Anza-Borrego Night Hike: South Fork Palm Wash
Join us for a captivating night hike through the South Fork Palm Wash in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll venture into the moonlit desert for a guided exploration of this unique landscape.
What to Expect:
- This out-and-back 3.5-mile hike will have 505 ft elevation gain and uneven terrain and will be led by a certified Wilderness First Responder
- The hike will descend into Palm Wash, passing a natural bridge and unique rock formations.
- Winding through sandstone corridors and open desert washes, this hike offers a unique opportunity to experience the desert’s quieter side.
- With minimal light pollution, the area is also ideal for stargazing—keep an eye out for planets, constellations, and maybe even the Milky Way.
Who Should Attend:
- Curious Adventurers – Anyone interested in exploring unique desert landscapes under the stars.
- Hikers – Individuals comfortable with a moderate trail, uneven footing, and light scrambling through a canyon
Nature Enthusiasts – Those who enjoy learning about desert geology, and nocturnal wildlife.
- Amateur Astronomers & Stargazers – Thanks to low light pollution, this hike offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities.
- Locals & Visitors Alike – Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Anza-Borrego explorer, seeing the desert at night is a fresh perspective.
What to Bring:
- Headlamp or flashlight (red light recommended)
- Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
- Water (at least 2 liters per person)
- Snacks
- Optional: binoculars, camera, star chart, black light for scorpions
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 7:15 p.m.-10:15 p.m. (end time is approximate)
Location: Meet at the ABF store at 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 (in The Mall next to Calico’s). From there we’ll carpool/caravan to the trailhead (location to be determined).
Cost:
ABF Member: $25 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $30
Student: $15
Cancellation Policy: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
Register Here
What Past Participants Are Saying:
“Well organized. Educated and educating guides.”
“I appreciated the opportunity to be outdoors and experience the desert in a different way via a night hike.”
“It was a perfect evening under the stars”
Hike Leader: Matt McArdle is a certified California Naturalist and Wilderness First Responder. He has a B.S. in biology from UC San Diego and loves natural history, science, and exploring the outdoors. He first visited Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in 2009, and since then, has been lucky to spend many weekends exploring its trails. In his professional life, he’s worked as a science writer, a science educator, and in marketing communications for various technology-focused companies. He’s grateful to live in San Diego surrounded by so many incredible ecosystems, all within a short drive. He feels strongly about protecting our environment and the beautiful animals and plants that share it with us, especially as our world continues to change. In addition to volunteering at ABF, he also volunteers with the Friends of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve on habitat restoration, and more recently the San Diego Tracking Team on wildlife monitoring.
Grab your Anza-Borrego Map Bandana for the hike!
