CANCELLED: Star Party at the Monument
2025-09-27 18:30 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN 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.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES CANCELS THIS EVENT.
Registration begins 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839

Tortoise Chat
2025-09-28 08:30 - 09:30 UTC | 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. 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 – 9:30am. (Note: times may be reduced due to heat.)
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.
For more information call the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Carrizo Canyon Opening Day
2025-10-01 08:00 - 10:30 UTC | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.
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. Bring snacks and 2 liters of water per person. Wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs are allowed.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to departure 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-Dead Indian Canyon Interpretative Hike
2025-10-01 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 200 feet. Sorry no dogs allowed on this trail. Bring snacks and 2 liters 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.

Native Planting Lecture at the Coachella Library
2025-10-01 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Coachella Library, 1500 6th Street, Coachella, 92236, United States
Join Us for a Community Event on Rebuilding Our Natural Habitat.
Come learn how to restore our natural environment in our neighborhoods. Enjoy complimentary food and receive free native trees and shrubs!
Reservation is required.
For more information contact Edeli R. Gonzalez at egonzalez@desertmountains.org or at Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.

CANCELLED: Yoga with a Ranger
2025-10-02 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
DUE TO THE GOVERNMENT SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

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.

Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)
2025-10-04 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-05 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-11 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-18 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-19 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS 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. 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 – 9:30am. (Note: times may be reduced due to heat.)
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.
For more information call the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-10-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Grab your hiking boots and join Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a full moon hike on the lower portion of the Chuckwalla Trail. You will experience the views of our desert mountains in the amazing wash of moonlight and shadows, as well as the urban night lights of the Coachella Valley.
This is a family friendly easy 2-mile hike with 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is narrow, 2 feet wide and has 1-steep incline with cobbled desert terrain. Bring 1-2 liters of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear close-toed shoes. No dogs allowed for this event.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Rancho Mirage-Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-10-05 19:15 - 20:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a full moon hike on the Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook trail loop. You will experience the views of our desert mountains in the amazing wash of moonlight and shadows, as well as the urban night lights of the Coachella Valley.
This is a family friendly easy 1-mile hike with 200 feet of elevation gain (approx. 1 hour duration). The trail is narrow, 2 feet wide and on cobbled desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear close-toed shoes. No dogs allowed for this event.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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 1 week 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 Desert Willow
2025-10-06 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.

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Strap on your hiking boots for a 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.
This family-friendly adventure offers a manageable 2-mile out and back hike with minimal elevation gain. Bring your hiking poles for stability getting up to the ridge, and, of course, 1-2 liters of water for each family member.
The astronomers will set up their telescopes for star gazing, adding an extra layer of magic to your night experience in the desert.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
VIEW MAP/UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio
2025-10-06 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
A Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomer will be setting up a telescope and is inviting you to a “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the night sky, occasionally we might see the international space station moving over the Coachella Valley.
This event is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.
Stop by any time between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
VIEW MAP/UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
———————————
Los astrónomos instalarán telescopios y lo invitan a una “fiesta de estrellas”. Un cielo nocturno despejado ofrece una exhibición de objetos fascinantes para ver: estrellas, constelaciones, planetas brillantes, una luna llena y, a veces, eventos especiales como lluvias de meteoritos o un eclipse. Mientras observamos el cielo nocturno, ocasionalmente podemos ver la estación espacial internacional moviéndose sobre el valle de Coachella.
Este evento es accesible en silla de ruedas con superficies de tierra compactada.
Visite en cualquier momento entre las 7:00 p.m. y las 9:00 p.m.
NOTA: CONSULTE EL CLIMA ANTES DE SALIR, ESTE EVENTO SE CANCELARÁ SI ESTA NUBLANDO, HAY VIENTO O LLUVIA.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/las coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends of the Desert Mountains al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.

—–NOTES FOR REGISTRATION—–NOTAS PARA EL REGISTRO—–
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.
Las reservas de boletos comienzan una semana antes del evento y se publicará en ese momento. Su donación opcional no reembolsable no es un boleto para asistir.

Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2025-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Póngase las botas de montaña para una caminata bajo la luna llena en el sendero Indio Hills. Mientras nos embarcamos en esta caminata, la luz de la luna proyecta sombras encantadoras sobre el terreno desértico. El cielo estará brillantemente iluminado para que las criaturas del desierto puedan corretear.
Esta aventura familiar ofrece una caminata manejable de 2 millas ida y vuelta con un desnivel mínimo. Traiga sus bastones de senderismo para tener estabilidad al subir a la cresta y, por supuesto, mucha agua para cada miembro de la familia.
Los astrónomos instalarán sus telescopios para observar las estrellas, añadiendo un toque extra de magia a su experiencia nocturna en el desierto.
Se requiere confirmación. Regístrese 15 minutos antes de la hora de salida.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.
Las reservas de boletos comienzan una semana antes del evento y se publicará en ese momento. Su donación opcional no reembolsable no es un boleto para asistir.

