Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-02-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy strolling the Ed Hastey Garden Walk led by Friends’ volunteer docent. It is a great introduction to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit our desert, and the value of urban conservation.
This short, easy walk is suitable for persons of all ages and abilities with a paved 3-foot-wide path. All topics are open for conversation such as climate change, ancestors of the Cahuilla, geology, and early history of the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Sorry, no dogs are allowed on this trail. Recommend one 1 liter of water per person, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
REGISTER
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.
Click here for map/UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839

CANCELLED - VOLUNTEER ONLY: Boyd Deep Canyon Field Day
2025-02-21 13:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT.

Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. We have arranged a special trip to the Boyd Deep Canyon. While there we will have a rare opportunity to hike and explore the canyon.
This lecture is limited to 20 people.
We will meet at the Friends office and head over from there.
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.

2025 Wildflower Trail Run/Walk
2025-02-22 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa-San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51-500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Families and friends, come out and start your day with a TRAIL RUN/WALK on the Randall Henderson Trail on Saturday, February 22. Registration begins at 7:30 AM, Trail Run/Walk starts at 8:00 AM. All ages are welcome!
This family fun event is about experiencing nature at its best, with beautiful spring wildflowers and breathtaking views of the Santa Rosa mountains. Friends of the Desert Mountains is celebrating 38 years of conservation in the Coachella Valley and your participation will help us continue saving our desert. Recommend trail running shoes or hiking boots for this 2.5 miles run/walk. Sorry no dogs or strollers are allowed on the trail.
Entrance fee is $35.00 per person and includes a t-shirt. Age 12 and under, there is NO registration fee or t-shirt. Register early. Cancellation policy: notice must be received by February 15th for refund.
RSVP required. Online sign-ups end at 12:00 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025.
For more information call: 760-568-9918.
NOTE: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead.
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Star Party in the Mountains
2025-02-22 18:00 - 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 Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-02-23 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

WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT?
Not every year in the desert produces a super bloom. So how do the seeds of these beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the combination of rain and warmth? A volunteer docent will talk about the seed bank, the differences between annuals and perennials, and some of the extraordinary adaptations of the wildflowers, as you hike along 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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-02-23 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

WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT?
Not every year in the desert produces a super bloom. So how do the seeds of these beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the combination of rain and warmth? A volunteer docent will talk about the seed bank, the differences between annuals and perennials, and some of the extraordinary adaptations of the wildflowers, as you hike along 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

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-02-24 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-07 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 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

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-02-25 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 & UTM coordinates: 33.77621, -116.53132
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Willis Palms - West Mesa Trail Hike
2025-02-26 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Willis Palm Trailhead, 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Thousand Palms, CA, 92276, United States
Join Susan and Steve this spring as they explore the different Preserves that surround the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This trail in the Coachella Valley Preserve/Thousand Palms Preserve is rated as easy with a hike distance of 2 miles and an elevation gain of 200 feet.
We will explore the desert wash of the West Mesa Trail and then continue our hike through the Willis Palms Oasis. During the hike, we will highlight the different plants that populate these two habitats. We will also discuss the role that earthquake faults play in creating the microecosystem of the fan palm oasis; how this oasis was almost destroyed by a wildfire; and the role the Preserve plays in protecting the flora and fauna of the region.
Bring snacks, 2 liters of water per person and your hiking poles. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. 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.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.822404, -116.323454
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Mecca Aster Canyon Hike
2025-02-28 08:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 Chuckwalla National Monument. On this hike we will walk through a wash full of amazing geology with colors that you will not see elsewhere. We will explore an impressive slot canyon with walls towering over our head and then return to the main canyon to continue exploring. With some luck, we will see some Mecca asters.
This hike is classified as easy with a distance of 3 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. 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
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Wildflower Walks at the Monument
2025-03-01 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Friends’ volunteers are celebrating our annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. We will be walking on the paved Ed Hastey Garden Trail enjoying a conversation about the various native plants in the Monument, and where the wildflowers may be hiding this spring.
It is highly suggested you wear close-toed shoes, sun hat, sun screen and bring water. Sorry, no dogs allowed.
RSVP is suggested as group size is limited. Arrive 15 minutes prior to start time for check-in. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
We have 45 minute walks leaving every 15 minutes – sign up for the time your prefer.
RSVP 9:00am Walk
RSVP 9:15am Walk
RSVP 9:30am Walk
SOLD OUT – 9:45am Walk
SOLD OUT – 10:00am Walk
SOLD OUT – 10:15am Walk
RSVP 10:30am Walk
RSVP 10:45am Walk
RSVP 11:00am Walk
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 at 760-568-9918.

The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival
2025-03-01 09:00 - 16:00 UTC | Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join us for the 18th annual Coachella Valley Wildflower.
Wildflower Festival is a free day-long event featuring skilled local artisans, shopping and information booths, enchanting wildflower displays, an exciting raffle, fun times and live music on the 1st Saturday in March. Our huge interactive Kids’ Zone and “Naturally Inspired” youth art contest brings families from all over Coachella Valley. Local food trucks and beverage concessions will be available along with a beer and wine garden for adults.
This FREE event is great for all ages and helps promote education, environmental stewardship, land conservancy, and an appreciation of our fine Desert Mountains.
For more information call 760-568-9918.

