Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Interpretive Activities Schedule

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ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. PROGRAMS ARE HELD AT THE VISITOR CENTER UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TRAILS OR TOURS. PLEASE CALL AHEAD FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATION, (760) 767-4205.

DESERT SAFETY
1. Carry water AND Drink it.
Saving your water for the hike back has led to death in Anza-Borrego. Drink water before you leave home, while you hike, and on the return route. If you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Drink lots of water and drink often.

2. Make sure your vehicle is desert-ready.
Equip your vehicle for the desert. You should always carry extra water, a shade tarp, a shovel, a tire pump, and extra food.

3. Prepare yourself.
In addition to carrying water, you should have protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat, a good map, food, and a first aid kit.

4. Have a plan.
Leave all your trip information with a friend. Tell him/her your destination, the route you intend to follow, your expected return time, a description of your vehicle, your license plate number, and a time by which he/she should notify park authorities in case you don't return.

5. Don't split up the group.
Stay together. Never leave anyone behind to rest.

6. Leave snakes alone.
Many venomous snakes live in the desert. If you threaten them, they may strike. It is illegal to harass, catch, or kill any snake within Anza-Borrego. If bitten, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention.

7. When emergencies happen
Stop. Stay calm. Seek shelter. If you are with your vehicle, remain there; do not leave it. Signal with mirrors, white cloth, and put your hood up. It is much easier to find a vehicle in the desert than a person.

RECOGNIZING A HEAT EMERGENCY
Heat Cramps are painful cramps in the legs and abdominal muscles, along with faintness and excessive sweating. To treat heat cramps, move the patient to a cool place and give him/her cool water, or a sport drink to replace lost fluids.

Heat Exhaustion commonly occurs during strenuous exertion in a hot environment. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, change in skin color, and disorientation. Place patient in a cool place and help him/her drink 1-2 liters of water, or a sports drink to replace lost fluids.

Heat Stroke is a very serious condition and is a medical emergency. Heat stroke occurs when the patient loses control of his/her body temperature. Symptoms include subjective sense of warmth, confusion, staggering, headache, convulsions, and eventual loss of consciousness. In most cases, sweating is reduced or absent. Body temperature is very high. Call 911 immediately and move the patient to a shady place, apply cold water to the skin, and fan skin to facilitate cooling. This condition can result in death; seek immediate medical attention.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND MEET AT THE VISITOR CENTER, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. PLEASE CALL (760) 767-4205 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

TEMPERATURES IN SUMMER CAN EXCEED 120 DEGREES. EVEN IN THE FALL AND SPRING, IT IS EASY TO MISJUDGE TEMPERATURES AND THE BODY'S LOSS OF FLUIDS. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND WATCH FOR SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION SUCH AS HEADACHES, DIZZINESS, AND NAUSEA. WEAR A HAT AND SUNSCREEN WHEN OUTDOORS. ALWAYS CARRY AND DRINK WATER AND/OR JUICES.

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