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

  • Geology Hike: Ash Wash

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

    Speaker: Don Barrie, Geoscience Educator, ABDNHA Board Member

    Join Don Barrie for this moderate 5-mile loop hike to Ash Wash, a tributary of Coyote Canyon. Our destination will be the Bishop Tuff—an ash layer deposited around 760,000 years ago when an enormous volcanic eruption created the Long Valley Caldera in the eastern Sierras. During this eruption, huge volumes of ash were blown into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread deposition as far away as the Midwest. At the entrance to Ash Wash, we’ll examine the Coyote Creek Fault—the western branch of the San Jacinto Fault Zone. Max 23 people (carpooling is encouraged). Bring lunch and water. 4WD vehicle recommended. Hiking poles, if you have them. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

  • 4WD Tour: Yaqui Flats (Members Priority) – FULL (Waitlist)

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

    Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer  
    PROGRAM IS FULL - PLEASE CALL ABDNHA at 760-767-3098 to get on waitlist.
    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

  • Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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

    Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club

    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: West Butte (Moderately 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 drive to the slot parking area. This area has a day-use fee, so we'll try to take as few cars as possible. Starting out from the parking area, we'll follow the ridge and climb up to West Butte to admire the view of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Salton Sea, and the Vallecito Mountains. We backtrack a bit after the summit and follow an informal trail down to Borrego Mountain Wash. We'll follow the wash to the bottom of The Slot and climb up to the parking area to finish our outing. Expect a 5-mile hike with 700 ft of elevation gain and loss. This trip will be limited to 15 people. Call 760-767-3098 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.

  • 4WD Field Trip: Ancient Lake Cahuilla

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

    Special Earth Science Series!

    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 at 8:15 am. General Public: $18, Members: $12, Volunteers: $10. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

    Register here for the field trip.

  • Around Town Photo Walk

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

    Leader: Professional Photographer Sandy Zelasko

    Join Sandy Zelasko, for this casual walk around town as she and the group find interesting subject matter and photograph it in different ways. This is open to all experience levels and all levels of equipment, including smartphone cameras. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required. Call 760-767-3098 or visit the Nature Center.

  • Hike: Rockhouse/Hidden Spring/Butler Loop (Strenuous)

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

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub

    Hike 10 miles with 1000' gain on a loop starting with 3 miles on a jeep road up Rockhouse Canyon. Reach Hidden Spring, ascend to Jackass Flat, cross the flat, come down Butler Canyon. 4WD highly recommended, preference given to 4WD vehicles. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, water. Limit 15. Reserve at 760-767-3098.

  • 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.

  • 4WD Tour: Full Moon at Font’s Point

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

    Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Join us for the “Worm Moon” rising as viewed from Font’s Point. The sun’s low angle should offer striking views of the Borrego badlands, Ocotillo Wells, and the Salton Sea. We will meet in the ABDNHA parking lot at 4:15 p.m. for a quick briefing, then shove off East on the S-22 to Font’s Point Wash turnoff. From there, we will travel on washboard and through some sandy washes for about 4 miles to a park less than 100 yards from the overlook. The point can be breezy. Please, check the weather and dress accordingly.  Bring a chair, camera, beverage, and snack to enjoy with the moonrise at 6:16 p.m.  We will leave Font’s Point by 7 p.m. to return to S22, where our journey ends. This portion will be at night and offer a different perspective off-road. Have a full tank of fuel and have 4WD (AWD is OK). GMRS Radio Ch. 15 is optional. This trip is weather-dependent. 22 participants, 10 vehicles max. No charge. Register at the Nature Center, or call 760-767-3098.

  • 4X4 Off-Roading 101 Instruction

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

    Leader: Ken Wuytens, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Join us for this session demonstrating practical 4X4 equipment and tools, and how to use them. Meet in the ABDNHA parking lot, then drive to a nearby location for our session, designed to provide instruction for those just starting their 4-wheeling adventures, as well as for those with moderate skill levels. We will discuss topics such as airing down, treading lightly, general trail safety, trail etiquette, basic recovery, and driving/spotting techniques. The number of people and vehicles and people is limited. Expected to fill quickly; call or visit the ABDNHA Nature Center to reserve your spot, 760-767-3098. Following the session, Ken plans a short trail ride; route to be determined. Those attending are welcome to join, with a return to Borrego Springs by approx. 3:30 p.m. If you plan to join the ride, be sure to have a full tank of gas, lunch, and water. This is a free program provided by ABDNHA, but donations are appreciated.

