Anza Borrego State Park Trip
Day 1 – San Diego-Anza Borrego-Adventure Challenge and Orientation – Beginning at HTHI, we will make the two hour trip to Anza Borrego State Park where we will arrive, set up tents, and orient ourselves in the area. After lunch, we will go out on an exploratory hike to explore the local flora and fauna. After our hike, we will participate in various activities in the outdoors that build confidence, strengthen interpersonal relationships and friendships, and provide ways to increase our communication skills! L, D.
Day 2 – Anza Borrego- Palm Canyon Trail Hike – Ecology Instruction – After breakfast, we start the day with a great hike to explore the park and to see the wildflowers and the expansive desert landscape. Throughout the hike, we may see the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep, the namesake of the park, but very elusive. Roadrunners, Cottontail Rabbits, Black tailed Jackrabbits, Gambel’s Quail, and a variety of reptiles will be more easily spotted. After lunch, we will receive expert instruction about Ecology and the delicate interplay amongst species and the interconnectedness of the park and its myriad species. After dinner, prepare for stargazing and storytelling. Nighttime sounds include those made by the Coyote, Long-eared Owl, Bobcat, Kit Fox, and numerous bats and rodents. B, L, D.
Day 3 – Anza Borrego-Yaqui Well Nature Trail & Cactus Loop Trail Hike / Archeology/ Paleontology Lab – These two hikes in the morning help to blend the prior days instruction into practical use as we are now able to identify plants and understand the connection between their survival and the preservation of the area. After lunch, we will visit the brand new, state-of-the-art paleontology and archeology labs in order to gain a better understanding of the work done by regional scientists and their important work. B, L, D.
Day 4 – Anza Borrego- San Diego – After our breakfast and equipment clean-up, we prepare for our journey out of the desert and back to the city. Departing the open spaces and bidding farewell to the desert, we climb back over the mountains and arrive at HTHI in the early afternoon. B, L, Snack.
