Events and Activities

Annual Wildflower Festival, March 6, 2010
This already popular FREE annual family-friendly event adds new activities this year. There's something for everyone, including wine tasting and live music. Shop, browse and simply enjoy the view of wildflowers as your chidren enjoy the games and crafts in the Kids' Zone.
To see our webpage about this fun event, click here.
To download a 1 page PDF document, click here.

The Main Events! The season is underway and already there is a lot going on. For a full listing of all events, activities and programs, it's an 8 page PDF file: click here.

On-going Programs: The Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument offers Ongoing Programs that are FREE to the public. Come out and join your Friends! For a 3 page PDF file of upcoming programs, click here.

Palms to Pines Birding and Nature Trail Scenic Loop Bus Tour - Sunday, March 28, 2010: Enjoy a 'naturalist's excursion by luxury coach," a birding adventure lead by expert orinithologist, Kurt Leuschner. For more information, click here

1st Annual Earth Day Birding Challenge - Saturday, April 24, 2010: A friendly 24-hour birding competition/fundraiser to support the Friends of the Desert Mountains, various Audubon Societies and Bird Clubs, Preserves, Parks, Conservancies and other conservation organizations throughout southern California. click here

Jr. Trail Guide Program - Many dates to choose from: This FREE program presented by the Friends of the Desert Mountains in support of the National Monument, connects children ages 9-12 to their natural surroundings, while helping to build a strong foundation of outdoor ethics and safety habits and learning about local area flora, fauna, geology, geography and native culture of our valley and surrounding mountains. Rewards for completing the program will be awarded at the end of the program. click here

Morning Hikes
Description: Explore the desert and learn about the plants, animals, and geology that make this area so unique. Destinations will vary based on participants' interests and abilities. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sun protection and sturdy footwear. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time.
When: Every Thursday and Saturday morning, October 1, 2009 through April 29, 2010, 9:00 am departure.
Location: Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 Hwy. 74, Palm Desert, CA.
For a map to the Visitor Center: click Here.
Contact: (760) 862-9984, National Monument Visitor Center, for more details.


Go to the Friends Morning Hikes webpage: click here
Get Morning Hikes PDF (two page) document: click here


Visitor Center, Bobcat Bookstore & Gift Shop - General Information
Hours: 9 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The Visitor Center, Friends of the  Desert Mountains Bookstore & Gift Shop are located in the same building, off of Highway 74, at the entrance to the National Monument.

Location: 51500 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
For a map to the Visitor Center and Bookstore/Giftshop: click Here.

Go to the Bookstore webpge: click here.

Bookstore Phone: (760) 862-9084
Visitor Center Phone: (760) 862-9984

Want to know more about hiking in and around the Coachella Valley? Check out the Desert Sun's on-line hiking section: click here