Monumental Jeopardy: Fall Edition - Cancelled due to government shut down
2025-11-01 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
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.

Tortoise Chat and Storytime - Cancelled due to government shut down
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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-03 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-11-11 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.

Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2025-11-04 19:30 - 21:30 | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to their “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the night sky, occasionally we might see the international space station moving over the Coachella Valley.
This event is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.
Stop by any time between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the National Monument Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-11-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Grab your hiking boots and join Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a full moon hike on the lower portion of the Chuckwalla Trail. You will experience the views of our desert mountains in the amazing wash of moonlight and shadows, as well as the urban night lights of the Coachella Valley.
This is a family friendly easy 2-mile hike with 350 feet of elevation gain. The trail is narrow, 2 feet wide and has 1-steep incline with cobbled desert terrain. Bring 1-2 liters of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear close-toed shoes. No dogs allowed for this event.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Rancho Mirage-Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-11-05 19:15 - 20:15 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a full moon hike on the Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook trail loop. You will experience the views of our desert mountains in the amazing wash of moonlight and shadows, as well as the urban night lights of the Coachella Valley.
This is a family friendly easy 1-mile hike with 200 feet of elevation gain (approx. 1 hour duration). The trail is narrow, 2 feet wide and on cobbled desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear close-toed shoes. No dogs allowed for this event.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-11-06 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-09 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-13 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.
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.

Dead Indian Canyon Hike
2025-11-06 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-13 08:30 - 11:00 | 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 250 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring snacks and 1 liter 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.

Yoga with a Ranger (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-11-06 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.

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-11-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Strap on your hiking boots for a full moon hike on the first mile of the Indio Badlands Trail. As we embark on this hike, the moonlight casts enchanting shadows on the desert terrain. The sky will be brilliantly lit up for the desert creatures to be scurrying about.
This family-friendly adventure offers a manageable 2-mile out and back hike with minimal elevation gain. Bring your hiking poles for stability getting up to the ridge, and, of course, 1-2 liters of water for each family member.
The astronomers will set up their telescopes for star gazing, adding an extra layer of magic to your night experience in the desert.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
VIEW MAP/UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio
2025-11-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED – ESTE EVENTO HA SIDO CANCELADO
A Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomer will be setting up a telescope and is inviting you to a “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the night sky, occasionally we might see the international space station moving over the Coachella Valley.
This event is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.
Stop by any time between 7:00pm and 9:00pm.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
VIEW MAP/UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
———————————
Los astrónomos instalarán telescopios y lo invitan a una “fiesta de estrellas”. Un cielo nocturno despejado ofrece una exhibición de objetos fascinantes para ver: estrellas, constelaciones, planetas brillantes, una luna llena y, a veces, eventos especiales como lluvias de meteoritos o un eclipse. Mientras observamos el cielo nocturno, ocasionalmente podemos ver la estación espacial internacional moviéndose sobre el valle de Coachella.
Este evento es accesible en silla de ruedas con superficies de tierra compactada.
Visite en cualquier momento entre las 7:00 p.m. y las 9:00 p.m.
NOTA: CONSULTE EL CLIMA ANTES DE SALIR, ESTE EVENTO SE CANCELARÁ SI ESTA NUBLANDO, HAY VIENTO O LLUVIA.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/las coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends of the Desert Mountains al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.

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

CANCELLED: Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2025-11-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
ESTE EVENTO HA SIDO CANCELADO
Póngase las botas de montaña para una caminata bajo la luna llena en el sendero Indio Hills. Mientras nos embarcamos en esta caminata, la luz de la luna proyecta sombras encantadoras sobre el terreno desértico. El cielo estará brillantemente iluminado para que las criaturas del desierto puedan corretear.
Esta aventura familiar ofrece una caminata manejable de 2 millas ida y vuelta con un desnivel mínimo. Traiga sus bastones de senderismo para tener estabilidad al subir a la cresta y, por supuesto, mucha agua para cada miembro de la familia.
Los astrónomos instalarán sus telescopios para observar las estrellas, añadiendo un toque extra de magia a su experiencia nocturna en el desierto.
Se requiere confirmación. Regístrese 15 minutos antes de la hora de salida.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.
Las reservas de boletos comienzan una semana antes del evento y se publicará en ese momento. Su donación opcional no reembolsable no es un boleto para asistir.

Skeleton Canyon Hike
2025-11-07 09:00 - 12:30 | Box Canyon and Painted Canyon Roads, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
Join us for a hike into the Mecca Wilderness in the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 3.5 to 4.5 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet.
Experience walking along the San Andreas Fault network and see and touch red fault gorge covered hills as we hike through the Skeleton Canyon wash. We will be surrounded by the Mecca Hills and have opportunities to explore smaller canyons and even a slot canyon during this hike. With some luck we will have wildflowers blooming in the canyons.
This is not your typical Coachella Valley hike so do not miss the opportunity to experience the amazing Mecca Wilderness. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring 3 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
NOTE: We will meet at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd and Painted Canyon Rd and caravan to the trailhead. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.575860, -115.996090
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.

Public Lands Day, Monumental Clean-up at SRSJMN Monument Visitor Center (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-11-08 08:00 - 12:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Show your love and support of public lands by going outdoors and helping with some maintenance around the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Help with planting new native plants along with other maintenance.
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.
Please Register.

Tortoise Chat (cancelled if government shut down)
2025-11-09 08:30 - 11:30 | 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.
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.

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-11-11 09:00 - 12:00 | Araby Wash Parking Area, S. Araby Drive in Araby Wash, 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 on South Araby Dr. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.794641, -116.514338
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.

Friends & Champions
2025-11-12 16:30 - 20:00 | SilverRock Park, 51900 Silverrock Way, La Quinta, CA, 92253
Join us for a light-hearted evening benefiting Friends’ wonderful programs and connecting people to the land.
Friends & Champions is the annual fundraiser of Friends of the Desert Mountains. In early November, we gather 300+ attendees outdoors at exciting locations to celebrate and honor our “Friends and Champions” – those who inspire our work and lift us up.
Through sponsorships, ticket sales, live and silent auctions, and a focused “Fund-Our-Mission” paddle raise, in one night Friends aims to raise funds to support our annual operations expenses.
Live and silent auctions with something for everyone!
VIEW ALL DETAILS HERE

CANCELLED: VOLUNTEER ONLY - Skeleton Canyon Hike
2025-11-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Box Canyon and Painted Canyon Roads, Box Canyon Road and Painted Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

VOLUNTEERS! We will be hiking into the Mecca Wilderness in the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 3.5 to 4.5 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet.
Experience walking along the San Andreas Fault network and see and touch red fault gorge covered hills as we hike through the Skeleton Canyon wash. We will be surrounded by the Mecca Hills and have opportunities to explore smaller canyons and even a slot canyon during this hike. With some luck we will have wildflowers blooming in the canyons.
This is not your typical Coachella Valley hike so do not miss the opportunity to experience the amazing Mecca Wilderness. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring 3 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
NOTE: We will meet at the intersection of Box Canyon Rd and Painted Canyon Rd and caravan to the trailhead. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.575860, -115.996090
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.

YOU MUST BE A CURRENT VOLUNTEER TO ATTEND.

CANCELLED: Yoga with a Ranger
2025-11-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

Bear Creek Wash Hike
2025-11-14 08:30 - 12:30 | 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.
