50TH ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE: HIKE ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK’S BEST TRAILS AND PEAKS

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Update: Hear our interview with Paige Rogowski, Executive Director of the Anza Borrego Foundation and Diana Lindsey,  past president of the Foundation and historian for Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Listen now by clicking the audio link.

Guided hikes are also available

East County News Service

November 16, 2016 (Anza-Borrego) In celebration of Anza-Borrego Foundation’s 50th Anniversary, Anza-Borrego Foundation and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are inviting visitors to complete two five-hike challenges on some of the most famous (and infamous) peaks and trails in the region.

5 Hikes for 50 Years

“5 Hikes for 50 Years” is a campaign to introduce visitors to the many wonders of California’s largest state park.

The family-friendly trails will be completed independently by hikers and range from the popular and well-traveled Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail to less-visited hikes in more remote areas of the Park, such as Mountain Palm Springs.

The 5 Hikes for 50 Years are: Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail, The Slot (off Buttes Pass Road), Pictograph Trail, Calcite Mine and Mountain Palm Springs Loop. Although most of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is free to enjoy, there is a $10 per vehicle day-use fee associated with Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail. Guests new to the Park are encouraged to participate in the Foundation’s “BPC for Free” weekends, to experience the trail minus the fee.

When visitors finish all five hikes, they will receive a signed certificate from the Park and a commemorative 50th Anniversary sticker at the State Park Store (587 Palm Canyon Dr, #110), or if a participant is no longer in Borrego Springs, the Foundation will mail them the certificate directly.

Using the 5 Hikes for 50 Years participant packet, hikers will need to complete all five hikes – in any order – by June 1, 2017, then take a “selfie” at an identifiable location unique to each hike. Once all five hikes have been completed, hikers must send an email containing their selfies or group photos to info@theABF.org.

Hikers are encouraged to share their Anza-Borrego hiking adventures on social media using Anza-Borrego Foundation’s usernames:

  • Facebook: facebook.com/AnzaBorregoFoundation
  • Instagram: @anzaborrego
  • Tag each photo with #anzaborrego, #5hikes50years

Detailed information on how to participate and complete the hiking challenge can be found at: http://theabf.org/5HIKES.

Mike’s Hikes

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, ABF has also planned guided hikes to five of the most iconic peaks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Hikers will be led by fitness enthusiast and popular hike leader Mike Puzzo for “Mike’s Hikes” during the desert season.

The trails – topping Whale, Indian Head, Villager, Sombrero and Sunset peaks – are strenuous, fast-paced hikes intended for experienced hikers in good physical condition. All hikes will travel off trail with a significant amount of elevation gain and loss. The cost is $45 for one hike ($35 for ABF members) and $180 for all five hikes ($140 for ABF members).

Details for each hike can be found at http://theabf.org/5peaks.

Additional anniversary programming and events will be announced by Anza-Borrego Foundation throughout the desert season.

To learn more, plan your visit, become a member or volunteer, visit www.theabf.org.

About Anza-Borrego Foundation

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this desert season, Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF) is the official nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. ABF provides financial support for Park programs, acquires land for conservation in and around the Park, educates the public about the Park’s resources and supports research relevant to the region.

In addition to raising private funds to support park programs and projects, ABF offers an extensive selection of guidebooks, clothing and other products in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s Visitor Center and State Park Store.

To learn more, plan your visit, become a member or volunteer, visit www.theabf.org.

Audio: 

Anza Borrego 50th Anniversary: Interviews

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