Celebrate Spring in the Desert!
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Great Outdoors Palm Springs invites you to an amazing weekend celebrating the arrival of spring 2022. Agua Caliente County Park is located in a remote part of Anza Borrego Desert State Park with dark skies for stargazing and local trails for hiking near Borrego Springs and Julian. Where else can you spend the day hiking through slot canyons, explore a palm grove oasis high on the mountainside, marvel at the beautiful scenery and return to camp and relax in heated mineral pools?
RV's and tents may share sites - maximum of one RV and one tent on each site. RV sites come with water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site. These are sites with mature vegetation surrounding the sites. We will have a propane fire-pit for the group as open fires may be restricted in the camp to a designated area only.
Amenities at Agua Caliente include the soothing geothermal pools, coin operated showers, flush toilets, potable water, shuffleboard and horseshoes, and a sun deck outside the pools for lounging. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries and ice.
Registration for this event is restricted to Great Outdoors Members only.
Scheduled/Planned Activities Events
Thursday – 3/10/22
- 2 PM - Check In no earlier than 2 PM
- 6 PM - Meet & Greet - Gather around the campfire & enjoy s’mores
- PM - Dinner on your own
Friday – 3/11/22
- 7 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 9 AM - TBD (pack your own lunch) *
- 6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a salad, side and/or main dish. GO will provide the dessert.
- PM - Gather around the campfire, go for a soak or both!
Saturday – 3/12/22
- 7 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 9 AM - TBD (pack your own lunch) *
- PM - Dinner on your own
- PM - Gather around the campfire, go for a soak or both!
Sunday – 3/13/22
- 7 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 12 noon – check out and safe travels home
* Check whiteboard at camp for details and updates for these possible adventures:
| Possible Activities |
Miles |
Elevation |
Misc Notes |
| Shopping in nearby Julian |
33.0 |
|
Think Everything Apples! |
| Moonlight Canyon hike |
1.8 |
350' |
|
| Mountain Palm Oasis hike |
3.0 |
600' |
|
| Torote Canyon loop hike |
6.5 |
1,500' |
|
| Cold Canyon hike |
3.0 |
650' |
|
| Ghost Mountain hike |
2.0 |
500' |
Historic site |
| Mud Caves, Sin Nombre canyon and badlands |
|
|
Off road 4x4 adventure |
| Domeland and Wind caves hike |
5.0 |
1,000' |
|
| Indian Hill and old RR camp |
6.5 |
600' |
|
| Carrizo Trestle / Goat Canyon |
11.0 |
1,000' |
Historic curved train trestle |
| Redman mine |
3.8 |
1,000' |
|
| Erosion Road tour |
21.0 |
|
|
| Soak in the park's thermal hot pools |
|
|
|
Getting There:
- Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
- GPS Coordinates: 32°57'02.1"N 116°18'16.4"W or 32.950581, -116.304558
- Google - Map Link: click here
- Be sure to carpool if you can and fill your gas tank before heading to camp because the nearest gas is in Borrego Springs (30 miles) or Julian (33 miles).
Payment: You can pay with the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. You need to complete payment within 15 minutes or you will be timed out and will need to start over.
What to Bring - Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item for Friday night, two bundles of firewood - no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned. Firewood for sale at the campground. Firewood is available at the store just outside the park for $7 per bundle.
Bring layers for both cold and warm weather, since it can be unpredictable in the desert this time of year. Check the weather forecast (click here) and plan accordingly.
*** Don't forget your towel, swimsuit and water shoes. ***
Climate & Elevation - The current forecast avg. is 67 high 42 low. Check the weather forecast. The park is located at 1300’.
Pets - Pets are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails.
Cell Service - not in the park but may be available nearby.
Contact - If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of your trip leaders:
Health Problems/allergies - It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader.
Special COVID Related Requirements
You must be a Great Outdoors (GO) member in order to attend this event.
This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated and submit proof of vaccination and abide by the GOPS COVID policy - CLICK HERE
Send proof of vaccination to: GOPSCOVID@gmail.com or text to 760-902-1850
