Mud Caving

$40

Anza Borrego mud caves are one of the best-kept secrets in Southern California. Come explore a series of underground passageways and caves located in the middle of the Anza Borrego Desert! The group will navigate the narrow tunnels into the desert using headlamps and discover what may be one of the largest mud cave networks in the world! At least 22 caves have been counted so far and some are 1,000 feet long and 80 feet tall!

Meet at the Experiential Education & Adventure Center (previously Outdoor Programs) in UC 136, 7 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21. Arrive at Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves at 9:30 a.m. Explore caves until lunch at noon. Explore more caves. Leave Arroyo Tapiado at and stop for dinner. Return to USD by 7 p.m.

$40 for USD ID cardholders (students, faculty, staff, alumni); $50 for the general public

We provide transportation, lunch, trained guides to lead the tour of the caves. Lunch is provided, but you’ll want to bring money for the dinner stop on the way home. You are welcome to bring snacks. Please bring a water bottle filled with water!

Wear appropriate clothing for the caves. Cave temperature can range from warm to cold so please be prepared for both. You will get muddy/dusty, so wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring your own headlamp (recommended) or flashlight(s) with two sets of extra batteries and lots of water.

No experience required. This trip is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or afraid to get dirty! Some parts of the caves are in very small spaces that are equivalent to crawling under a desk chair. Participants MUST be comfortable in extremely small spaces.

Plan on being a contributing member of a group. We will share the work (i.e. camp chores, loading and unloading the van, etc) equally as one group. If you are the independent type who prefers to do things alone this trip may not meet your needs or desires.