Desert Mountain

Pacific Crest Trail at Snow Creek
2025-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pacific Crest Trail Snow Creek, Snow Creek Canyon Road and PCT, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
Join a Friends’ volunteer docent on a hike on the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique to the Monument!
Moderate hike through desert wash, 300-foot elevation gain, 3.0-miles round trip. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Note: we will meet at the PCT on Snow Creek Canyon Road off Highway 111. Do not enter private residential area. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.89374, -116.68297

Tortoise Chat
2025-04-06 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-04-05 08:30 - 11:00 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 – 11am.
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.

Star Party at the Monument
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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. 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

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2025-04-05 09:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-15 09:00 - 15:30 UTC | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.

Sponsored by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Andreas Canyon Adaptive Sports Hike
2025-04-05 08:30 - 11:00 UTC | Indian Canyons, 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, 92264
Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a hike for persons with disabilities, their family, and friends in Indian Canyons.
We begin by crossing the bridge and hiking up the desert trail overlooking the oasis. At the top, we will hike down about 25 feet to the creek. We will hear the soothing sounds of the flowing water as we hike under the cool canopy of the trees looking for spring wildflowers. The adventures end with some archeological wonders of the Cahuilla people.
The trail is an easy 1-mile loop. Bring 2 liters of water per person, snacks, AND A PICNIC LUNCH, and your hiking poles. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. The entrance fee is payable at the gate.
REGISTER
For more information, contact Michael at mike@socaladaptivesports.org or 760-469-9207.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.76096, -116.54948

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-04-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-28 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-03-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy strolling the Ed Hastey Garden Walk led by Friends’ volunteer docent. It is a great introduction to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit our desert, and the value of urban conservation.
This short, easy walk is suitable for persons of all ages and abilities with a paved 3-foot-wide path. All topics are open for conversation such as climate change, ancestors of the Cahuilla, geology, and early history of the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Sorry, no dogs are allowed on this trail. Recommend one 1 liter of water per person, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Click here for map/UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-04-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-04-01 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-21 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-18 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 on the sidewalk adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 2-mile walk-about. This is truly a “jewel in the desert” location to be enjoyed.
Bring 1 liter of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
Note: We will meet in the parking lot on the right side of Desert Willow Drive just before entering the golf club. Map & UTM coordinates: 33.76560, -116.36554

Theilman Trail Hike
2025-04-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Theilman Trailhead aka Frank Bogert, Bogert Trail and Andreas Hills Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
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, the Santa Rosa mountains, and Little San Bernardino mountains. Along the way you will learn about the National Monument and some of the colorful local history of Palm Springs.
This 3.5-mile hike is rated strenuous with an elevation gain of 700 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
We will meet at the trailhead located off Bogert Trail and Andreas Hills Drive. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.765914, -116.524946

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-03-30 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WHO MADE THAT HOLE! As you walk the desert trails, have you noticed the holes and wondered who made them?
Explore the Randall Henderson Trail with our volunteer docent leaders to learn the difference between burrows and holes, and the importance of these to the delicate balance of the environment. We will be looking for clues as to the inhabitants as we hike the 3 loops/2.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered moderate.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-03-30 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WHO MADE THAT HOLE! As you walk the desert trails, have you noticed the holes and wondered who made them?
Explore the Randall Henderson Trail with our volunteer docent leaders to learn the difference between burrows and holes, and the importance of these to the delicate balance of the environment. We will be looking for clues as to the inhabitants as we hike the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 200 feet. This hike is considered easy.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Star Party in the Mountains
2025-03-29 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | 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. For more information call 760-862-9984.
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

