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. Our goal is to help you gain the confidence to elevate your camping skills from campground to off-grid camping locations.
What to Expect:
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Guided 4WD/AWD driving tour through light intermediate off-road trails
- Two easy-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
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Participants should have previous camping experience, and be able to provide their own basic camping supplies. We will advise you on how to fill in any gaps that are specific to primitive camping.
REGISTER TODAY!
Date/Time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7 – 12:00 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026
Location: To be determined location in the central or southern part of the park
Cost:
ABF Member: $102 Not a member? Join today for as little as $35 and save!
Non-Member: $120
Student: $60
Cancellation & Scholarship Policy: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
Tour Leader: 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.
