Hike: California Riding and Hiking Trail Part 2 (Strenuous)

Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 8 a.m. to arrange our car shuttle. We'll drive up to mile 11.2 on Hwy S22 and leave a set of cars at the Big Spring parking area. We'll take the rest of the cars down to Hellhole Canyon and start our hike up to Culp Valley Camp. There will be a $10 parking fee for any vehicle parked at Hellhole Canyon if participants don't have a State Park pass. From here, we hike up the California Riding & Hiking Trail to the Culp Valley Campground Trail, over a small pass, and descend into Dry Canyon, where we'll pick up a faint social trail. The group will follow Rachel up a hill out of Dry Canyon and eventually pick up a trail that will take us back to the parking area on S22. This hike is approximately 6 miles with 2500 ft of elevation gain, and some steep sections to navigate. Long pants, long sleeves, and hiking poles are strongly recommended. Max. 12 people. Call to reserve.

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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.

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Hawkwatch Training Session 1

First training session in preparation for the 2026 Borrego Springs Hawkwatch that will begin on Feb. 20. We will begin inside at the ABDNHA Library, followed by a visit to the viewing sites. All are welcome—those interested in finding out more, as well as new and returning volunteers. Please sign up at hawkwatchborregosprings@gmail.com and abdnha2@att.net. Eyes to the sky!

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Nature Journaling (Easy)

Leaders: Pat Matthews and Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteers This activity repeats on the first Tuesdays of the month to explore nature journaling in the ABDNHA garden and in the field until noon. No experience necessary—just a curiosity about the natural world. Participants will need a small, unlined journal, a pencil, an eraser, a micron pen, colored pencils or a compact watercolor set, and a chair. We will be outdoors, so a sun hat, water, and a snack are recommended. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

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Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

Leader: Marlin Burke, Naturalist Volunteer We meet at ABDNHA and then carpool to Coyote Creek, where we explore the history of Native Americans and early settlers, geology, paleontology, Plant life, Coyote Creek itself, and whatever else catches our attention. Easy walking; driving on a dirt road. High clearance 2WD or SUV acceptable due to dirt road with possible rocks or potholes. No charge, but registration is required.  Call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

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Read more about the article Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)
Join ABDNHA for a full moon night hike in South Palm Wash, highlighting local natural beauty and nighttime desert ecology.

Full Moon Walk: South Palm Wash (Easy)

Leader: Mike McElhatton, ABDNHA Education Director Join ABDNHA’s Program Director Mike McElhatton on this month’s Full Moon Walk in South Palm Wash. Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash. Mostly a fairly easy walk, with a few moderate areas that require “big steps” on inclines. We meet at the ABDNHA Library and carpool from there. A flashlight, water, and good hiking shoes are required. Limit 22. Activity cancels if cloud cover limits the moonlight. No charge. Call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to reserve.

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Hike: Geology Hike to Canyon Sin Nombre (Moderate) – FULL (waitlist)

HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Leader: Geologist Don Barrie Join Don on a hike to explore the geology of Canyon Sin Nombre, located in a major fault zone, and shaped by ancient faulting, sedimentary rock, and ongoing erosion. Meet along S2, at the intersection of  S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre Road. Bring lunch and water. 4WD required. Register at the ABDNHA Nature Center or call 760-767-3098. Note: Meet at the intersection of S2 and Canyon Sin Nombre Road.

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Hike: West Butte, Hawk Valley (Fairly Strenuous) – FULL (waitlist)

HIKE IS FULL. Call 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist. Trip leader: Tom Keffer Gorgeous sandstone cliffs, killer views out the Borrego Valley, all in a close-to-home package. We will be entering from Hawk Valley, then climbing up a hidden slot to the ridge above, then on to West Butte. 3.5 miles RT, 500' of climbing, steep sections with scary drop offs, some step-ups. Access road is suitable for most 2WD. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

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Short Walk in ABDNHA’s Desert Garden

Leader: Amateur Botanist Kathy Bussey Join Kathy Bussey for a stroll around ABDNHA's desert garden, a peaceful and beautiful spot full of desert plants from throughout the southwest -- trees, cacti, shrubs, and annual flowers, with many colorful signs, artwork, and informational panels. Look for birds and other wildlife activity. The garden always has something in bloom. A good place for photographs. The garden surface is flat for easy walking. Meet in ABDNHA's parking lot. No charge. Register at the Nature Center or 760-767-3098. Walk repeats on Dec. 14, Jan. 11, 25.

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Plant Amble (Easy)

Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer This is a variation on Pam's ambles, focused on plants.  We will enjoy a slow stroll through the desert discussing different plant adaptations to living in this challenging environment. Meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 a.m. and be back before noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.

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