THE CALIFORNIA DESERT
Springtime in the Mohave & Colorado Deserts
PLAN YOUR TRIP
FROM $2750
Prices are set per person, per double occupancy, and do not include airfare, travel insurance or gratuities. Please contact us for an exact quote.
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
March 21-27, 2020 (SOLD OUT)
PRIVATE GROUP DATES
Best in March & April
TRIP LENGTH & GROUP SIZE
7 days, 6 nights; 8-12Â guests
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy
TOURÂ HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Joshua Tree National Park and Anza Borrego State Park, each with their unique geography, plant life, and wildlife on this special springtime departure—the best time of year!
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Follow experienced guides and naturalists on desert paths, stopping along the way to learn about plants, birds, reptiles and mammals
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Enjoy a relaxed pace on easy terrain, allowing you plenty of time to learn about nature and take photos without the pressure of keeping up with the group
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Unwind in charming accommodations in two desert oases, the Oasis of Mara and Borrego Springs, staying close to nature
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Share your love of nature with your fellow explorers, enjoying more time on the trail with short drives to your next destination
FEATURING
NATURALIST
DAVID HERLOCKER
This special excursion features seasoned naturalist David Herlocker. David has dedicated his life to sharing his love of nature, working in places such as the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Zoo, and most recently, he served as the Marin County Open Space Naturalist for 20 years. This passionate nature lover has been visiting the desert for over 40 years. He has guided many trips in the Mojave, and he loves sharing his favorite spots for lizards, birds, flowers and jaw-dropping scenery.
ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION
The California Desert: Springtime in the Mohave & Colorado Deserts
After the winter rains, the California desert comes to life, and early spring is the ideal time to experience it. Flowers emerge—some visible only a few weeks a year. Birds, small mammals and reptiles come out in the longer hours of daylight, warmed by the sun. Life returns and the desert feels alive in this brief window between the long cool winter and the long hot summer—a must-see for nature lovers who understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time.
On this unique desert expedition, explore the diverse flora and fauna of two desert ecosystems, starting in the lowland Colorado Desert in Anza-Borrego State Park, then moving on to the higher altitude southern Mojave in Joshua Tree National Park. Walk with your professional naturalists and guides to discover the diverse array of wildlife, from flowers and birds to reptiles and mammals. Follow your guides to the best spots at that time for maximizing viewing opportunities of the bloom and the birds, stopping along the way for interpretative talks, photography, and trail picnics. Trails are generally easy—short and relatively flat—allowing you time to experience nature at a leisurely pace, making this a great trip for travelers of all ages and abilities.
At the end of a sunny day on the trail, return to the comfort of charming accommodations near some of the area’s most fascinating natural oases—the Oasis of Mara and Borrego Springs, home to some of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Step into the shade of the palms beside crystal clear water and discover why these magical places have served as natural havens for both humans and wildlife for centuries.
ARE YOU CURIOUS?
Request a price quote, get advice, or customize an itinerary to your specifications
“What makes the desert so beautiful
is that somewhere it hides a well."