Interpretive Hike: Anza-Borrego’s Active Faults
Journey across a living fault and see the Earth in motion
Join us for a hands-on exploration of the Coyote Creek strand of the San Jacinto Fault, where the landscape itself reveals the movement of Earth’s crust. This guided field trip highlights classic examples of fault geomorphology and offers an up-close look at the evidence scientists use to map and interpret active faults.
What to Expect:
- Kickoff Discussion: Overview of Borrego seismicity and fault dynamics.
- Stop 1 – Right-Deflected Drainage: Observe a drainage displaced by fault motion, side-hill benches, and multiple fault strands.
- Stop 2 – Desert Gardens: A short but steep hike (~1,000 ft total distance) to view enclosed depressions, vegetation lineaments, and a right-deflected rock bar.
- Stop 3 – Rock Fan Geomorphology: Examine offset channels, rock bars, and beheaded drainages shaped by fault activity.
- Hands-On Learning: Identify geomorphic clues and interpret how they record the fault’s history.
Who Should Attend:
- Students and professionals in geology, geography, or environmental science
- Educators seeking real-world examples of active tectonics
- Outdoor enthusiasts interested in the geologic forces shaping Southern California
- Anyone curious about how we map and monitor earthquake faults
REGISTER TODAY
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at the ABF Store (587 Palm Canyon Dr. #110, Borrego Springs, CA 92004). We’ll then carpool/caravan to Coyote Canyon.
Cost:
ABF Member: FREE
Non-Member: $20
Student: $10
Cancellation Policy & Scholarships: Please see our FAQs page to read our cancellation policy and learn about scholarship options.
Hike Leader:
Chuck Houser has over three decades of experience in the earth science industry. He is a registered geologist, certified engineering geologist and certified hydrogeologist with experience conducting investigations on lithological formations. His experience includes environmental site assessments, groundwater monitoring, fault and landslide investigations, groundwater resource studies, geological mapping and geotechnical investigations.
