• Tortoise Chat

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 10:30am. NO […]

  • CANCELLED: Monument Night Adventures

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Do you know which animals change colors when you use a blacklight? Using blacklights, a Friends’ volunteer docent will begin a short walk on uneven cobbled desert terrain in the basin below the dike/levy looking for scorpions and other […]

  • CANCELLED: Night Sky Viewing Stars and Planets

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to stop by any time while they are there to view the ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, moon and sometimes meteors. This is […]

  • Tortoise Chat

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 10:30am. NO […]

  • Star Party at the Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • VOLUNTEER ONLY! POTLUCK AND SUMMER SWIM PARTY

    Cheryl’s Place Royal Carrizo neighborhood, Mountain Center, CA, United States

    Grab your swimsuit and join your fellow Friends volunteers at Cheryl’s home as we celebrate another successful year! Friends volunteers, staff, and board members are all invited to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, good company, and great conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity for our newest volunteers to get to know other volunteers, meet Friends […]

  • Star Party in the Mountains

    Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA

    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 […]

  • Tortoise Chat

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 10:30am. NO […]

  • Monument Night Adventures

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Do you know which animals change colors when you use a blacklight? Using blacklights, a Friends’ volunteer docent will begin a short walk on uneven cobbled desert terrain in the basin below the dike/levy looking for scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that inhabit our desert. This is […]

  • Night Sky Viewing Stars and Planets

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to stop by any time while they are there to view the ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, moon and sometimes meteors. This is a family friendly event. Minors must be accompanied […]

  • CANCELLED Due to Cloud Cover – Star Party at the Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Star Party in the Mountains

    Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA

    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 […]

  • Tortoise Chat

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site. Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 10:30am. NO […]

  • Monument Night Adventures

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Do you know which animals change colors when you use a blacklight? Using blacklights, a Friends’ volunteer docent will begin a short walk on uneven cobbled desert terrain in the basin below the dike/levy looking for scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that inhabit our desert. This is […]

  • Night Sky Viewing Stars and Planets

    Art Smith Trailhead MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to stop by any time while they are there to view the ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, moon and sometimes meteors. This is a family friendly event. Minors must be accompanied […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Opening Day Hike

    Description: The Carrizo Canyon Ecological Preserve opens for the season on October 1st. 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: […]

  • New Volunteer Orientation

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Returning Volunteer Orientation

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Star Party at the Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    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 […]

  • CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER – Star Party in the Mountains

    Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA

    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 […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike – Will Be Cancelled if Raining

    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 […]

  • Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow

    Desert Willow Golf Resort 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    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 […]

  • Palm Desert Community Clean-Up Event at the Bump and Grind Trail

    Bump n Grind Trail https://maps.app.goo.gl/CptuXm2bzzDoHEMD9

    Let’s come together to keep our beautiful Palm Desert community clean and preserve the natural beauty of our local trails! We invite you to join us for a community clean-up at the Bump and Grind Trail. Every helping hand makes a difference, and we’d love to have you be part of the effort. Gloves and […]

  • CANCELLED Due to Cloud Cover – Star Party at the Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    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 […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    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 […]

  • Carrizo Canyon Hike

    Description: This hike is part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument’s 25th Anniversary event. Join us for a docent-led hike through beautiful Carrizo Canyon, open October through December, for a chance to spot the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other fascinating desert wildlife! Along the way, discover the fascinating geology of the […]

  • Dead Indian Canyon to the Oasis Hike

    Description: This hike is part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument’s 25th Anniversary event. 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 […]

  • Final 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

    Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, United States

    Come out and celebrate the Monument’s 25th anniversary on the last day of its anniversary year!  On-going events planned throughout the morning include a time-capsule dedication, guided hikes, lectures and more. Space is limited, please RSVP. REGISTER HERE Contact: The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, (760) 862-9984