Guided Driving Tour to Fish Creek/Split Mountain Gorge
Join us for a guided 4WD trip to the Fish Creek/Split Mountain Gorge area. This region is renowned for its unique geological features like sturzstrom, evidence of the Sea of Cortez, the ancestral Colorado river delta, and visible faulting and folding. It also has a rich fossil record including marine and freshwater shells, ancestral horses, camelids, and much more. This area has undergone dramatic changes in the last 8 million years – evidence of which can be seen in this drive. The drive will require 4WD vehicles with high clearance.
- Discover stunning geological formations shaped over millions of years, including ancient deltas and fault lines.
- Perfect for adventurers and nature lovers seeking a unique, hands-on experience.
- Learn from passionate naturalists who bring the area’s history and ecology to life with expert insights.
- Create unforgettable memories exploring the beauty of the desert with family or friends.
REGISTER HERE
Registration is limited to 10 vehicles, so participants are encouraged to arrange their own carpools. Route details will be shared after registration.
Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (end time is approximate)
Location: Meet at the ABF store in the Mall: 587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004 (next to Calico’s). The group will then caravan to the start of the route.
Cost:
PRIMARY VEHICLE + DRIVER:
Non-members: $65/vehicle
ABF members: $55/vehicle
Students: $25/vehicle
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS IN VEHICLE:
Additional general participant: $20
Student participant: $10
Children under 5: FREE
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 two–three paragraph description about why you’d like to attend this program and your need for a scholarship.
Tour Leaders:
Donna Roy and Arun Balakrishnan fell in love with Anza-Borrego when they accidentally first visited the park almost two decades ago and luckily saw Bighorn Sheep on eleven consecutive weekends. Their day jobs as AI/robotics engineer and software security engineer brought them to San Diego. Meeting the Bighorn Sheep started them down the path of learning about ecology and wildlife tracking. Over the years, they have enjoyed volunteering for the annual Bighorn Sheep count, Flat-tailed horned lizard surveys, Christmas bird count, Bio Blitz, tidepool surveys, and more. They are volunteer naturalists for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, certified California Naturalists via the University of California Environmental Stewards program, and certified wildlife trackers via the Tracker Certification North America Track & Sign certification program. They have served on the board of the San Diego Tracking Team and helped start wildlife track and sign surveys in Anza-Borrego.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation requests must be received at least seven days before the first day of the event if you wish to receive a refund. Events may be cancelled due to unsafe weather, road conditions, or low attendance, with 24-hour notice, if possible. If ABF cancels a program, we will issue a full refund or credit.
