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:

Tortoise Chat (cancelled during government shut-down)
2025-10-12 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-18 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-19 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-25 08:30 - 09:30, 2025-10-26 08:30 - 09:30 | 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.

Native Planting Lecture at the Cathedral City Library
2025-10-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Cathedral City Library, 33520 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA, 92234, 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.

Lecture: Native Planting in the Coachella Valley
2025-10-16 14:00 - 15:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.

Native Planting Lecture at Jerry Rummonds’ Community & Senior Center
2025-10-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Jerry Rummonds’ Community & Senior Center, 87229 Church Street, Thermal, CA, 92274, United States

25th Anniversary Hike - SRSJM National Monument (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-10-24 08:30 - 13:00 | Pacific Crest Trail Snow Creek, Snow Creek Canyon Road and PCT, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Come out to celebrate the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument 25th anniversary with a special hike lead by the Monument Manager.
Join us for a hike on the spectacular Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique to the Monument! This is a moderate hike through desert wash, 300-foot elevation gain, 5-miles round trip. Bring 2 liters of water, snack, sun protection.
Meet at Pacific Crest Trail, about a mile south on Snow Creek Road off Highway 111 west of Windy Point near the Interstate 10 and Highway 111 intersection. Do Not enter the private residential area. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
Click here to view map/UTM coordinates for trailhead location: 33.89374, -116.68297
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.

Magnesia Springs Canyon Hike
2025-10-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Blixseth Mountain Park paved parking lot, 71231 Mirage Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join our volunteers for a unique hiking experience in the Magnesia Spring Ecological Canyon trail. This canyon is only open Oct-Nov-Dec as it is home to the endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep.
We begin our trek from Blixseth Park to the canyon. At the canyon entrance you will begin hiking a series of dry waterfalls. The second waterfall is approximately 50 feet high. At this point you may choose to return or continue the trail. Once atop the waterfall you will find much smaller ones to traverse to the back of the canyon. The dramatic canyon walls tell their own story of how rain events have shaped our mountains and canyons over the millennia of time.
This trail is an out and back trail approximately 4 miles. Sorry no dogs allowed on this trail.
Wear sturdy closed toed hiking boots, long pants, sun hat, and sunscreen. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
We will meet in the Blixseth Mountain Park paved parking lot. View map/UTM coordinates directions for location: 33.742407, -116.420214
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.

The Amazing World of Bats (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-10-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Celebrate Bat Week and learn about one of the most amazing mammals on the planet…BATS! These critters are incredible wonders of nature that represent nearly a quarter of all species on the planet.
Come to learn about local bat species, the important role they play in keeping our ecosystems thriving and healthy, and much more!
View map for Visitor Center at UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 768-568-9918 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.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-10-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. This trail is in a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the canyon narrows there will be some rocks and small boulders to hike around and step over.
Hike rating is easy, approximately 3 miles round trip. Elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring snacks and 2 liters of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Native Planting Lecture at Desert Recreation District Indio Community Center
2025-10-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Desert Recreation District Indio Community Center, 45871 Clinton Street, Indio, 92201, United States

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-10-30 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-02 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Carrizo Canyon is open October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert. This trail is in a sandy wash with uneven terrain. As the canyon narrows there will be some rocks and small boulders to hike around and step over.
Hike rating is easy, approximately 3 miles round trip. Elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring snacks and 2 liters of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Dead Indian Canyon Interpretative Hike
2025-10-30 08:30 - 10:30 | 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.

Willis Palms Oasis Loop Trail
2025-10-31 08:30 - 12:30 | Willis Palm Trailhead, 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms, CA, 92276, United States
You will be hiking on the San Andreas fault and experiencing all the beauty and adventure it delivers on this unique trail. During the hike we will discuss the incredible biodiversity as we explore 3 different desert habitats; examine the complex geology in and around the oasis and hike through the middle of the 4th largest desert oasis in the Coachella Valley.The hike is a 4.7 mile loop trail with over 500 feet of elevation gain.
Bring snacks, 2 liters of water per person and your hiking poles. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.822404, -116.323454
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Tortoise Chat and Storytime - Cancelled due to government shut down
2025-11-01 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-02 08:30 - 11:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Come visit our adopted desert tortoise and get answers to your questions about our charming state reptile.
We will also be hosting a story time nearby and reading the bi-lingual book, “The Tortoise and the Jackrabbit”; the first 70 visitors each day will even get a free copy of the book to take home in honor of Desert Tortoise Week.
Bring 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes. We will be meeting at the Desert Tortoise Enclosure.
View map/UTM coordinates for 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.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.
NO RSVP REQUIRED.

Desert Mountains Art Fair - Cancelled due to government shut down
2025-11-01 09:00 - 15:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
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.

Monumental Jeopardy: Fall Edition - Cancelled due to government shut down
2025-11-01 10:30 - 12:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Celebrate the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument’s 25th with this fun and interactive program to learn and test your knowledge on this special place here in the Coachella Valley.
Each season brings a new set of trivia questions that highlights all the Resources, Objectives and Values that this Monument was designated for. How well do you think you know the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument?
RSVP required as space is limited to 40 participants.
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.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event.

Bat Walk Night Adventure - Cancelled due to government shut down
2025-11-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
IF THE GOVERNMENT IS SHUT-DOWN, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Be a Bat Hero, Super Hero Bat Walk! Explore the desert and learn about the super powers of bats! We will be checking the desert for all creatures large and small.
Bring a flashlight, a blacklight (if you have one) and water for an easy walk. The best super hero bat costume gets a prize!
Easy hike through desert wash, 20 feet elevation gain, 1-mile round trip.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited, must RSVP.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984
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. Click here for map/UTM coordinates: 33.66797, -116.40766
Hosted by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.
Reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-03 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.

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-11-04 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
We will meet at the trailhead located off Bogert Trail at Barona Road. View map & UTM coordinates: 33.77621, -116.53132
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Volunteer Lecture Series: CVAG Trail History & Our Valley
2025-11-04 13:30 - 14:30 | Family YMCA of the Desert, 43930 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join us for an engaging talk with Tony Quiroz from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). He will discuss the history of trails in the Coachella Valley, current trail projects, and the important work CVAG does in our community. This meeting is for volunteers only and space is limited!
You must be a current volunteer to attend. Registration required.
We will meet at the Family YMCA of the Desert, view map.
Questions? Contact Allison at astrong@desertmountains.org

La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2025-11-04 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.
