Anza Borrego Desert Whale Peak Ascent

Phone: (619) 594-6958

DESCRIPTION

Anza Borrego is one of the best kept secrets in Southern California . Navigate through boulders and pinyon pines to the mile-high summit of Whale Peak in the Anza-Borrego Desert . This gently swelling summit, frosted with giant boulders and dotted with pinyon pines, stands in the middle of the sprawling Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , Coyote Creek's year round water flow supports a dense riparian area and accesses a number of beautiful canyons for a weekends worth of exploration. We will navigate through boulders and pinyon pines to the mile-high summit of Whale Peak . This gently swelling summit, frosted with giant boulders and dotted with pinyon pines, stands in the middle of the sprawling Anza-Borrego Desert State Park . The unique desert landscape and vegetation make for a mysterious and magical environment in which to camp.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Depart Friday 3:00p.m. and arrive Anza Borrego by 6:00p.m. to make camp and cook dinner. Saturday: get early start and hike to our summit, exploring, and taking in the view along the way. Sunday: continue exploring and hike back to van. Return home by 8:00p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WEATHER

Day and night time temperatures vary with the seasons (Fall & Spring), but you can anticipate highs in the 80’s and lows in the 50’s for most of Spring and Fall. We will review the specific packing list and weather forecast at the Pre-Trip meeting.

FOOD

We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Examples of common dinner meals include: lasagna, chicken pot pie, enchiladas, chili and cornbread; for breakfast: granola, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, pancakes and fried potatoes; desserts include brownies, cakes, and of course, s’mores! Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions as we can usually accommodate.

CAMPING/LODGING

There will be no toilet facilities or running water on this trip.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Participants should be in good physical condition and be capable of carrying a daypack over a moderate grade for a round trip total of 4 to 6 miles.

RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY

Heat illnesses, dehydration, high winds, desert plants and animals, (rattlesnakes and all kinds of cactus) other campers and possible off road vehicles, extreme heat during the day (possibly over 90), sleeping/camping in the desert-rough terrain, driving on rough roads, cooking on camp stoves, campfires and possible thunder storms. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP (i.e. from the time the trip departs SDSU to the time it returns to SDSU). In addition, we ask that you respect and follow the safety instructions of the leaders.

COST $275

Included in the Cost: Leadership, transportation, most food (except snacks), group camping gear (stoves, cook kits, safety gear, etc.), campground, entrance and/or shuttle fees, and all specialized equipment related to the activity (i.e. canoes, rock climbing gear, etc.).

TOP

(619) 594-6958
aztecadventures@ sdsu.edu