Please review our hiker info page to familiarize yourself with hiker safety rules and our hike ratings so that you can select hikes that meet your level of fitness. Unless specified otherwise in the activity descriptions below, hikes have a 15 person limit, and they begin in the ABDNHA parking lot.

ABDNHA Parking Lot

Address
652 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004 United States Get Directions

Events at this venue

Today

  • Plant Amble (Easy) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer
    PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    This is a variation on Pam’s ambles, focused on plants. We will take a leisurely stroll through the desert, discussing various plant adaptations that enable them to thrive in this challenging environment. Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9:30 and return by noon after a relatively short and easy walk. Call the Nature Center to reserve. Activity repeats 2nd Tuesday of the month.

  • 4WD Tour: Dave McCain Spring (Members Priority) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer  
    TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information

    We meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m., then caravan to the trailhead at Fish Creek. We will drive 18 miles through deep sand in the canyon to reach our destination, where we will have lunch and explore. We will return by the same route to the paved road. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, a hat, and a chair. We will be using 2-way GRMS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a member-priority trip. Stop by or call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.

    ** Level 4: 4WD REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions

  • Birding Walk Salton Sea Unit 1 Vendal Rd. (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie

    Today we head to one of the best birding locations in our region: Unit 1 of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. Expect Shovelers, Teals, Stilts, Avocet, Godwit, Dowitchers, thousands of Snow Geese and more. Easy walk of 2 miles RT, no elevation, good  tread. Travel time 1 hour each way.  Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10

  • Borrego Walkabout (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Selden McKee and Mike McElhatton

    Get a little exercise, take some photos, learn the history, and hear the stories behind the buildings and places in this tiny desert town we all love so much - Borrego Springs. We will start at ABDNHA and cover approximately 1.5 miles, all of which is flat. Wear comfortable walking shoes. No charge, but pre-registration is required at ABDNHA's Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

  • Hike: Mountain Palm Springs (Moderate) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers
    HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    We will visit not one, not two, not three, but five different palm groves, some of them with up to a hundred trees! 4.5-mile RT, 550’ vertical, mostly soft sand, but there are some moderate sections with a bit of bouldering. Be prepared to pay a $10 parking fee. Travel time is 1 1⁄4 hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

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

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    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.

  • Hike: Crazycline Canyon Loop (Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
    Hike: 5.0 miles, 1000' gain. A very rocky and interesting canyon. Plenty of rocks and dry waterfalls to go up, over, and around. Many synclines and anticlines, hence the canyon's name. High clearance vehicles recommended. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks/lunch, water, good hiking shoes, and a good attitude. (Hike statistics subject to change based on group, weather, or other factors.)

  • Nature Journaling in the Field (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Come practice nature journaling in the field with Pam Blake. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. and set out from there. You’ll need your own supplies and some familiarity with this practice, as this session offers a chance for further nature journaling with a group but without instruction. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve. This activity is repeated on the third Tuesday of each month.

  • Birding Walk: Sonny Bono Refuge Visitor Center (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie, ABDNHA Volunteers

    Some of the best birding in our area. We will walk out to Rock Hill, 2 miles RT, with no elevation gain. We are likely to see Snow Goose (sometimes in the thousands), Shoveler, Pintail, Teal, Dowitcher, and Burrowing Owl. Travel time is 1 ¼ hours each way. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch/snacks, binoculars, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

  • Field Trip: Ancient Lake Cahuilla – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Special Earth Science Series
    FIELD TRIP IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    Leader: John Peterson, Hydrologist and Geologist

    Approximately 12,000 years ago, the Colorado River altered its course, forming a massive prehistoric lake known as Lake Cahuilla, which is now the Salton Sea.   The lake served as a vital resource for the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Cocopah peoples. Over the centuries, the lake filled and dried up many times. It last filled between 1731 and 1733. Hydrologist John Peterson will lead a half-day field trip to the Salton Sea, where participants can explore the ancient lake's remnants, including visible "bathtub rings" and fishing traps. Meet at ABDNHA. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

    Sold Out $10.00 – $18.00

  • Hike: Moonlight Canyon & Inner Pasture Overlook (Fairly Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Tom Keffer, ABDNHA Volunteer

    This year, we will be hiking the Moonlight Canyon loop. Halfway around, we’ll take a three-mile round-trip side trail (four to six-foot waterfalls, uneven footing, steep sections) to a terrific view of the Inner Pasture. Five miles round-trip, 900’ vertical. Park fee $5. Travel time is one hour each way. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 am. Wear sturdy boots (not tennis shoes). Bring lunch/snacks and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit: 10.

