Desert Mountain

Yoga with a Ranger
2025-01-09 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-01-02 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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-01-09 08:00 - 09:30, 2025-01-03 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Calling All Birders!

Grab your binoculars and join a Friends volunteer docent birding expert to look for our feathered desert residents. In this unique urban area, we are still able to find a little native desert environment surrounded by local trees and shrubs that many of our feathered friends call home.
As you walk on the sidewalk adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 2-mile walk-about. This is truly a “jewel in the desert” location to be enjoyed.
Bring 1 liter of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
Note: We will meet in the parking lot on the right side of Desert Willow Drive just before entering the golf club. Map & UTM coordinates: 33.76560, -116.36554

Volunteer Only: Bighorn Sheep Recovery
2025-01-07 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Visit the Bighorn Institute!

Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. We have arranged a special trip to the Big Horn Institute. While there, Aimee Byard will share information on the Institute’s efforts to help the Big Horn recovery. This lecture is limited to 20 people. We will meet at the Friends office and head over from there.
Contact Dallas Willams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org
This event is for current volunteers only. To volunteer with us, go to https://www.desertmountains.org/become-a-volunteer/ to complete an application.

REGISTER

Araby Trail Hike
2025-01-07 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Araby Trailhead, Southridge Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument!

J. Smeaton Chase, an Englishman is credited with naming the Araby Trail. The hike begins with a continuous switchback ascent uphill. The trail climbs to the ridge, you will see historic homes and mansions. Great views of Palm Springs and the surrounding area may be seen. As the trail continues uphill, it gets steep in some places and offers great views of the mountains, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. 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 Highway 111 at Rim Road (Southridge Dr). View map/UTM coordinates: 33.79735, -116.51042

Birding Walk-About, Visitor Center
2025-01-06 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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. 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.

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-01-05 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Explore this popular trail on the National Monument

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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-01-05 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Explore this popular trail on the National Monument

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

Star Party at the Monument
2025-01-04 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join the Astronomical Society of the Desert to view the night sky through telescopes.

Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars.
This is a family event. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. For more information call 760-862-9984.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES CANCELS THIS EVENT.
Registration begins 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839

Randall Henderson Adaptive Sports Hike & Star Gazing
2025-01-04 15:30 - 17:30 UTC | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a hike for persons with disabilities on the Randall Henderson Trail. This trail is home to our endangered Desert Tortoise. Keep your eyes checking out the trail for moving rocks. We will enjoy trekking through a sandy wash into a short canyon then up the trail to the tortoise habitat and loop down through the cactus garden to the end of the trail.
The hike is easy and about 2 miles with an elevation gain of 250 feet. For our less mobile friends, you may enjoy a short roll around the paved Ed Hastey Walk behind the Visitor Center and sit on the patio to enjoy our many birds who call the desert home during the winter.
After the hike you can join our volunteer astronomers who will show you the moon and many stars that light up our night skies.
Bring snacks, 2 liters of water per person and your hiking poles. Wear close-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Register

For more information, contact Michael at mike@socaladaptivesports.org or 760-469-9207.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2025-01-04 09:00 - 15:30 UTC | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join us at our monthly Desert Mountains Art Fair! Mediums may include photography, paintings, ceramics, hand painted silks, and more.
Support local artists and find beautiful and unique gifts and desert mementos, all while enjoying the natural beauty of our desert mountains!
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.

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

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2024-12-31 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-12-24 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Earl Henderson Trail, Bogert Trail at Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Enjoy this easy hike along the hillside above Araby Wash. Explore the wonders of this critical habitat area to learn about the endangered Casey’s June Beetle and fire ecology in this sensitive habitat area. On our return loop, we will wander down into the wash to checkout a few desert plants. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail. This is an easy hiking trail. Distance will be about 3 miles. Elevation gain of 100 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required and you must bring your ticket with you for check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Space is limited. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
We will meet at the trailhead located off Bogert Trail at Barona Road. View map & U TM coordinates: 33.77621, -116.53132

Dead Indian Canyon Interpretative Hike
2024-12-29 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-26 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-22 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-19 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
2024-12-29 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-22 08:30 - 11:00, 2024-12-19 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

CANCELLED: Star Party in the Mountains
2024-12-28 17:00 - 21:00 UTC | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars.
This is a family event. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. For more information call 760-862-9984.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES AND HIGH WINDS CANCEL THIS EVENT.
View map & UTM coordinates for the Sawmill Parking Lot: 33.57995, -116.45056

Randall Henderson Trail Interpretative Hike
2024-12-28 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Explore this popular trail on the National Monument

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 loops of the trail approximately 2.5-miles round trip. The elevation gain is approximately 250 feet. This hike is considered easy. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required 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 in the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking area at the Visitor Center.
VIEW MAP at UTM coordinates: 33.670193, -116.406895
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Birding Walk-About, Visitor Center
2024-12-27 08:00 - 09:00, 2024-12-20 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

Carrizo Canyon Interpretative Hike - CANCELLED
2024-12-26 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!

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
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

Star Party at the Monument
2024-12-21 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join the Astronomical Society of the Desert to view the night sky through telescopes.

Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars.
This is a family event. Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. For more information call 760-862-9984.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES CANCELS THIS EVENT.
Registration begins 14 days prior to the event. A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Chuckwalla Trail Interpretative Hike
2024-12-21 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Explore this popular trail in Rancho Mirage.

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.
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: 33.771071, -116.448379
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Bear Creek Wash Trail Hike
2024-12-21 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cove Oasis Trailhead Parking Lot, Calle Tecate and Avenida Juarez, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Enjoy a hike in La Quinta Cove!

Join Friends’ volunteer docent for this interpretative hike up the Bear Creek Wash. During the hike we will have outstanding views of La Quinta Cove and the Santa Rosa Mountains and discuss the various geologic forces that formed these mountains and canyons. You will learn about 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.
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 over. This hike is rated as easy with 4 miles round-trip and an elevation gain of approximately 325 feet.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time. Ticket is required for check-in. 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.
We will meet at the Cove Oasis Trailhead Parking Lot, Calle Tecate and Avenida Juarez, La Quinta, CA 92253
View map at U TM coordinates: 33.64875, -116.31708

Theilman Trail Hike
2024-12-17 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
