Borrego Palm Canyon: Student Field Hike

Learning the Desert Firsthand

Students from Borrego Springs High School are gaining real-world experience in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through a certified interpretation and internship program. This post covers a recent field hike in Borrego Palm Canyon, highlights what students learned on the trail, and explains how the program prepares teens for professional interpretive guide and host certifications while connecting them more deeply to the desert they call home.

Students on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail

Two seniors and four juniors from the Borrego Springs High School Interpretation Course and Internship Program recently took part in a guided hike up Borrego Palm Canyon. The hike was led by Stacy Valdez and Sicco Rood as part of the students’ coursework.

For several students, this was their first time hiking Borrego Palm Canyon, making the experience especially memorable. One long-standing goal for the group was to see desert bighorn sheep—a highlight that became reality near the end of the hike on the Alternate Trail.

Part of a Certified Interpretive Program

The hike is one component of a for-credit interpretive guide and host certification program offered through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The course provides students with professional-level training in environmental education, public engagement, and desert stewardship.

The program is led by local resident Stacy Valdez and coordinated with the Borrego Springs Unified School District, giving students structured, hands-on learning tied directly to their local landscape.

Community Support Behind the Program

This ongoing program is sponsored by the Borrego Village Association and has been made possible since 2019 through grants and support from:

• San Diego County Board of Supervisors

• Borrego Springs Rotary Foundation

• Borrego Springs Education Foundation

• Borrego Valley Endowment Fund (BVEF)

• Private donors

Their continued support allows Borrego Springs students to access professional training opportunities without leaving their community.

Preparing the Next Generation of Desert Interpreters

Through field experiences like the Borrego Palm Canyon hike, students gain practical knowledge, confidence, and certification pathways that support future work in parks, education, and visitor services. The program also strengthens connections between young residents and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, reinforcing stewardship and local expertise.