  • Short Walk in ABDNHA’s Desert Garden

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    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.

  • Hike: T-Canyon (Easy to Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Hike Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie

    A 3-mile hike with 400' of elevation gain up a local canyon with a "T" at the end, offering two bitter ends for the price of one. Let's call it "T-Canyon". It's located in the Desert Gardens area out Coyote Canyon. Access is via a sandy road that is usually no problem for most 2WD. Bring lunch/snacks and water. Limit 10. Meet at 7:50 a.m. at ABDNHA.

  • 4WD Tour: Culp Valley – Grapevine – Pinyon Mountain (Members Priority) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer
    TOUR IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only ** see vehicle information
    Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance

    Join us for an adventure starting at ABDNHA. We’ll head west on S22, air down our tires on Culp Valley Road, and ascend to 4000 feet, taking Jasper Trail to a scenic overlook. We'll stop at Stuart Spring and the Angelina Spring Cultural Preserve. Afterward, we’ll turn south at Butler Creek Canyon and finish at Hwy 78. For part two, we'll go to Shelter Valley via Scissors Crossing and enjoy a surprise guest and potluck lunch at the Squeeze (please bring a side or dessert!). After lunch, you can return or hike to Heart Attack Hill (1.5 miles).

    Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 9 a.m. Open to Level 4 4WD vehicles only (no AWD). Ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank. Check the weather and dress appropriately. The trip lasts about 5 hours. This is a member-priority trip. No charge. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

    ** Level 4: 4WD Higher Clearance REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions

  • Hike: Borrego Badlands – Font’s Foot Loop (Moderate to Strenuous) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks
    HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    Have you stood at the top of Font’s Point and thought it would be fun to be down in one of the colorful washes at the base? Join us for this moderate 8-mile loop hike in the Badlands washes below Font’s Point. We will include a trip to Font’s Foot, the very base of Font’s Point, and wave back at the incredulous visitors looking down at us. We will then scramble up to the Bowl and return via the west fork of Rainbow Wash. If time permits, we will explore a narrow slot canyon that requires twisting your body to get through. Meet at the bottom of Texas Dip (8.7 miles south of Christmas Circle on Borrego Springs Road) at the entrance to San Felipe Wash. Park on the east side of the road, from where we will carpool in 4WD/AWD vehicles several miles to the start of the hike in Rainbow Wash. Bring water, a snack, and lunch. No charge. Max: 22. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098.

  • Field Trip: The Birds & Other Wonders of the Salton Sea

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Kurt Leuschner, College of the Desert

    Meet at 7:30 in the ABDNHA parking lot for carpooling. Bring a lunch and full tank of gas. We will explore the south end of the Salton Sea, stopping at various sites along the way, including Ocotillo Wells Discovery Center, Vendel Road (Unit One), Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters for lunch, Garst Road near Red Hill Marina, the mud volcanoes, and more. Return to Borrego Springs around 3-4 p.m. General Public: $20, Members: $16, Volunteers: $12. You can register online at www.abdnha.org or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

    Get Tickets $12.00 – $20.00

  • Hike: Casino Hike – Lots of Slots! (Strenuous) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub
    HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    Hike, 6 miles, 900’ gain. The lucky people who join us on this hike will go through four, yes, four slot canyons! There are a few challenging dry waterfalls to go up and one steep, rocky area to climb. After two stops, we'll be at Calcite Mine, followed by two more stops on the way back. A really fun hike! AWD cars can drive to the start of the hike in South Palm Wash. Regular cars can park at the top and walk 0.2 miles to the start of the hike. No charge. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Nature Journaling (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    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.

  • Hike: Bitter Creek Spring (Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Trip Leaders: Tom Keffer and Lee Christie
    There are only a handful of year-round springs in the Anza-Borrego park and we will be hiking to one of them. Located up Grapevine Canyon, Bitter Creek Spring is tiny, but remote and delightful. It often attracts many birds and other wildlife. With luck, we may also see some desert blooms. 3 mi RT, 500’ vertical. Sandy 2 mi access road, suitable for most SUVs. Optional side trip to visit Angelina Springs, 2.5 mi farther up the road. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot by 7:50 a.m. Bring snacks and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve. Limit 10.