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-03-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Earl Henderson Trail, Bogert Trail at Barona Rd, 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 is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
We will meet at the trailhead located off Bogert Trail at Barona Road. View map & UTM coordinates: 33.77621, -116.53132
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Birding Walk-About, Visitor Center
2025-03-24 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our experienced 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 on to the Ed Hastey Garden Walk (paved) and tortoise habitat areas. From the parking area, we will take a short walk to the Randall Henderson Trail to check out the lower sandy wash area where other birds may be found.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, sun hat, sunscreen, and camera. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
REGISTER
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-03-23 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY!
Hiking the Randall Henderson Trail makes the ideal place to talk about the Geology of the Coachella Valley. From the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, we have views of the San Bernadino, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. There is evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our Valley. A volunteer docent will lead the discussion while hiking along the 3 loops/2.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered moderate.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-03-23 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY!
Hiking the Randall Henderson Trail makes the ideal place to talk about the Geology of the Coachella Valley. From the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, we have views of the San Bernadino, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. There is evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our Valley.A volunteer docent will lead the discussion while hiking along the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 200 feet. This hike is considered easy.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Tortoise Walk and Talk
2025-03-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
The Randall Henderson Trail is habitat for the endangered desert tortoise. Meg, National Monument Park Ranger, will lead you on this 1-mile loop hike. You will learn many interesting tidbits as you search for the tortoises on the trail. At trails end, you will have the opportunity to visit with the National Monument’s desert tortoise ambassador at his enclosure.
The trail is in a sandy wash on uneven desert terrain and 2 feet wide. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited, must RSVP. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Hosted by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2025-03-18 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Blixseth Mountain Park, Mirage Road, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a nature walk in Rancho Mirage.

Join our Friends’ volunteer docents for an interactive nature conversation at Blixseth Mountain Park. As we walk along the paths we can talk geology and look for evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our land. Perhaps we can sit on one of the benches and discuss how the seeds of the beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the perfect combination of rain and warmth. Maybe we can spot evidence of animals and talk about how some of these critters will survive climate change. Or we can talk about questions or concerns you may have of the extraordinary ecology around us.
This is a leisurely ½ mile narrow path for persons with limited mobility, minimal elevation and dog-friendly. Bring 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.742715, -116.420995

South Lykken Trail at Mesquite Road
2025-03-18 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | South Lykken Trail at Mesquite, 500 East Mesquite Avenue, Palm Springs, California, 92264
This trail has everything you need in a hike: a good workout, phenomenal views, and wildlife. We will be hiking to the Desert Riders trail junction picnic area and the Simonetta Kennett Vista Point and listen for the calming sound of Tahquitz Canyon Falls.
The trail has a few steep switchbacks and is rocky in places with elevation gain about 750 feet to the flat meadow. We will be doing a total of 4 miles up and back. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
REGISTER
A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
You will need to park along Mesquite Avenue. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.80873,-116.55188

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-03-16 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF THE MONUMENT!
Explore the Randall Henderson Trail with a volunteer docent and learn about two of our federally threatened animals and the challenges they face in the ever-changing environment. Both play different, but equally important roles in the desert ecology. The docent will help you search for them as you hike along the 3 loops/2.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered moderate.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-03-16 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF THE MONUMENT!
Explore the Randall Henderson Trail with a volunteer docent and learn about two of our federally threatened animals and the challenges they face in the ever-changing environment. Both play different, but equally important roles in the desert ecology. The docent will help you search for them as you hike along the 3 loops/2.5 miles of trail.
This trail is in a sandy wash, and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain. The elevation gain is approximately 200 feet. This hike is considered easy.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Please note: we will meet in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains National Monument: A Living Laboratory
2025-03-15 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy lectures at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain National Monument Visitor Center.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument has been a living laboratory for scientific research even before the Monument was designated. Learn about some of the studies that have occurred over the years, as well as some of the research opportunities the public can participate in as a volunteer Community Scientist!
Space is limited, must RSVP. Reservations begin 14 days prior to event.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839
Hosted by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Palm Canyon to Indian Potrero Trail
2025-03-15 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | Indian Canyons, 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, 92264
Hike through the largest palm oasis in North America to Palm Canyon trail to Indian Potrero trail. We come to a beautiful meadow like area along the Palm Canyon Trail and returning the same way. Distance is 7.5 miles with 1400 feet elevation gain. Hike is considered strenuous.
We meet at Indian Canyons entrance station. Admission fee $12 Seniors $7. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
REGISTER
A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
View map/UTM Coordinates: 33.766634, -116.539081
