Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Tamarisk Grove campground is now open, with cabins available starting December 1
11/15/13 3 PM Anza-Borrego Foundation, the park’s cooperating association, is looking for active volunteers interested in helping with hikes, classes,and lectures. Program hosts check in participants, assist instructors, and ensure programs run smoothly. Some field programs may require hikes of up to 7- 12 miles. Training is offered for new and returning volunteers, including basic first aid and park radio operation, as well as general ABF information and guidelines. Register in advance. To sign up, or get more details, call 760-767-0446.
11/16/13 11:00 a.m. Hike – Discovering the Archaeological History of the ‘Ehmuu Morteros 2 Hours Discover the hidden secrets of an ancient Kumeyaay Native American village site. Join Volunteer Archaeologist and Naturalist Sam Webb to explore both rock art and historic milling features. This 1.5 mile hike is over uneven terrain. Be sure to bring the usual water, hat, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Morteros trailhead in Blair Valley, about 3 miles off Highway S-2 on a dirt road (turn into Blair Valley near mile marker 23). NOTE: 4WD or All-wheel-drive may be required to reach the trailhead; please inquire at the Visitor Cente
11/23/13 9:00 a.m. Hike – Ghost Mountain 2.5 Hours
Experience the Marshal South story on this trek up Ghost Mountain with Volunteer Naturalist Dan Leidecker. The hike is steep but relatively short (one mile up, one mile back down) and offers a glimpse into the family’s life on this remote mountain top. Bring water, a snack, hat, and sturdy footwear. Meet at the Marshal South Homesite Trailhead in Blair Valley (off Highway S-2). NOTE: 4WD may be required to reach the trailhead. Please inquire at the Visitor Center.
11/24/13 9:00 a.m. Hike – Roving Naturalist in Borrego Palm Canyon 3 Hours
Interact with Volunteer Naturalist Dan Leidecker as he roams the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail searching for bighorn sheep and other interesting features along the trail. Look for him in his volunteer vest as you hike to the palm oasis. This is not a guided hike.
More things to do
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/638/files/abdsp%20interp%20november%202013.pdf
Joshua Tree National Park
Visitors can once again enter Joshua Tree National Park through the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms. The section of Park Boulevard that was damaged by the September 7, 2013 storm has been repaired, but has not been repaved. Visitors are cautioned to slow down and drive carefully over this dirt portion of the road.
During phase two of the Federal Highways Administration’s Pinto Basin Road project the road will be repaved. This is scheduled to occur in 2014.
Work continues in the Cottonwood Spring area, which was also damaged during the September 7 storm. The area from Cottonwood Wash north to Cottonwood Campground is closed to all public entry. This closure affects access to Cottonwood Spring Oasis, Mastodon Peak Trail, and Lost Palms Oasis Trail.
Joshua Tree regrets any inconvenience these closures may have caused and thanks park visitors and members of the community for their patience.
Access to some Cottonwood trails remains closed
Trail access remains closed to Cottonwood Spring Oasis, Lost Palms Oasis, and Mastodon Peak.
Death Valley National Park
Scotty’s Castle Road Construction.
Road construction Monday-Friday (occasional Saturdays) through the end of December; expect delays of up to 30 minutes between the Grapevine Ranger Station, and park boundary at NV-267 and on road to Mesquite Springs Campground.