Palm Oases of Anza-Borrego

Leader: Paul Johnson
$70 / $60 for ABF members

Level: Moderately strenuous (3-mile hike, portions include off-trail, steep and rocky terrain)

Meet: ABDSP Visitor Center flagpole

This hike will take us to four different palm oases in the southern portion of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We will visit North Grove, Mary's Grove, Surprise Grove and Palm Bowl Grove. Along the way we will see elephant trees, palm trees, a wide variety of cacti, and there is a possibility of seeing bighorn sheep. Each grove has a different personality, and unlike groves in the north part of the park, most of these southern groves have not been touched by fire.

Please wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants as portions of this hike are off-trail over steep and rocky terrain. If you use hiking sticks you will definitely want to bring them on this hike. Carry plenty of water, lunch, hat, sun block and a camera.

Total hiking distance is approximately 3 miles. We will eat lunch in the field at Palm Bowl Grove. This trip involves approximately 100 miles driving, roundtrip, and carpooling will be encouraged. Please arrive with a full tank of gas. 2WD OK

Limited to 16 participants