Native Planting Lecture at the Desert Hot Springs Library
2025-10-07 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Desert Hot Springs Library, 14380 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92240, United States

La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2025-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
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 easy 3-mile loop hike with 150 feet elevation gain. The trail is 6 feet wide at the beginning and narrows to 2 feet wide with cobbled, uneven desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear closed-toed shoes. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the National Monument 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2025-10-07 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to their “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the night sky, occasionally we might see the international space station moving over the Coachella Valley.
This event is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.
Stop by any time between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the National Monument 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Yoga with a Ranger
2025-10-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED IF THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL SHUT DOWN
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.

New Volunteer Orientation
2025-10-11 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Family YMCA of the Desert, 43930 San Pablo Ave., 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.

Returning Volunteer Orientation
2025-10-11 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Family YMCA of the Desert, 43930 San Pablo Ave., 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.

Online Option for Returning Volunteer Orientation
2025-10-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
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 trained on our new volunteer portal – Get the latest updates on our programs and projects – Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines – 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.
Please note: This orientation will be online via Zoom, so access to a computer or smart phone will be necessary. Details to view the event are private and will be sent along with your ticket.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
REGISTER BELOW:

Native Planting Lecture at the Cathedral City Library
2025-10-15 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cathedral City Library, 33520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA, 92234, United States

Lecture: Native Planting in the Coachella Valley
2025-10-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage Library, 71100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join Friends of the Desert Mountains for a lecture at the Rancho Mirage Library on the amazing native plants found in our Coachella Valley. Native plants can enhance any landscape while also providing many benefits, from increasing local biodiversity to saving water and saving you money on your utility bills.
Come learn more about our native plants, such as the blue palo verde and the honey mesquite, and how you can start adding native plants to your garden at home!
No reservations required for this free lecture, view event at Rancho Mirage Library.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
Hosted by the Rancho Mirage Library. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Star Party in the Mountains
2025-10-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 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
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-598-9918.
RSVP is not required.

Fall Bioblitz: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
2025-10-19 05:00 - 2025-10-25 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THE SPECIAL ONE DAY EVENT TO GO OUT WITH OUR RESEARCHERS WILL BE CANCELLED. YOU ARE FREE TO BIOBLITZ ON YOUR OWN DURING THIS WEEK.
The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains is a hotspot for biodiversity with over 3,100 species. Help us find and document more species by participating in this year-long bioblitz event to keep identifying new species.
Anyone can participate by going outside and exploring any of the over 280+ miles of designated trails in the Monument and identifying any plants or animals you see using the iNaturalist app on your phone. Be sure to add the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument project to your iNaturalist account to participate. Learn more about iNaturalist here.
Participants are encouraged to explore the trails and record as many species as they can using the iNaturalist app. There will be one day that week that participants can participate in a special bioblitz event with other participants and local researchers and specialists. Info can be requested by calling the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center (760) 862-9984 a week prior to the start of the event.
Location: Special one day event with researchers and specialists is To Be Determined. Otherwise, participants can explore any of the Monument trails on their own at any time.
Guides: Various Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument staff and research partners
THE REGISTRATION HERE IS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEK-LONG EVENT. REGISTRATION FOR A DAY OUT WITH OUR RESEARCHERS WILL BE POSTED THE WEEK PRIOR. We will send an email to registered participants to advise when sign-ups are ready for this special research activity. Space will be limited, so sign up ASAP after receiving notice. This is a free event.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with the Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Gold Hill and Golden Crown Mine Trail to Jack Shack
2025-10-22 09:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gold Hill Trailhead, Pathfinder Rd and Table Mountain Rd, Mountain Center, CA, 92561, United States
We begin at the location of the town known as Kenworthy. Using the old mining road, we will trek to the mine ruins. We will discuss some Cahuilla culture and colorful early pioneer settlers. Can you name a few significant events from the mid-20th century to today that have shaped Garner Valley?
This 6.0-mile hike is rated moderately strenuous with an elevation gain of 600 feet. No dogs for this event. Bring your camera, wildflower books, picnic lunch, 2 liters of water per person. Wear closed toed hiking boots, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.606111, -116.604221
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.