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

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

    Leader: Amy Brewster

    “I only went for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found I was really going in.” -- John Muir

    Join writer/naturalist Amy Brewster for a lovely ramble up Glorietta Canyon.  We will hike about 2 miles, stopping at an overlook of Borrego Valley, and then take time to write. Some sections of incline and loose rocks. Option to share your writing if the spirit moves. Please bring writing materials, such as a small notebook. Max: 10 people. Meet at ABDNHA to carpool. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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

    Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club

    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.

  • Photography: New Perspectives on Ordinary Things

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

    Speaker: Professional Photographer Sandy Zelasko
    Capturing ordinary subjects in unique and unexpected ways often yields interesting images. In today’s session, led by professional photography instructor Sandy Zelasko, we do just that. Sandy will lead the group to a location of her choice and explore ways to take compelling photos of the subject matter. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, and regardless of the equipment you possess, everyone is encouraged to attend. Class size is limited to 15. Meet in the ABDNHA Library. GP $40, M $25, V $22. Register online or at the Nature Center, 760-767-3098.

    Register here for the program.

  • Hike: Hornblende Canyon

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

    Leader: Bruce Kelley

    Hornblende canyon is a beautiful canyon with interesting rock features along the way.  This is also one of the best places in the park to see Dudleya. (See the Dudleya Presentation on March 13.) This beautiful succulent grows in several places along Hornblende Canyon. Meet in the parking lot of ABDNHA no later than 7:50 a.m. Call the Nature Center to reserve.

  • Hike: Plant Amble (Easy)

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

    Leader: Pam Blake

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

  • 4WD Tour: Oriflamme Canyon

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

    ABDNHA Member-priority trip
    Leader: Dave Walters, ABDNHA Volunteer

    We meet at ABDNHA parking lot at 9 a.m. We will caravan to the Banner Store at 36342 Hwy 78, then enter the trail there. We will travel along and across Chariot Creek and take a break above Oriflamme Canyon. We proceed on the trail into the canyon, where we take lunch at the abandoned CCC Camp. After lunch, we enter the Vallecito Wash and exit the trail at Box Canyon and the S2 highway. Bring water, food, snacks, a chair, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing. We will be communicating on GRMS channel 15.

  • 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: The Wilson Trail and Overlook  (Moderately Strenuous)

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

    Leader: Rachel Rench, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Join me for an 11-mile RT hike on the Old Wilson Trail from Old Culp Valley Rd to the Overlook, then up to the Wilson Benchmark. This is a fun hike with 800 ft of elevation gain and loss. With lots of rolling hills, it never gets steep anywhere along the way. We'll have a rewarding view at the Overlook and the top of the Wilson Benchmark of Grapevine Canyon and the Salton Sea. The area is at a higher elevation near Ranchita and may have some wildflowers blooming in late March, along with cooler temperatures. High clearance or AWD vehicles will be required, so meet at the ABDNHA parking lot at 7:30 am to arrange carpools. This hike will be limited to 15 people.

  • Hike: Casino Hike (Strenuous)

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

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub

    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 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.

  • 4WD Tour: Gas Domes–Shell Reef–Pumpkin Patch–OWSVRA (Members Priority)

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

    Leader: Jim Torian, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Level 4 – 4WD Higher Clearance

    We will explore points of interest in the Ocotillo Wells SVRA and ABDSP.  Meet at the ABDNHA parking lot by 8:30 a.m. for a briefing before caravanning to Pole Line Road off SR 78, where we air down and begin our journey. Restrooms are available here, as well as our lunch spot at the Pumpkin Patch. We will wind our way north and west through the SVRA. There are 6 features on our route, and we will stop at as many as we have time for, including the artesian well, gas domes, Shell Reef, Pumpkin Patch, 5 Palms, and 17 Palms Oasis. Our trip ends when we exit the park at Arroyo Salado at S22, 17 miles east of Borrego Springs. Road conditions vary from hardpan and washboard to mildly rocky, to some easy hills and soft sandy washes. We will cover about 28 miles with a total elevation gain of about 880 feet. Lunch is BYO. 4WD only and a full tank of gas. GMRS channel 15 is optional. Check the weather and dress accordingly. No fee. Space is limited.  Call to reserve 760-767-3098.

