Guided Driving Tour: Coachwhip Canyon and Beyond!

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting drive to some of our desert’s most beautiful spots, then this excursion is for you. We’ll explore the desert by wheel and foot, to show you stunning canyons, geologic wonders, hidden palm oases, winding washes, and a sweeping overlook.  

What to Expect: 

• A driving tour through the desert to: Coachwhip Canyon, Palm Wash – South Fork, 17 Palms Oasis, Pumpkin Patch, Vista del Malpais 

• This drive is not highly difficult or technical, but there will be some instances of soft sand, small rocks, and some minor vehicle articulation.  

• All stops will include time for a short talk, self-exploration, or a short, guided hike, so please arrive with sun protection, sturdy shoes & water.  

• None of the explorations or hikes will be difficult, but participants should be ready for typical desert terrain.   

• Please also arrive with snacks and lunch, which we will enjoy together at one of our stops.  

Who Should Attend: 

• If you’re looking to get to know our desert better and build your self-confidence for driving in the desert environment, then this excursion is for you.  

• The excursion is less about testing the limits of your 4 x 4 vehicle, and more about desert exploration, with others who are passionate about the desert. 

• Drivers with four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive & sufficient ground clearance are welcomed on our adventure.  

REGISTER TODAY!

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (end time is approximate) 

Location: Meet at the ABF Store (587 Palm Canyon Dr. #122, Borrego Springs, CA 92004). From there we’ll carpool/caravan to our route. 

Cost: 

Primary Driver, ABF Member: $55 

Primary Driver, Non-Member: $65 

Primary Driver, Student: $32 

Additional Participant in Vehicle: $20 

Additional Participant (student/child): $10 

Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.  

Hike Leader: 

Todd is a resident of San Diego and just finished his 27th year in education, 25 of them with the Grossmont Union High School District. Todd grew up in Ohio and has been exploring, hiking and camping since he was a child. His earliest outdoor memories include hiking in the caves in Hocking Hills, sailing on Lake Atwood, swimming in Lake Erie, and camping seaside at Myrtle Beach.  Todd fell in love with the desert several years ago and makes the 2-hour drive to the park every chance he gets. He has visited the park over 100 times and has hiked and driven many of its well-known and more obscure trails and roads, but is always discovering more. Todd brings his love for science and his passion for the desert to any excursion in the park.