CANCELLED: Tortoise Chat
2025-11-15 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-16 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-22 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-23 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-29 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-30 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN 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.
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.

CANCELLED: Star Party in the Mountains
2025-11-15 17:00 - 21:00 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

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.
For more information call 760-862-9984. RSVP is not required.
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

CANCELLED: Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-11-16 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.

Birding Walk-About at the Monument
2025-11-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our experienced Friends’ 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 onto the Ed Hastey Garden Walk (paved) and tortoise habitat areas. From the parking area, we will take a short walk on the Randall Henderson Trail to check out the lower sandy wash area where other birds may be found. Total walking distance about 1.0 mile.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, sun hat, sunscreen, and camera. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
RSVP required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839
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.

Cactus Springs Trail to Horsethief Creek
2025-11-17 09:00 - 13:30 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
During 2021, this area was ravaged by a wildfire. Friends’ volunteer docents will discuss fire ecology and how flora and fauna are reclaiming this area. The forested area was important to the Cahuilla people who lived off the land and more recently played a role in the mining history of the National Monument’s land. This unique hiking opportunity offers a 5-mile out and back hike to Horsethief Creek. This moderate to strenuous hike follows an ancient Cahuilla path from the mountains to the desert floor. The return trip from the creek is all uphill and involves an elevation gain of 1230 feet. Participants must be comfortable with the physical demands required for this hike. Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event.
Bring a minimum of 2 liters of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed hiking boots. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.57995, -116.45056
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.

Garstin Trail Hike
2025-11-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Earl Henderson Trail, Bogert Trail at Barona Rd, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Join our Friends’ volunteer docent hiking the Garstin trail and getting your daily outdoor exercise. Learn the importance of this critical habitat area for the endangered Casey’s June Beetle and other tidbits about Palm Springs history and the National Monument. Hike rating is moderate. Elevation gain is approximately 800 feet and 3 miles roundtrip. Sorry, no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
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.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-11-20 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-23 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-30 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-04 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

Dead Indian Canyon Hike
2025-11-20 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-04 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.

CANCELLED: Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-21 08:00 - 10:00 | Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

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.

New Volunteer Orientation
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Calling All Nature Lovers & Community Champions!
Are you passionate about protecting our beautiful desert landscapes? Do you love hiking, wildlife, or simply giving back to your community? Friends of the Desert Mountains needs YOU!We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to help us preserve the natural wonders of the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re a trail enthusiast, wildlife watcher, environmental educator, or just someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you here! No experience? No problem! We provide training and a supportive team that shares your love for the desert.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
Please register.

Returning Volunteer Orientation
2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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 the latest updates on our programs and projects- Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines- Sign your updated volunteer paperwork for the new season- 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.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.
REGISTER HERE

CANCELLED: Star Party at the Art Smith Trailhead
2025-11-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Art Smith Trailhead Parking Lot, MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ANTICIPATED CLOUD COVER.

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 CANCELS THIS EVENT.
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 760-598-9918.
A suggested nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Registration begins 2 weeks prior to the event.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-11-25 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.

Theilman Trail Hike
2025-11-25 09:00 - 12:00 | 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 and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please Note: We will meet at the trailhead located at Bogert Trail & Andreas Hills Drive. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.765914, -116.524946
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.

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-11-28 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839
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.

Birding Walk-About at the Monument Visitor Center
2025-12-01 08:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-12-02 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: A Look at Friends' Land Acquisition & Stewardship
2025-12-02 13:30 - 14:30 | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
We invite you to join us for an upcoming lecture exploring the Friends of the Desert Mountains’ history of land transactions and conservation efforts. Our guest speaker, Tommy Texeira, Land Administrator with Friends, will explain how the organization has acquired land over the years, including the strategies and partnerships that make these purchases possible. He will also share how our team monitors and manages these protected lands today, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the stewardship practices that help preserve the desert’s natural resources. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the work that goes into safeguarding the landscapes we all care about.
The lecture will be held in the FODM Conference Room.
You must be a current volunteer to attend.
Questions? Contact Allison at astrong@desertmountains.org

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike
2025-12-03 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.

Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio
2025-12-03 19:00 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
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.

Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2025-12-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
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.
