IVDM Lowlanders: Andrade Canyon Trail
Saturday, January 24, 2026- 8:00AM
Explore the Coyote Mountain Wilderness, where the landscape tells a six-million-year history of a former shallow seabed. This intermediate hike along the canyon trail features steep climbs and will go as far as the group feels comfortable. Please note: no dogs are allowed, high-clearance vehicles are required, and carpooling is encouraged. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM (15 min drive from museum)
Jacumba Hikers: Sand Dune in the Sky (5-6 miles) (5 hours)
Saturday, January 31, 2026- 8:00AM
The hike involves hiking off trail, some boulder climbing, hiking up steep sandy hills, plus other rugged desert terrain challenges. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM. We will carpool/caravan in high-clearance vehicles to the trailhead.
Annual Membership Meeting
Saturday, January 31, 2026- 2:00PM
Imperial Valley Desert Museum Members: You’re invited to our Annual Membership Meeting, we hope you can join us!
Exhibit Opening & Celebration
Friday, February 6, 2026 from 6:00PM-9:00PM
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum, in partnership with Salvation Mountain, is proud to present, Follow the Yellow Brick Road: The Life & Legacy of Leonard Knight. Join us for an evening celebrating creativity, vision, and the enduring legacy of a true desert icon.
Exhibit Dates: February 6 – June 3, 2026
Photo Courtesy of: Ralph Elliot Starkweather
IVDM Lowlanders: Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves
Saturday, February 7, 2026- 8:00AM
Join us on and adventure to one of the most unique attractions in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Located deep in the park’s southern section, these caves offer a truly memorable experience. Please note: access requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, no dogs allowed, and carpooling is highly encouraged. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM (1.5 hour drive from museum)
Jacumba Hikers: Sombrero Peak via McCain Valley Rd. (10 miles) ( 6-7 hours)
Saturday, February 7, 2026- 8:00AM
To reach the summit, where beautiful views await, requires some boulder climbing. This is a physically challenging hike because of the distance and bouldering. Meets at Wisteria Candy Cottage at 39961 Old Hwy 80 in Boulevard at 8:00 AM, from there, we will caravan east on Old Hwy 80 to McCain Valley Rd.
Free Community Event: Valentine's Craft Day
Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 11:00AM-3:00PM
Bring your friends, family, and your creative hearts! Crafts, movies, snacks, and fun for all ages! A big thank you to Sunrunners Car Club of Imperial Valley for sponsoring this sweet community event!
Jacumba Hikers: NE Davies Valley/Jacumba Wilderness Exploration (5-6 miles) (5 hours)
Saturday, February 14, 2026- 8:00AM
This is a beautiful and adventurous hike into the Jacumba Wilderness to the seldom-explored corner of NE Davies Valley. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM We will carpool or caravan to the trailhead in high clearance vehicles.
Free Community Art Class: Clay Workshop
Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:00AM-3:00PM
Join us for a hands-on clay workshop with ceramics instructor Amy Redfeather. Amy will guide participants through the process of creating their own clay masterpieces, perfect for beginners and creatives of all levels. If you’ve made a piece with us before, come back and paint it! No pre-registration is required, just stop by and get creative!
10th Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
Friday, March 27, 2026 6:00PM-9:00PM
Join us for a milestone celebration at our 10th Annual Wine Tasting & Silent Auction! Enjoy wine, champagne, appetizers, and desserts while supporting our mission to preserve desert history and culture.
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum is a new facility in the heart of the Yuha Desert housing Indigenous and historic artifacts found within the Imperial Valley and surrounding region. Opening a new museum in the twenty-first century, we do not want to be seen as an exhibit within four walls, but to engage and interact outside of the limitations of the "box" – both metaphorically and physically.
OUR MISSION is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the deserts of Southern California through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs.
OUR VISION is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, recognize our place on the traditional lands of the Kumeyaay who have been here, as they say, 'since the beginning', with a vibrant and rich history dating back over 10,000 years. The lands of Imperial and San Diego County include the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups composed of Quechan, Cahuilla, CoCoPah, Pai Pai, and Kumeyaay. Each of these groups are still present and active today.
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Ocotillo, CA 92259