Desert Mountain

Dead Indian Canyon Interpretative Hike
2024-12-19 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-12 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-08 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Art Smith Trailhead, MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
This bighorn sheep habitat is only open 3 months a year!

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 liter of water per person. Wear close-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. 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 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 at coordinates: 33.667957, -116.407666
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Carrizo Canyon Interpretative Hike
2024-12-19 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-12 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-08 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Art Smith Trailhead, MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
This bighorn sheep habitat is only open 3 months a year!

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 300 feet. Bring snacks and 2 liters of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for 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.
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 at coordinates: 33.667957, -116.407666
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Theilman Trail Hike
2024-12-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-10 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/U TM coordinates: 33.765914, -116.524946

Birding Walk-About, Visitor Center
2024-12-16 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-12-13 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Calling All Birders!

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 and you must bring your ticket with you for 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.
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Rancho Mirage-Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook Trail Full Moon Hike - 7:30p
2024-12-15 19:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Experience the desert in the moonlight!

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.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time. Ticket is required for check-in. Ticket reservations begin 7 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 U TM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379

Rancho Mirage-Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook Trail Full Moon Hike - 7:15p
2024-12-15 19:15 - 20:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States

Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2024-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Experience the desert in the moonlight!

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.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time. Ticket is required for check-in. Ticket reservations begin 7 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 U TM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike - 7:45p Group
2024-12-14 19:45 - 21:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Experience the desert in the moonlight!

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 and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 7 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 Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386

Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2024-12-14 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Nuestros voluntarios lo llevarán en una caminata a la luz de la luna a través de las tierras baldías de Indio.

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.
Es necesario confirmar su asistencia y debe traer su boleto para registrarse 15 minutos antes de la hora de inicio. Las reservas de entradas comienzan 7 días antes del evento. Se agradece y alienta una donación no reembolsable sugerida de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends al 760-568-9918.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike - 7:15p Group
2024-12-14 19:15 - 21:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States

Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - Vistazo de estrellas en Indio
2024-12-14 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Join us to view the night sky through telescopes. Únase a nosotros para ver el cielo nocturno a través de telescopios.

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.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs. Ticket reservations begin 7 days prior to the event.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
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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.
Se agradece y alienta una donación no reembolsable sugerida de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas de voluntariado. Las reservas de boletos comienzan 7 días antes del evento.
NOTA: CONSULTE EL CLIMA ANTES DE SALIR, ESTE EVENTO SE CANCELARÁ SI ESTA NUBLANDO, HAY VIENTO O LLUVIA.
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends of the Desert Mountains al 760-568-9918.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/las coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike - 7pm Group
2024-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States

Returning Volunteer Agreement Signing + Updates
2024-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Orientation for returning volunteers

We need RETURNING volunteers (those who have attended a general volunteer orientation) to attend ONE session this year and sign new BLM volunteer agreements. Please attend one of these sessions to continue your great work with our organization.
Questions? Contact Dallas Williams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org
To learn more about volunteering with us, go to www.DesertMountains.org/portal to complete an application and read the handbook describing all our opportunities.

Volunteer Orientation
2024-12-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Orientation for new volunteers

We need ALL volunteers (that are new or have not attended an orientation in the prior season) to attend orientation and sign paperwork. If you have not already attended a general volunteer orientation this season, please attend one of these sessions to begin or continue your great work with our organization.
RETURNING VOLUNTEERS WHO ATTENDED AN ORIENTATION LAST SEASON, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE RETURNING VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT SIGNING INSTEAD.
Questions? Contact Dallas Willams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.
To learn more about volunteering with us, go to www.DesertMountains.org/portal to complete an application and read the handbook describing all our opportunities.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2024-12-14 08:30 - 10:00 (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 a nature walk in Blixseth Mountain Park. The Park features native desert landscape, walking paths and benches for observing desert vistas, plants and geography. 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 narrow walking path on uneven terrain with 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 and you must bring your ticket with you for 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

Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2024-12-13 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Join us to view the night sky through telescopes.

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.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs. Ticket reservations begin 7 days prior to the event.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
View map at U TM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324

La Quinta Full Moon Hike - 7:30p Group
2024-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Experience the desert in the moonlight!

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.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time. Ticket is required for check-in. Ticket reservations begin 7 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 U TM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324

La Quinta Full Moon Hike - 7:15p Group
2024-12-13 19:15 - 21:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States

La Quinta Full Moon Hike - 7pm Group
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States

Friends & Volunteers Holiday Party
2024-12-12 16:00 - 19:00 UTC | CA
Join Friends staff, VC staff, board members and volunteers to celebrate the holiday season. We are ready to enjoy some delicious food, holiday games and camaraderie with a great group of friends.
Bring a dish or dessert to share – drinks will be provided by Friends. Purchase a unisex gift for $20 to participate in the Christmas gift exchange game.
PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE MEETING AT A NEW LOCATION – CASA CODY IN PALM SPRINGS.
Questions? Contact Dallas Willams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.

REGISTER

Yoga with a Ranger
2024-12-12 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
Join a park ranger for yoga at a National Monument!

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.
Reservations required and must bring ticket with you at check-in. Reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
For more information call 760-862-9984.
UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center are 33.67149, -116.40839
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Painted Canyon Hike
2024-12-11 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Box Canyon and Painted Canyon Roads, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a guided hike in the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument.

Join us for a Family Friendly Interpretive Walk in the Painted Canyon found in the Mecca Wilderness and the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument. We will walk up a canyon full of amazing geology with colors that you will not see elsewhere, before returning the way we came.
This is not to be confused with the Ladders Hike. This is an in-and-out walk, classified as easy with a distance of 2 miles and an elevation gain of about 200 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, 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. 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 Friends at 760-568-9918.
NOTE: We will meet at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd and Painted Canyon Rd and caravan to the trailhead.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.575860, -115.996090

VOLUNTEER ONLY: Birds of the Coachella Valley
2024-12-10 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains Conference Room, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy lectures to enhance your knowledge and share with the public.

Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. Kurt Leuschner is a Professor of Natural Resources at College of the Desert. Kurt has extensive experience abroad and domestic and will be talking about birds found on the local areas throughout the valley.
Questions? Contact Dallas Willams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.
REGISTER
This event is for current volunteers only. To volunteer with us, go to https://www.desertmountains.org/become-a-volunteer/ to complete an application.

A Monument in Your Backyard - An Overview of the SRSJM National Monument
2024-12-07 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.

Ready, set, explore! The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a national treasure with over 280 miles of designated trails, geological wonders, thousands of plant and animal species and a living laboratory for various scientific studies.
Embark on a visual journey of the Monument while learning more about the biological, cultural, geological, recreational, educational and scientific values it was designated for.
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.
