Desert Mountain

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-25 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-11 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-07 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, 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 open desert property adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 1-mile walk-about. This is truly a “jewel in the desert” location to be enjoyed.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: We will meet in the parking lot on the right side of Desert Willow Drive just before entering the golf club. View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.76560, -116.36554
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Tortoise Chat
2025-11-23 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-22 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-16 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-15 08:30 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

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.
Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 11:30am.
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-11-23 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-20 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-13 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-09 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Carrizo Canyon is open 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. This trail is in a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the canyon narrows there will be some rocks and small boulders to hike around and step over.
Hike rating is easy, approximately 3 miles round trip. Elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring snacks and 2 liters of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Star Party at the Art Smith Trailhead
2025-11-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Art Smith Trailhead Parking Lot, MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ANTICIPATED CLOUD COVER.

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 lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES CANCELS THIS EVENT.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-598-9918.
A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Registration begins 2 weeks prior to the event.

Returning Volunteer Orientation
2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, 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- Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines- Sign your updated volunteer paperwork for the new season- Share your ideas and enthusiasm!This orientation is your opportunity to get back in the loop and ready to hit the ground running as we continue our mission to protect and celebrate our incredible desert environment.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.
REGISTER HERE

New Volunteer Orientation
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, 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 trail enthusiast, wildlife watcher, environmental educator, or just someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you here! No experience? No problem! We provide training and a supportive team that shares your love for the desert.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
Please register.

CANCELLED: Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

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 open desert property adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 1-mile walk-about. This is truly a “jewel in the desert” location to be enjoyed.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: We will meet in the parking lot on the right side of Desert Willow Drive just before entering the golf club. View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.76560, -116.36554
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Dead Indian Canyon Hike
2025-11-20 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-13 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.
This trail traverses a sandy wash with uneven terrain with cobble (small rocks). Hike rating is easy, approximately 2 miles round trip. Elevation gain is approximately 250 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring snacks and 1 liter of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74.
View map/UTM coordinates for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Garstin Trail Hike
2025-11-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Earl Henderson Trail, Bogert Trail at Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Join our Friends’ volunteer docent hiking the Garstin trail and getting your daily outdoor exercise. Learn the importance of this critical habitat area for the endangered Casey’s June Beetle and other tidbits about Palm Springs history and the National Monument. Hike rating is moderate. Elevation gain is approximately 800 feet and 3 miles roundtrip. Sorry, no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
We will meet at the trailhead located off Bogert Trail at Barona Road. View map & UTM coordinates: 33.77621, -116.53132
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Cactus Springs Trail to Horsethief Creek
2025-11-17 09:00 - 13:30 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
During 2021, this area was ravaged by a wildfire. Friends’ volunteer docents will discuss fire ecology and how flora and fauna are reclaiming this area. The forested area was important to the Cahuilla people who lived off the land and more recently played a role in the mining history of the National Monument’s land. This unique hiking opportunity offers a 5-mile out and back hike to Horsethief Creek. This moderate to strenuous hike follows an ancient Cahuilla path from the mountains to the desert floor. The return trip from the creek is all uphill and involves an elevation gain of 1230 feet. Participants must be comfortable with the physical demands required for this hike. Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring a minimum of 2 liters of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed hiking boots. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.57995, -116.45056
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Birding Walk-About at the Monument
2025-11-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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 at the new observation area. Then onto the Ed Hastey Garden Walk (paved) and tortoise habitat areas. From the parking area, we will take a short walk on the Randall Henderson Trail to check out the lower sandy wash area where other birds may be found. Total walking distance about 1.0 mile.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, sun hat, sunscreen, and camera. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
RSVP required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-11-16 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

CANCELLED: Star Party in the Mountains
2025-11-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

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.
For more information call 760-862-9984. RSVP is not required.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES AND HIGH WINDS CANCEL THIS EVENT.
View map & UTM coordinates for the Sawmill Parking Lot: 33.57995, -116.45056

