Desert to Coast: Exploring the Coastal Connection at San Elijo

Our Desert to Coast series explores the connectedness of our local ecosystems from the desert to the mountains to the coast. By partnering with other conservation organizations, our goal is to increase understanding of the varied habitats in California and stress the importance of connectivity, landscape scale ecology, and wildlife corridors. In this series of programs, attendees will get to hear from expert scientists and be guided on hikes in unique locations throughout the County.  

In this program, learn more about our coastal ecosystem – specifically the wonderful San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center. The event will kick off with a special presentation by Park staff on the lagoon ecosystem, followed by an opportunity for Q&A. We’ll then embark on a 3-mile guided hike around the lagoon, including the popular Annie’s Canyon Trail! Following, you’ll be free to explore the Nature Center or head to the nearby Cardiff and San Elijo State Beaches! This is a jointly hosted program between the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and Anza-Borrego Foundation. 

• Discover how desert, mountain, and coastal ecosystems connect—with insights from expert guides and park staff.

• Hike the stunning Annie’s Canyon Trail and explore one of San Diego’s largest wetlands.

• Recharge in nature while learning how you can help protect these vital landscapes.

• Meet like-minded explorers and support conservation with your registration.

Please bring: 

• Hiking shoes 

• Plenty of water 

• Snacks  

REGISTER TODAY!

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025   

Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (end time is approximate) 

Location:  

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center 

2710 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007 

Parking is available across the street at the San Elijo Water Campus. 

Cost:  

ABF Member: $30 

Non-Member: $40 

Student: $15 

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 2-3 paragraph description about why you want to attend this program and your need for a scholarship. 

About the Location and Program Leader: 

San Elijo Lagoon is a peaceful place to enjoy nature.  You can run, hike, birdwatch, take photos, or paint. It is one of the largest wetlands in San Diego. The 979-acre reserve is mainly a shallow-water estuary. It is where the Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. It also provides a beautiful setting for weddings and special events! 

 
From sunrise to sunset, you can explore 7 miles of easy-to-moderate trails. You can also hike the quarter-mile Annie’s Canyon Trail, which is a bit harder. The trails pass through different types of nature, like salt marshes, freshwater areas, and shrubs. Kids will enjoy TRACK Trails, a fun scavenger hunt where they can find things in nature and win prizes online. 
 
Several trailheads can be reached from neighborhoods in Solana Beach. Be sure to stop by the Nature LEED Platinum-certified Nature Center to learn more and to plan your hike.  The Nature Center is a great place to explore the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. You can see fun exhibits that teach about the history of the reserve and the plants and animals that live there. 
 
Twice a day, the incoming tides cover much of the landscape with salt water. As the tide goes out, mudflats are exposed, full of invertebrates that provide food for shorebirds and ducks. Freshwater from creeks and storm drains mixes with the saltwater. The plants and animals in this area have adapted to live where land and ocean meet. 

Cancellation Policy:   

Cancellation requests must be received at least seven days before the event if you wish to receive a refund. ABF may cancel a program due to inclement weather or low attendance. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.