Leaders: Greg Winterowd & Amy Brueggemeyer, ABDNHA Volunteers This is a strenuous 8-mile hike through creosote, ocotillo, and teddy bear cholla, with views of Borrego Springs from the top. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, a hat, sun protection (it’s exposed), and bring water, a snack, and optional poles. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:50 a.m. for a 20-minute drive. Carpooling recommended; 4WD preferred. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Limit 9.
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary with the route chosen. No charge, and no registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer This is an easy to moderate 2.3-mile round-trip hike. Enjoy views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Clark Dry Lake, and Borrego Badlands. We’ll drive up Inspiration Wash, then hike up a wash to a memorial rock bench for a 360-degree desert view. Mostly easy, with a short, steep, sandy climb near the end. 4WD/AWD required or carpool. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot. No charge, but call or visit the Nature Center (760-767-3098) to register.
Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer
This fairly strenuous 6.6-mile hike is in the Mecca Wilderness and Chuckwalla National Monument. Most of the walking is in washes and fairly easy. There is a slot canyon and then a short ladder up to the Cave. Bring a flashlight or use your cell phone light if you need illumination to negotiate a short, strenuous section of the cave. The washes may have soft sand and possibly bouldering in the slot. No charge. To register, call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098.
Meeting place: From Borrego Springs, drive north on Hwy 86, then right (east) onto Ave 66. Go over the bypass bridge and turn right (east) at the light. Drive 7.0 miles (2.9 miles past the canal) and park to meet the group on the left (north) side of Box Canyon Road.
Meet in the ABDNHA Parking Lot. bragmail@yahoo.com
Leader: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer Curious about the story of Borrego Springs, from its historic beginnings to today? Enjoy a walk around the town while hearing about the people, places, and buildings of this tiny desert town that we love. We will start at ABDNHA and cover roughly 1.5 miles, all on flat terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a good sun hat, and bring water. No charge, but registration required. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098.
Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Program Director Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlit canyon walls as ABDNHA Program Director Mike McElhatton leads a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly easy, with a few short, steep inclines that require some flexibility. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot to carpool. Bring a flashlight, water, and hiking shoes. Maximum 22 participants. No charge. Cancels with cloud cover. Call or visit the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve, and leave a cell number for weather-related updates or cancellations.
Leader: Paul Petersen, ABDNHA Volunteer Relaxed social ride of 20-30 mostly flat miles at a 10-12 mph pace. Routes will vary weekly; fun rides to highlight the roads less traveled. Return time will vary by the route chosen. No charge or registration required. Meet in the parking lot opposite the public County Library’s south entrance.
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.