Desert Mountain

Tortoise Chat
2026-04-11 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 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 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
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.

New Volunteer Orientation
2026-04-11 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 - Yoga with a Ranger
2026-04-09 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.

Volunteer Lecture Series: Cultural Awareness & Respectful Engagement on Cahuilla Lands
2026-04-07 13:30 - 14:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
This interactive workshop given by Friends’ Board Member Sienna Thomas invites participants to deepen their understanding of the cultural landscape of the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert regions — lands that have been home to the Cahuilla people since time immemorial.
As volunteers and educators who guide visitors through these landscapes, we have an opportunity and responsibility to share information in ways that are respectful, accurate, and mindful of the living cultures connected to this land.
During this session, participants will explore practical ways to incorporate Cahuilla history and perspectives into guided hikes and educational programs while maintaining cultural respect and awareness.
Topics will include:
• Understanding the purpose and limitations of land acknowledgements
• Recognizing the desert as a cultural landscape, not just a natural one
• Ways to appropriately reference Cahuilla people, history, and presence during hikes and programs
• How to avoid stereotypes, outdated language, and common misconceptions
• Respectful approaches when discussing cultural sites, sacred places, and traditional practices
• Understanding that not all knowledge is meant to be shared publicly
• Strategies for responding thoughtfully to visitor questions about Indigenous culture
• Building stronger relationships with local tribal communities
• The role volunteers can play in supporting respectful interpretation of the land
Participants will also engage in guided discussion and reflection about how cultural awareness strengthens outdoor education and helps create welcoming spaces for tribal youth, community members, and visitors from diverse backgrounds.
This session will include time for questions, discussion, and shared learning.
The lecture will be held in the Friends’ Conference Room.
You must be a current volunteer to attend.
Questions? Contact Allison at astrong@desertmountains.org

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-04-06 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.

Junior Ranger Day at the National Monument
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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 at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2026-04-04 09:00 - 15:30 | 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 or Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
Sponsored by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Tortoise Chat
2026-04-04 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-28 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-21 08:30 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 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 – 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.

Yoga with a Ranger
2026-04-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

Snow Creek PCT Trail Hike
2026-03-31 09:00 - 12:00 | 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. Trail is of moderate difficulty. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. . Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event. Bring 3 liters of water (102 ounces) and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
NOTE: we will meet at the PCT on Snow Creek Canyon Road off Highway 111. View this map/UTM coordinates: 33.89374, -116.68297
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.

Geology of the Coachella Valley: Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-03-29 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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 the trail.
Hike rating is easy for both the 3 loops/2.5 miles OR the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail. Elevation gain for the 3 loops is 350 feet. While elevation gain for 2 loops is 250 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 is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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 Walk and Talk
2026-03-28 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.
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.
REGISTER HERE

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 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.

Bear Creek Wash Hike
2026-03-27 08:00 - 11:30 | 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.

Sunset Yoga with a Ranger
2026-03-26 18:30 - 19:30 | 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 a sunset fun yoga flow for all skill levels. Relax as the sun sets and stars emerge, flowing through gentle outdoor yoga to unwind and connect with nature 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 - Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-03-26 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our Friends’ volunteer docent will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! You will see excellent views of the Coachella Valley and learn the history of the area. You will see many unique desert plants and learn how they survive the long hot summers. There are lizards and animals on the trail including a chance to see the endangered desert tortoises. This trail is in a sandy wash and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain.
We will hike all 3 loops of the trail approximately 2.5-miles round trip. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered easy. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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.

Cancelled - Art Smith Trail Hike
2026-03-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! You will have excellent views of the Coachella Valley and learn some of the local history. You will see many unique desert plants and learn how they survive the long hot summers. There are lizards and animals on the trail including a chance to see the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep with one of their newborn lambs.
The trail is about 2 feet wide with some cobble. The distance may be 3-4 miles with elevation gain of 500 to 950 feet. This hike is considered strenuous as there are a few steep inclines. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear closed-toed hiking boots, a sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Blixseth Mountain Park, Mirage Road, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join our Friends’ volunteer docents for a nature walk in Blixseth Mountain Park. The Park features both native and non-native desert landscape, a wide walking path with benches for observing desert vistas, plants, and mountains. We will share fun facts about desert flora and fauna as well as interesting information about the Native Cahuilla people.
This is a leisurely 1.0 mile wide walking path for persons with limited mobility. There is no elevation gain and little shade. This path is friendly to dogs on a leash. Bring 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.742715, -116.420995
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 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

North Lykken Trail Hike
2026-03-24 08:00 - 11:00 | North Lykken Trailhead, West Ramon Road and South La Mirada Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
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. Take a moment to enjoy the quiet 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 4.0 miles up-and-back.
Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
NOTE: we will be parking along West Ramon Road and South La Mirada Road. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.815919, -116.555897
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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-03-24 08:00 - 10:00 | 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.