Red Dome Trail Hike
2025-03-04 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
The Red Dome trail is in the Sand to Snow National Monument and part of the historic Pacific Crest Trail. The Friends’ docent will discuss how recent rain events and snow melt has changed the river bed.
As we leave the ranger station, we will follow the trail and crossing the river and head North to reach Red Dome hill. The area is great for birding and quiet solitude. The trail is an out and back approximately 4.5 miles with elevation gain of +/- 400 feet. Trail is considered moderate. Trail is dog friendly if on leash.
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.
REGISTER
A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.98914, -116.65609

Mission Creek Preserve Hike
2025-03-05 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Mission Creek Preserve, 61598-61548 Mission Creek Road, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
Grab your hiking poles and join a Friends’ volunteer docent for the Mission Creek Preserve trail. This trail is in the Sand to Snow National Monument created in 2015.
We will trek along a riparian area and anticipate seeing an area lush with spring wildflowers. Along the way you may see wonderful views of San Jacinto Mountain and San Gorgonio Mountain. You will learn early 20th century history of ranching and tourism in the area. This 3.5-mile hike is rated easy with an elevation gain of 125 feet.
This trail is friendly to dogs on a leash. 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. 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.
View map/UTM coordinates: 34.000769, -116.612462
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Yoga with a Ranger
2025-03-06 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 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.

Lecture: Water in the Coachella Valley
2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Rancho Mirage Library, 71100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Friends of the Desert Mountains Director of Education Oscar Ortiz will be delivering a presentation that discusses where our water comes from and how our water is used in the Coachella Valley. He will discuss topics such as the Salton Sea, the Colorado River, the underground aquifer, and how we interact with these systems during a time of unprecedented drought.
No reservations required for this free lecture.
For more information 760-568-9918.
Hosted by the Rancho Mirage Library. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Mecca Aster Canyon Hike
2025-03-07 08:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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 Chuckwalla National Monument. On this hike we will walk through a wash full of amazing geology with colors that you will not see elsewhere. We will explore an impressive slot canyon with walls towering over our head and then return to the main canyon to continue exploring. With some luck, we will see some Mecca asters.
This hike is classified as easy with a distance of 3 miles and an elevation gain of over 300 feet. Bring 2 liters of water, a snack to enjoy, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Ticket reservations begin 14 days prior to the event.
REGISTER
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
Sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains. Visit our website at www.DesertMountains.org

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-03-07 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy strolling the Ed Hastey Garden Walk led by Friends’ volunteer docent. It is a great introduction to learn about native plants and animals that inhabit our desert, and the value of urban conservation.
This short, easy walk is suitable for persons of all ages and abilities with a paved 3-foot-wide path. All topics are open for conversation such as climate change, ancestors of the Cahuilla, geology, and early history of the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Sorry, no dogs are allowed on this trail. Recommend one 1 liter of water per person, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP 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.
Click here for map/UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839

Mission Creek Preserve Adaptive Sports Hike
2025-03-08 08:30 - 11:00 UTC | Mission Creek Preserve, 61598-61548 Mission Creek Road, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a hike for persons with disabilities, their family, and friends on this wheelchair assessable hike.
This time, we will meet at the gate and drive to the Stone House. From the picnic area we will start hiking to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). We will be hiking through creosote shrub, other chaparral with lots of spring wildflowers. AND your furry, 4-legged buddy is welcome to come along.
The trail is easy and 2 miles out and back. Bring 2 liters of water per person, snacks, AND A PICNIC LUNCH, your hiking poles and wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
REGISTER
For more information, contact Michael at mike@socaladaptivesports.org or 760-469-9207.
View map/UTM coordinates: 34.000769, -116.612462

Volunteer Orientation
2025-03-08 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
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.

Returning Volunteer Agreement Signing + Updates
2025-03-08 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
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.

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-03-09 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT?
Not every year in the desert produces a super bloom. So how do the seeds of these beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the combination of rain and warmth? A volunteer docent will talk about the seed bank, the differences between annuals and perennials, and some of the extraordinary adaptations of the wildflowers, as you hike along 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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-03-09 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT?
Not every year in the desert produces a super bloom. So how do the seeds of these beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the combination of rain and warmth? A volunteer docent will talk about the seed bank, the differences between annuals and perennials, and some of the extraordinary adaptations of the wildflowers, as you hike along 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

Volunteer Appreciation
2025-03-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
You and a guest are cordially invited to gather with all your fellow volunteers, Friends staff and board members in celebration and appreciation of your many accomplishments during the past few seasons. Please join us for a meal and awards presentation (of course, the raffle). Thank you for all that you do!
Meet on the Friends patio. RSVP below. Please indicate if you will be bringing a guest and provide their name.
REGISTER
Questions? Contact Dallas Williams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org

VOLUNTEERS ONLY: Boyd Deep Canyon Field Day
2025-03-11 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. We have arranged a special trip to the Boyd Deep Canyon. While there we will have a rare opportunity to hike and explore the canyon. This trail involves hiking off-trail in a sandy wash and some light boulder scrambling.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
This event is limited to 15 people.
We will meet at the Friends office at 8am and head over from there.
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/volunteer-application/ to complete an application and read the handbook describing all our opportunities.

Pacific Crest Trail at Snow Creek
2025-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pacific Crest Trail Snow Creek, Snow Creek Canyon Road and PCT, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
Join a Friends’ volunteer docent on a hike on the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique to the Monument!
Moderate hike through desert wash, 300-foot elevation gain, 3.0-miles round trip. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
RSVP is required. 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.
Note: we will meet at the PCT on Snow Creek Canyon Road off Highway 111. Do not enter private residential area. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.89374, -116.68297

CANCELLED - VOLUNTEER ONLY: Geology of the Desert
2025-03-11 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Friends of the Desert Mountains Conference Room, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. Join speaker Joe Migliore and learn the fascinating geology of the Coachella Valley.
Questions? 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.

CANCELLED: Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-03-12 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
DUE TO RAIN THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
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