Bear Creek Wash Hike
2025-11-14 08:30 - 12:30 | Cove Oasis Trailhead Parking Lot, Calle Tecate and Avenida Juarez, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Join us for this interpretative hike up the Bear Creek Wash. This hike is rated as easy with 4 miles round-trip and an elevation gain of approximately 325 feet. The trail winds through a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the wash narrows there will be some rocks and small boulders to hike around and step over. Along the way, we will discuss the plants that populate the desert wash; how these plants have adapted to these extreme environmental conditions; how the Cahuilla people used these native plants to survive for thousands of years; and the geologic forces that formed these mountains and canyons. During the hike we will have outstanding views of La Quinta Cove and the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please Note: we will meet at the Cove Oasis Trailhead parking lot. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.64875, -116.31708
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Yoga with a Ranger
2025-11-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join a National Monument park ranger for an outdoor fun yoga flow for all skill levels. Connect with the landscape through a sequence of physical postures, movements, and breathing techniques that also strengthen your body and mind. Poses commonly mimic Earth, animals and trees. This outdoor activity is routinely performed barefoot.
Bring a yoga mat or towel, water, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants. Meet on the Visitor Center patio.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.
RSVP required. Reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event.

CANCELLED: VOLUNTEER ONLY - Skeleton Canyon Hike
2025-11-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Box Canyon and Painted Canyon Roads, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

VOLUNTEERS! We will be hiking into the Mecca Wilderness in the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 3.5 to 4.5 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet.
Experience walking along the San Andreas Fault network and see and touch red fault gorge covered hills as we hike through the Skeleton Canyon wash. We will be surrounded by the Mecca Hills and have opportunities to explore smaller canyons and even a slot canyon during this hike. With some luck we will have wildflowers blooming in the canyons.
This is not your typical Coachella Valley hike so do not miss the opportunity to experience the amazing Mecca Wilderness. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring 3 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
NOTE: We will meet at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd and Painted Canyon Rd and caravan to the trailhead. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.575860, -115.996090
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.

YOU MUST BE A CURRENT VOLUNTEER TO ATTEND.

Friends & Champions
2025-11-12 16:30 - 20:00 | SilverRock Park, 51900 Silverrock Way, La Quinta, CA, 92253
Join us for a light-hearted evening benefiting Friends’ wonderful programs and connecting people to the land.
Friends & Champions is the annual fundraiser of Friends of the Desert Mountains. In early November, we gather 300+ attendees outdoors at exciting locations to celebrate and honor our “Friends and Champions” – those who inspire our work and lift us up.
Through sponsorships, ticket sales, live and silent auctions, and a focused “Fund-Our-Mission” paddle raise, in one night Friends aims to raise funds to support our annual operations expenses.
Live and silent auctions with something for everyone!
VIEW ALL DETAILS HERE

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-11-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Araby Wash Parking Area, S. Araby Drive in Araby Wash, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Enjoy this easy hike along the hillside above Araby Wash. Explore the wonders of this critical habitat area to learn about the endangered Casey’s June Beetle and fire ecology in this sensitive habitat area. On our return loop, we will wander down into the wash to checkout a few desert plants. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail. This is an easy hiking trail. Distance will be about 3 miles. Elevation gain of 100 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
We will meet at the trailhead located on South Araby Dr. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.794641, -116.514338
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Tortoise Chat (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-11-09 08:30 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, 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.
Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 11:30am.
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Public Lands Day, Monumental Clean-up at SRSJMN Monument Visitor Center (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-11-08 08:00 - 12:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Show your love and support of public lands by going outdoors and helping with some maintenance around the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Help with planting new native plants along with other maintenance.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.
Please Register.

Skeleton Canyon Hike
2025-11-07 09:00 - 12:30 | Box Canyon and Painted Canyon Roads, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
Join us for a hike into the Mecca Wilderness in the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 3.5 to 4.5 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet.
Experience walking along the San Andreas Fault network and see and touch red fault gorge covered hills as we hike through the Skeleton Canyon wash. We will be surrounded by the Mecca Hills and have opportunities to explore smaller canyons and even a slot canyon during this hike. With some luck we will have wildflowers blooming in the canyons.
This is not your typical Coachella Valley hike so do not miss the opportunity to experience the amazing Mecca Wilderness. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring 3 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
NOTE: We will meet at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd and Painted Canyon Rd and caravan to the trailhead. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.575860, -115.996090
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.
