Desert to Coast: Exploring the Desert Connection in Agua Caliente County Park
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 desert ecosystem – specifically the wonderful Agua Caliente County Park. The event will kick off with a special 30-minute presentation by Supervising Park Ranger Allison Lee on bighorn sheep, followed by an opportunity for Q&A. We’ll then embark on a guided hike on the popular ~2-mile Moonlight Canyon Loop Trail before we end the day with a relaxing soak in the Park’s famed hot spring pools! This is a jointly hosted program between the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and Anza-Borrego Foundation.
- Step into the Wild & Learn from Experts – Explore Agua Caliente with Ranger Allison Lee and gain exclusive insights into bighorn sheep and the desert ecosystem.
- Hike, Relax, and Rejuvenate – Enjoy a scenic Moonlight Canyon Loop hike, then unwind in the park’s soothing hot spring pools.
- Discover Nature’s Hidden Connections – See how the desert, mountains, and coast are linked, and why wildlife corridors matter.
- Unplug and Recharge – Escape the noise, breathe in the desert air, and experience a true Southern California oasis.
REGISTER TODAY!
Please bring:
- Hiking shoes
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and lunch (the nearest services are 30 minutes away)
- Bathing suit and towel (optional)
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (end time is approximate)
Location:
39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian*, CA 92036
*located at the base of the mountain, west of Anza-Borrego State Park
Directions:
From Ramona through Julian: East on State Highway 78 to Scissors Crossing then south 22 miles on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
From Interstate 8: East on Interstate 8 and exit at Ocotillo, then 26 miles north on Highway S2 to the park entrance.
Overnight camping reservations can be made at: https://reservations.sdparks.org/reservation/camping
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:
Agua Caliente Park is a camping park located in the large Anza Borrego Desert State Park that is owned and operated by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation. It’s famous for its geothermally heated springs and rugged desert hiking. The park has three natural mineral pools that visitors can enjoy. Hikers can explore miles of trails that wind through the park’s canyons and up its hillsides.
The park is very popular in the winter and has many camping sites, including full hook-ups, partial hook-ups, and tent sites. There is also a caravan area for large groups, plus seven camping cabins. The cabins have temperature controls, a table with seating for four, two queen-size bed frames, a sink, and a bathroom.
Please note that there is limited cell service at the Park, however there is free Wi-Fi at the Ranger Station and pools, and AT&T cell service at the Ranger Station.
Allison Lee is a Supervising Park Ranger with The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, leading both the Park Operations and Stewardship Team, and the North Trails and Stewardship Team. Ranger Lee has a BS in Biology from SDSU with an emphasis in Marine Biology and Botany. Ranger Lee has 8 years total working with the County, and has spent 5 years working at Agua Caliente and Vallecito County Parks in the Southern end of Anza Borrego. During her time in Agua Caliente, she was able to work closely with Bighorn Sheep, participating in the Annual Sheep Count, as well as assisting CDFW and State Parks with data collection on Bighorn Sheep. Ranger Lee is also a founding member of the County’s ‘Women in the Wild’ Program, which provides intro to outdoors programs for women. Ranger lee is very passionate about the area, and loves to share the natural environment and local history with park visitors.
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.
