers *** Hike is FULL, please call ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on the wait list **** Join us on this moderate hike to Bitter Creek Spring—one of Anza-Borrego’s few year-round springs—tucked in remote Grapevine Canyon. This tiny spring often attracts birds and wildlife, and we may spot desert blooms. The final climb to the spring is steep. If time allows, we may continue past the spring. 4 mi RT, 400’ vertical. The sandy, two-mile access road is not suitable for passenger cars, but OK for modest SUVs. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks and water. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve. Max 10.

Continue ReadingHike: Bitter Creek Spring and Maybe Beyond – FULL (wait List)

4WD Tour: Chariot Canyon to Rodriguez Canyon

** We have reached the vehicle limit, but there are still spaces available for passengers. ** Trip Leader: Ed Pollock, ABDNHA Volunteer Meet at 9 a.m. at the Banner Store on Hwy. 78, at the foot of Banner Grade. After check-in and tire-pressure adjustment, we’ll cross Hwy. 78 and head uphill on historic and scenic—but sometimes rough dirt—Chariot Canyon Rd. After a short distance, we take Rodriguez Canyon Rd., which can be rough with washouts and rocks. This road crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and leads to the desert floor, entering Oriflamme Canyon (Mason Valley Truck Trail). Enjoy a BBQ lunch near an ancient Indian Village site and 1930s CCC camp remains. Then return east to Hwy. S2, ending the trip about 3 p.m. No charge. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve. Come prepared and enjoy this historic run safely and with fun! Because of the small group size, ABDNHA members have priority on 4WD trips. We invite you to join today! BBQ lunch: Meat and utensils provided. Please bring a side dish to share and your own drinks if you wish. Camp chairs and small tables are encouraged. Recommended: Short-wheelbase vehicles, good tires, and a full tank of gas. Short 4WD pickups are fine; AWD city vehicles and SUVs are not suitable.

Continue Reading4WD Tour: Chariot Canyon to Rodriguez Canyon

Hike: Casino (Lots of Slots!) Hike Loop

Leader: Terri Straub, ABDNHA Volunteer This strenuous 6-mile hike gains 900 feet and passes through four, possibly five, slot canyons. Expect challenging dry falls and one very steep, rocky climb. AWD vehicles can reach the South Palm Wash trailhead; passenger cars should park at the top and walk 0.2 mile down to the start. Limited to 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. No charge. Come in or call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

Continue ReadingHike: Casino (Lots of Slots!) Hike Loop

Bird Walk: Beginning Birding at Borrego Springs Resort

Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers Start the New Year with a resolution: start birding! If you can’t tell a sparrow from a flycatcher from a wren, this trip is for you! Instead of racking up species, we will slow down and take more time with each bird, learning how to tell them apart. We'll bring a scope, so you’ll get a good look at each bird's distinguishing features. This is a 2.0-mile walk, with no elevation gain, on an easy trail. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks, binoculars, and water. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Max 10.

Continue ReadingBird Walk: Beginning Birding at Borrego Springs Resort