  • Hike & Write: Glorietta Canyon (Easy to Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Lovely ramble up Glorietta Canyon with volunteer Amy Brewster. About 2 mile hike, stopping at an overlook of Borrego Valley, and then take time to write. Option to share your writing. Bring writing materials, such as a small notebook. Max: 10 people. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Plants of Anza-Borrego – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club

    PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist

    Short Lecture and Field Trip (Easy walk, okay for all vehicles)

    An offering of the new Botany Club, these walks will focus on the plants of Anza-Borrego Desert, with locations varying depending on where we find the most interesting plants. Our pace will be generally slow, allowing plenty of time for plant identification, questions, discussion, and photography.  All levels of knowledge are welcome, including children. Meet at ABDNHA; carpool as best we can, as we head to the field trip site. No Charge. Space is limited. Register at the Nature Center or call 760-767-3098.

  • Hike: The Bench (Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Kathy Bussey, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Surround yourself with the natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Clark Dry Lake, and the Borrego Badlands on this easy 2.5-mile round-trip hike. We will drive up Inspiration Wash, then hike up an unnamed wash to the man-made memorial bench for a 360-degree view. It is an easy hike, except for the final short ascent up a sandy wash to the bench. AWD or 4WD OK. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. No charge; call or stop by the Nature Center to reserve.

  • Plant Amble (Easy)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Pam Blake, ABDNHA Volunteer

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

  • Hike: Smugglers’ Canyon Overlook & Pictographs (Moderate) – FULL (waitlist)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Bruce Kelley, ABDNHA Volunteer
    HIKE IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    This hike is located in Blair Valley, off S2, and involves a 45-minute drive from the ABDNHA parking lot, with the last five miles on a jeep road that is rough in places and requires 4WD/high clearance. This is a three-mile (round-trip) hike past pictographs and a native American village to a beautiful overlook. Bring water, sunscreen, good shoes, and a 4WD vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA no later than 7:50 am. No charge; call the Nature Center to reserve.

  • Hike: Exploring Coyote Canyon

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    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.

  • Hike: Borrego Badlands – East Truckhaven Lollipop (Moderate)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks

    We will take the east fork of Truckhaven Wash. At about three-quarters of a mile, we will come to a boulder blockage that we will crawl our way through. An easy scramble then takes us over to Arroyo Salado. We will do an out-and-back exploration of this lightly visited portion of Arroyo Salado. On the way back, we will climb out of Arroyo Salado and visit the Elephant, a Native American solstice site. Here, you will have an opportunity to scale some of the iconic uplifted slanting Truckhaven Rocks. We complete the lollipop by returning via the east fork of Truckhaven. This six-mile hike is rated moderate, with one place where you will have to get down on your hands and knees. Bring water, snacks, and lunch. Meet at 8:00 am at the ABDNHA Nature Center. We will carpool to the trailhead, as parking on the shoulder at Truckhaven Wash is limited. Max: 22. No charge, call or stop by to reserve, 760-767-3098.

  • Hike: Mountain Palm Springs & Torote Bowl (Strenuous)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub

    Hike five miles, 800’ gain. We will hike to all six oases and Torote Bowl. Lots of endangered elephant trees and six beautiful palm groves. A bit steep and rocky to Torote Bowl. One hour, 15 minute drive to trailhead. $10 parking fee. Short, unpaved road ok for any vehicle. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 am. Bring lunch/snacks, water, good hiking shoes. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • 4WD Tour: Yaqui Flats (Members Priority)

    ABDNHA Parking Lot 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA, United States

    Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer  

    Level 4 Short Wheel Base Vehicle only**

    We meet for our trip at ABDNHA parking lot at 9:00am. Leaving Borrego Springs, we caravan west on Highway S22 for 7 miles and enter the trailhead at Old Culp Valley Rd. Next we turn onto Jasper Trail and then the Grapevine Trail. We stop at our destination of Yaqui Flats. If winter rains were sufficient, there will be abundant flowers. When leaving, we continue to Yaqui Well and highway 78. Bring food and water. Wear weather-appropriate clothes, and bring a hat and chair. We will using 2-way GMRS radios on channel 15. No charge. This is a members priority trip. Stop by or call the Nature Center to reserve, 760-767-3098.

    **Level 4 4WD REQUIRED due to deep sand, large rocks, steep sections, large obstacles, or rough conditions

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