Desert Trails: A Primitive Camping Adventure
Explore, Hike, and Camp Under the Stars in the Heart of the Desert
Get off the beaten path and discover the rugged beauty of the desert! This two-day adventure combines a scenic driving tour, invigorating hikes, and hands-on primitive camping skills for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
What to Expect:
- Guided 4WD/AWD driving tour through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Two moderate-level hikes through stunning desert terrain
- Learn primitive camping techniques—from setting up camp to outdoor cooking (we’ll provide a list of what to bring!)
- Camp under a blanket of desert stars
- Connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers
Who Should Attend:
- Adventurers eager to try primitive camping for the first time
- Hikers and off-road explorers seeking a new challenge
- Anyone who loves the desert and wants to learn wilderness basics
REGISTER TODAY!
Date/Time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12 – 12:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2026
Location: Meet at the ABF Store (587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA 92204). We’ll then carpool/caravan to the start of our driving tour.
Cost:
ABF Member: $102/person Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $120/person
Student: $60/person
Cancellation & Scholarship Policy: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
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.
In his professional life, Sergey Kuhsch has spent over 16 years in software development across different industries. In contrast, much of his free time is dedicated to exploring the natural world. As much as he enjoys hiking in chaparral or exploring the local mountains, he feels that Anza Borrego is a very special place. The sheer size and accessibility of the park are unlike any other in the region. The rugged landscape, endless vistas, and hidden oases offer unique opportunities to explore. Sergey feels that supporting the Anza Borrego Foundation is the most impactful way to support AnzaBorrego Desert State Park.
