1. December 23-27 (Fri-Tue)
Indian Pass/Picacho Wilderness Backpack (M)
Southeastern Imperial County

Our Picacho Carcamp last year convinced me to return and backpack this south country. We'll cross the Indian Pass and Picacho Wildernesses and the Cargo Muchacho Mtns. on a five-day, 42-mile trek. Hike in sandy washes and tight gulches, see ironwood and palo verde trees, rugged volcanic peaks, and the Colorado River. Water in two places lightens our packs. Warm days, cool nights under starry skies. Note: Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15. Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

2. December 30 - January 2 (Fri-Mon)
Rockhouse Valley/Anza Borrego Backpack (M)
Anza Borrego Desert State Park

On this four-day trip, we'll backpack up an old trail 8« miles into Rockhouse Valley, then set up a camp for two dayhikes to explore it. Rock houses built by settlers and native people, several springs, exotic vegetation, grinding holes, and primitive Indian tracks await our discovery. Abundant water makes hiking easy. The last day, return the way we came. Warm days, cool nights above 3000' elevation. Note: Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

3. January 13-15 (Fri-Sun)
Calcite/Wonderstone Backpack (S)
Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Vertical slot canyons and deeply carved barrancas wind sinuously between high mesas in this remote country. From the mesas are spectacular views of the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains and the blue-green Salton Sea. Hiking will be along the Desert Trail for 20 miles, with an elevation gain of 3800'. Carry all water. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

4. January 14-16 (Sat-Mon)
Little Chuckwalla Carcamp (M)
Southeastern Riverside County

Dayhike three days in this wilderness and the nearby Mule Mountains south of I10. Hike washes and bajadas, but we may also go up a rocky peak in the center. Little Chuckwalla is known for bighorn and tortoise. We'll also watch for old Indian trails leading to the Colorado River. Camp by the cars under a full moon; enjoy campfires both evenings. Note: This is a wildlife viewing and monitoring trip. Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

5. February 4-6 (Sat-Mon)
Central Death Valley Carcamp (M)

From camp on a remote boonie road near Furnace Creek, where it should be somewhat warm, we'll attempt Schwaub Peak in the Red Amphitheater area, explore tributaries of Echo Canyon, and hike the steep track to the top of the Keene Wonder Mine tram. Suitable for newcomers to Death Valley as well as old-timers, this trip features rugged hiking and the vastness and supreme silence of Death Valley. High-clearance vehicles recommended. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Lucy DuPertuis (530) 573-0965

6. February 17-19 (Fri-Sun)
Mecca Hills Carcamp (M)
Central Riverside County

North of the Salton Sea, the mysterious badlands of the Mecca Hills were formed by aeons of uplifting and erosion. The San Andreas Fault has carved a maze of steep-walled canyons that twist through these hills. From a base camp in Painted Canyon, we'll hike to Ladder Canyon, Sheep Hole Oasis, Hidden Spring, and the talus caves known as the Grotto. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Bob Lyon (415) 674-6885

7. February 18-20 (Sat-Mon)
Sheephole Mountains Backpack (E/M)
Southern San Bernardino County

My first Desert Survivors trip with Steve Tabor in January 1991 went through these mountains. After 15 years, its time to go back. We'll backpack a short distance from our cars to a pass and set up camp for a day of easy exploring. On the next day we'll climb the peak, which will be a little more strenuous. On the last day, a short backpack out. Early spring wildflowers are possible. Carry all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Dave Halligan (510) 528-3360

8. February 18-20 (Sat-Mon)
Death Valley Westside Carcamp (M)

This Presidents' Day we'll visit Death Valley's west side. First day, hike from Salt Creek to Borax Camp with views of salt flats and mountains. Next day, hike up the Panamint Mtns. alluvial fan to a spring, with more good views and water. Final day, car tour the Westside Road and check out historic sites like Bennett's Well, Shorty's, and Tule. Camps will be south of the Amargosa River, with campfires and good cheer. Note: Participants must stay behind the leader while hiking. If you cannot do this, please choose another trip. Limit 15.
Contact Leader: Steve Tabor (510) 769-1706

9. February 19-21 (Sun-Tues)
Colorado Desert Backpack (M/S)
Indian Pass Wilderness Area

Lying east and north of El Centro along the Colorado River, our goal is a maze of low hills and deep washes with eroded and sculpted cliffs. The rugged, red spires and low desert vegetation make this unlike the northern deserts of eastern California. At these lower elevations, the weather should be mild as we explore the seldom-visited interior of this wilderness. Carry all water. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670

10. February 22-24 (Wed-Fri)
Picacho Peak Backpack and Service Trip (M/S)
Southeastern Imperial County

This trip extends our exploration of the Colorado Desert into the interior of another Imperial County wilderness area. The first two days will be something of a navigational puzzle as we backpack (carrying water) along washes, old trails, and across low hills. The third day will be spent together with several BLM employees placing signs along the wilderness boundary to help discourage illegal ORV trespass. This trip complements the Indian Pass backpack and also creates links with the land managers for these areas. Limit 12.
Contact Leader: Craig Deutsche (310) 477-6670