IVDM Lowlanders: Sacatone Overlook
Saturday, January 10, 2026- 8:00AM
Discover the McCain Valley Recreation Area and the rich history of the region on this intermediate hike. Enjoy steep uphill climbs to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Carrizo Gorge and the remnants of the abandoned San Diego-to-Arizona Railroad. Please note: no dogs are allowed, and carpooling is highly encouraged. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM (35 min drive from the museum)
Salton Sea Bird Festival 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026 7 AM – Sunset
North Event: Salton Sea State Recreation Area (SSSRA) 100-225 State Park Road North Shore, CA 92254 760-393-3052
South Events: Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge (SBSSNWR) 906 W. Sinclair Road Calipatria, CA 92233 760-348-5278
January Volunteer Day
Sunday, December 18, 2026 from 11:00AM-3:00PM.
We are inviting volunteers to lend a hand to our Head Curator with the installation of our upcoming exhibit, Follow the Yellow Brick Road: The Life & Legacy of Leonard Knight opening February 6th! 16 years & older (guardian must be present). Email to sign-up: curation@ivdesertmuseum.org
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)
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)
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!
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