Description: We will start our hike through a wash that after rains is abundant with wildflowers. You leave the wash and climb the mud hill. At the top it opens to a spectacular view of Salton Sea. The trail is flat until you reach the ravine and hike down into the oasis. Along the way […]

This special educational tour takes participants on an epic adventure along a portion of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail corridor. The program shares stories of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza expedition that began 250 years ago, that spanned over 1,000 miles of the southwest. We will stop at a few points […]

Discover the wonders of the night sky at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! Join Friends of the Desert Mountains and the Astronomical Society of the Desert for a free evening of stargazing beneath some of Southern California’s darkest skies. Volunteer astronomers will guide you through the cosmos, sharing fascinating stories while […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]

Description: This remote trail will reward you with incredible panoramic views of the sacred Cahuilla lands, and is a hidden jewel of the desert. After climbing a cactus-lined rocky ridges, you will come to an oasis with palms, ferns, and other water-loving plants. Overview: This moderate hike (Rating 79) is generally suitable for novice hikers […]

Description: Join a ranger‑led interpretive hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to experience the Monument’s diverse landscapes. Participants will learn about thru‑hiker culture, local wildlife and plant adaptations, Indigenous history, and the importance of stewardship and Leave No Trace practices. This family‑friendly program blends storytelling, hands‑on discovery, and sensory exploration to help visitors connect with […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]

Description: Join our volunteers for a unique hiking experience in the Magnesia Spring Ecological Canyon trail. Magnesia Canyon is only open from October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters.  The dramatic canyon walls tell their own story of how rain events have shaped […]

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with us!  Show your love and support of public lands by getting outdoors and helping with some restoration projects around the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center Campus.   Get your hands dirty planting new native plants along the Ed Hastey Garden Trail as well as other projects […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]

Description: Dead Indian canyon is only open from October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below 50) is generally […]

Description: Experience a hike by moonlight! See the beauty of the shadows and wash of moonlight over our mountains. We will be looking for all types of night creatures along the trail. Our astronomers will have their telescope set-up to view the night sky. This is a family friendly hike. Overview: This easy hike (Rating […]

While the brilliant moonlight means the faintest, most distant galaxies will take a back seat tonight, it opens the door to a completely different astronomical spectacle. Our volunteer astronomers will turn their high-powered telescopes toward the Moon itself to explore its dramatic craters, mountain peaks, and ancient lava plains in stunning detail. You will enjoy […]

Grab your binoculars and join a Friends’ volunteer docent birding expert to look for our feathered desert residents. In this unique urban area, we are still able to find a little native desert environment surrounded by local trees and shrubs that many of our feathered friends call home. As you walk the perimeter of an […]

We offer two different Full Moon Hikes in Rancho Mirage! Please read both descriptions carefully and select the trail best for your skill level. Chuckwalla Trail: (EASY; for Beginner Hikers) This hike goes on the lower portion of the Chuckwalla Trail. You will experience the views of our desert mountains in the amazing wash of […]

Description: Explore this 1.0-mile loop trail in historic Indian Canyons. You will pass some great picnic areas as you hike along Andreas Creek. We begin the hike at Andreas Creek near the grinding stone. Keep your eyes out for the interesting red rock formations above the oasis-like vegetation on your right during the first half […]

Description: Strap on your hiking boots for a family-friendly full moon hike on the first mile of the Indio Badlands Trail. As we embark on this hike, the moonlight casts enchanting shadows on the desert terrain. The sky will be brilliantly lit up for the desert creatures to be scurrying about. Overview: This easy hike […]

We are excited to announce Full Moon Hikes in Palm Desert! We begin at the Homme-Adams Park that is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. There are two different hikes offered, please read each description carefully and select the trail best for your skill level. Cahuilla Hills to Fox Canyon Hike: (EASY; […]

While the brilliant moonlight means the faintest, most distant galaxies will take a back seat tonight, it opens the door to a completely different astronomical spectacle. Our volunteer astronomers will turn their high-powered telescopes toward the Moon itself to explore its dramatic craters, mountain peaks, and ancient lava plains in stunning detail. You will enjoy […]

Our experienced Friends’ birding volunteer docent will share interesting facts about the Coachella Valley native species and other migratory birds found in the National Monument. We begin the search for our feathered friends in their native desert habitat on the Randall Henderson Trail into the lower sandy wash. We circle back and walk to the […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]

Description: Dead Indian canyon is only open from October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below 50) is generally […]

Description: Grab your hiking poles and join our Friends’ volunteer docent, on the Theilman Trail. This urban hike begins with a few rolling hills, a steep ascent with some switchbacks and levels out as you near the Whitehorse intersection. Once you reach the top, there are sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto, […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]

Calling All Nature Lovers & Community Champions! Are you passionate about protecting our beautiful desert landscapes? Do you love hiking, wildlife, or simply giving back to your community? Friends of the Desert Mountains needs YOU! We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to help us preserve the natural wonders of the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re a […]

Join us at our monthly Desert Mountains Art Fair! Mediums may include photography, paintings, ceramics, hand painted silks, and more. Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos, all while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains! For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984 or Friends of the […]

Welcome Back, Volunteers! As we gear up for another amazing season, we’re inviting all returning Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers to join us for a mandatory orientation session. Why Attend? Get the latest updates on our programs and projects *IMPORTANT* Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines Sign your updated volunteer paperwork for […]

Learn about our desert through hands-on activities that explore the land, animals, and plants. After completing six challenges, you’ll earn your Junior Ranger Badge! This program is suited for ages 8 to 18, and tickets should be in the youths’ name. For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center […]

Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. This is a family event. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. This event is wheelchair accessible with asphalt surfaces. Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white […]

Description: Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and this docent led hike takes you into a canyon that provides a chance to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other desert critters. Learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. Overview: This easy hike (Rating below […]