Endangered Animals of the Monument: Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-03-22 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.
Hike rating is easy for both the 3 loops/2.5 miles OR the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail. Elevation gain for the 3 loops is 350 feet. While elevation gain for 2 loops is 250 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 is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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.

Star Party at the Monument
2026-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | 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.
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.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-598-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested nonrefundable 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.

Astronomical Society of the Desert Lecture: Astronomical Fun
2026-03-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Portola Community Center, 45480 Portola Ave, =, Palm Desert, Palm Desert, 92260, United States
Dr. Stephenie Slahor is a lawyer, writer, lecturer, and professor. Astronomy has some heady, serious, puzzling, and mysterious topics that we’ve heard about from our prior speakers this year. But enough of that for now! There is also a fun, curious, and amusing side of astronomy, and that’s where we’ll land tonight. Dr. Stephenie Slahor will talk about “Astronomical Fun!”
This free event will be held at the Portola Community Center, 45-480 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, 92260. No RSVP required. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments and the talk begins at 7:00 pm. Open to all ages.
Presented by the Astronomical Society of the Desert.

Ed Hastey Garden Walk - Start Time Changed to 9am
2026-03-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

Cancelled - Mission Creek Preserve to Whitewater Preserve Hike
2026-03-20 07:00 - 15:00 | Sam’s Club Parking Lot, 34220 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA, 92211, United States
Join us for a special event guided, point-to-point hike from Mission Creek Preserve to Whitewater Preserve. This moderate to moderately strenuous hike covers 6.5 miles with approximately 850 feet of elevation gain.
Starting at the Mission Creek Stone House, we will follow the West Fork Trail, gaining over 600 feet at a steady, gradual pace before connecting with the Pacific Crest Trail. An additional 150-foot climb on the PCT brings us to a scenic overlook of Whitewater Canyon, after which the route descends steadily to Whitewater Preserve. Along the way, we will navigate several crossings of the Whitewater River. Friends’ hike leaders will monitor water levels in advance and provide updates prior to the hike.
No dogs allowed. Please bring 3 liters of water, salty snacks, and lunch. Wear hiking boots, a hat, and sunscreen; hiking poles are recommended. Suggest you bring a light weight jacket or windbreaker.
A $65.00 fee per person is required to cover bus transportation. The bus will transport participants to Mission Creek Preserve. Approximately 2:00 PM the bus will meet us at Whitewater Preserve for the return trip.
RSVP required by Wednesday, March 18. Meet at 7:00 AM for an on-time departure at 7:15 AM. Cancellation policy: notice must be received prior to March 14 for a refund.
We will meet in the Sam’s Club parking lot. View map for directions to the meeting location: 33.80072, -116.38642
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.

CANCELLED - Due to Heat Advisory Warnings - Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-03-19 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our Friends’ volunteer docent will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! You will see excellent views of the Coachella Valley and learn the history of the area. You will see many unique desert plants and learn how they survive the long hot summers. There are lizards and animals on the trail including a chance to see the endangered desert tortoises. This trail is in a sandy wash and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain.
We will hike all 3 loops of the trail approximately 2.5-miles round trip. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered easy. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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 - Chuckwalla Trail Hike
2026-03-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
This trail meanders through the rolling foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains above Rancho Mirage and Cathedral Canyon. You may see a few wildflowers along the trail. There are many other unique desert plants. You will learn about their adaptations to the desert and summertime survival techniques. Our volunteer docents will share information about the National Monument and some local history.
This trail is friendly to dogs on a leash. The distance is 3 miles on a 2 feet wide trail with cobble desert terrain and an elevation gain of 400 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
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.
