Anza-Borrego Sunrise Hike
Chase the Sunrise at Santa Catarina Monument
Start your day before dawn with a memorable hike to one of the hidden gems of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—the Santa Catarina Monument. As the first light breaks over the horizon, watch the desert awaken, casting golden hues across rugged terrain and expansive desert vistas.
What to Expect:
- An approximately 3.5-mile round-trip hike beginning at Third Crossing in Coyote Canyon (AWD or 4WD vehicles required; carpooling may be available)
- A varied trail including sandy washes, a small stream crossing, a rocky incline, and a former dirt road
- A landmark tied to the 1774 Anza expedition and the historic Santa Catarina Monument
- Breathtaking sunrise views with sweeping panoramas of the desert landscape
Who Should Attend:
- Early risers looking for a unique desert experience
- Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts eager to capture the desert at sunrise
REGISTER TODAY!
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2027
Time: 5:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Location: Meet at the entrance to Coyote Canyon and carpool/caravan to the trailhead
Cost:
ABF Member: $25 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $30
Special Discount (Military/Student/Teacher/Tribal/Veteran): $22
Cancellation & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
Hike Leader:
Lizbeth Barcena has been camping, hiking, and exploring the Anza-Borrego Desert for over 17 years. Originally from Guadalajara, she grew up in a quiet San Joaquin Valley town in Alta California, halfway between Yosemite and San Francisco. She studied architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and has 20 years of experience working on local and international architectural projects. She splits her time between Los Angeles and Borrego Springs, where she volunteers for organizations in the Colorado and Mojave Deserts. An urbanite by profession but a desert lover at heart, she is dedicated to conserving and preserving our natural environment and bringing awareness of the wonders and fragility of nature through the arts. She is a certified California Naturalist and certified in Regenerative Building. She is a multidisciplinary artist experimenting with clay forms and writing. She is enrolled in a Creative Writing Certificate program at UCLA Extension and is pursuing an MFA in Nature Writing. She is working on her first literary fiction novel set in this desert.
You’re invited to explore the scientific detective story in San Diego’s diverse mountains and deserts spanning over 200 million years. This includes the expansive landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park which is rich with ancient geological wonders.
