Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Guided Driving Tour
Join us for another guided driving adventure through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells! Participants will venture across sandy washes to explore spectacular destinations such as Vista del Malpais (with amazing views of the badlands), Shell Reef (a fascinating place to see fossils), and the colorful Hawk Canyon. Following, there will be an optional hike up to West Butte Peak, which has an amazing 360° view.
- Escape & Explore – Leave the everyday behind and journey through stunning desert landscapes, from fossil-rich Shell Reef to breathtaking badlands views.
- Adventure for All – Drive through sandy washes, tackle scenic hills, and take an optional hike for a 360° vista—no extreme off-roading required!
- Expert-Guided Discovery – Learn fascinating stories, geology, and ecology from a passionate guide who knows the park inside and out.
- Unforgettable Experience – Share this intimate adventure with friends, family, or fellow explorers—only 15 vehicles allowed!
REGISTER TODAY!
Participants can expect:
- A few small hills where the nose of the vehicle points up
- A hill that is usually rutted down the middle
- Areas of soft sand
- To spend short periods walking around at tour stops
- For optional hikers: West Butte is considered to beginner route, although it does go along the crest of the hill, and there is some elevation gain and a few rocks to scramble over near the end.
Participants should bring:
- AWD or 4WD vehicle with decent clearance
- Adequate water and snacks/lunch for the tour
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (end time is approximate). Participants joining the optional hike will finish at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the ABF store in the Mall: 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004 (next to Calico’s). The group will then caravan to the start of the route.
Cost:
PRIMARY VEHICLE + DRIVER:
Non-members: $65/vehicle
ABF members: $55/vehicle
Students: $25/vehicle
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS IN VEHICLE:
Additional general participant: $20
Student participant: $10
Children under 5: FREE
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for those with financial hardship. If you’d like to request a scholarship, please reach out to [email protected] with a two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
Registration is limited to 15 vehicles, so participants are encouraged to arrange their own carpools. Route details will be shared after registration.
About the Tour Leaders:
Todd Linke is a resident of San Diego and just finished his 25th year in education, 23 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 at the 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 as always discovering more. Todd brings his love for science and his passion for the desert to any excursion in the park.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests must be received at least seven days before the first day of the event if you wish to receive a refund. Events may be cancelled due to unsafe weather, road conditions, or low attendance, with 24-hour notice, if possible. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.