  • Hike: Glorietta Canyon (Moderate to Strenuous)

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

    Leader: Amy Brewster 

    Hike with naturalist Amy Brewster up Glorietta Canyon, over a saddle and up a side wash to an amazing overlook of the Borrego Valley. The hike is approximately 6 miles. There are a few spots on the trail where boulders need to be navigated. Bring water and a snack and hiking poles if you choose. Meet at ABDNHA. Carpooling is encouraged. Maximum 12 persons. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Hike: Santa Ysabel East Preserve (Moderately Strenuous)

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

    Leaders: Sanjiv Nanda and Alan Parks

    This moderately strenuous 7-mile car-shuttle hike starts on Farmer Road and heads west through a forest of sycamore and oak. After crossing beautiful Santa Ysabel Creek, the trail climbs steeply to the ridge line at around 4000 feet. From there, we begin our descent, cross the San Diego River, and join an old pioneer trail that descends to the Santa Ysabel Preserve Nature Center. The hike is rated moderately strenuous due to steep trails (bring trekking poles if you use them), 600 feet of elevation gain, and 1,600 feet of elevation loss. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Santa Ysabel Preserve Nature Center parking lot. The entrance is on Hwy 79, 0.3 miles north of the intersection with Hwy 78 in Santa Ysabel. From there, we will carpool and shuttle to the start of the hike on Farmer Road. Following the hike, some of us may gather at the Volcan Mountain Winery at the intersection of Farmer Road and Wynola Road. No charge. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098.

  • Borrego Walkabout (Easy)

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

    Leaders: Selden McKee, ABDNHA Volunteer

    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.

  • Talk & Walk: Plants of Anza-Borrego

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

    Leader: Don Rideout, Coordinator, Desert Botany Club

    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.

  • BRAG: Borrego ROCKS!

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

    The Borrego Rock and Gem (BRAG) Club will be hosting a demonstration event in the Visitor Plaza just outside of the Nature Center. Come see BRAG members cut geodes, demonstrate lapidary work, display rocks that are local to Southern California, and answer questions about local rockhounding. Each visitor gets to select a free rock to take home! Geodes, patches and stickers will be available for sale. Free; no registration required.

  • Photography: Around Town Photo Walk

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

    Leader: Photographer Tom Hogan

    Join local photographer Tom Hogan for a casual walk around town as he and the group find interesting subjects and photograph them in different ways. This is open to all experience levels and all levels of equipment, including smartphone cameras. Meet at ABDNHA. No charge, but registration is required. Call 760-767-3098 or visit the Nature Center to reserve.

  • Hike: Golden Queen Mine Shuttle (Fairly Easy)

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

    Leader: Robin Halford, ABDNHA Volunteer

    Most of the walking will be on trails- Mason Valley Truck Trail, and the California Riding and Hiking Trail - with a small amount of bushwhacking to the mine. This 5.9-mile hike offers a nice view of Lake Cuyamaca. The hike starts in ABDSP and finishes in Rancho Cuyamaca SP. Bring lunch/snack, hat, water, and good shoes.  Limit 10. Call or stop by to reserve: 760-767-3098. No charge.

    Driving instructions: From Hwy 78 in Julian, drive South on Hwy 79 for 5.8 miles and turn left onto S1 (Sunrise Hwy). Drive 1.6 miles and turn left into the pullout for Fages Monument. We will carpool/shuttle from here to the beginning of the hike. The drive is on paved roads and ok for 2WD. This is a shuttle; all drivers must be willing to take extra passengers. Check the weather; it will be colder than the desert.

  • Hike: Coyote Peak (Strenuous)

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

    Leaders: Carmelita Logerwell and Terri Straub

    Hike, 6 miles, 2,618’ gain, strenuous. Join Carmelita and Terri on their grand finale hike for the season! This hike is only for well-conditioned hikers. We hike out and back to Coyote Peak from Rockhouse Truck Trail. Wonderful 360-degree views of Borrego Springs and beyond from the top. Well-marked use trail once we're on the ridge. The dirt road should be fine for AWD cars. Max 15 people. Meet at ABDNHA by 7:50 a.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Call 760-767-3098 to reserve.

  • Poetry in the ABDNHA Desert Garden

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

    Leader: Amy Brewster

    Join writer/naturalist Amy Brewster in the lovely ABDNHA garden for an hour of poetry or prose. Bring your own writing or a piece by an author you love. Amy encourages you to bring writing about the beauty of wild places, especially the desert. 12 people max. No charge. Call 760-767-3098 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.

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