Desert Mountain

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2025-02-06 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Blixseth Mountain Park, Mirage Road, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a nature walk in Rancho Mirage.

Join our Friends’ volunteer docents for an interactive nature conversation at Blixseth Mountain Park. As we walk along the paths we can talk geology and look for evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our land. Perhaps we can sit on one of the benches and discuss how the seeds of the beautiful wildflowers survive years of drought as they wait for the perfect combination of rain and warmth. Maybe we can spot evidence of animals and talk about how some of these critters will survive climate change. Or we can talk about questions or concerns you may have of the extraordinary ecology around us.
This is a leisurely ½ mile narrow path for persons with limited mobility, minimal elevation and dog-friendly. Bring 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes.
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.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.742715, -116.420995

Yoga with a Ranger
2025-02-06 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 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.

Theilman Trail Hike
2025-02-04 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Theilman Trailhead aka Frank Bogert, Bogert Trail and Andreas Hills 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!

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/UTM coordinates: 33.765914, -116.524946

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-02-04 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-01-23 08:00 - 09:30 (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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-02-02 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
2025-02-02 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
2025-02-01 17:30 - 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

A Monument in Your Backyard - An Overview of the SRSJM National Monument
2025-02-01 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy lectures at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain National Monument Visitor Center.

Ready, set, explore! The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a national treasure with over 280 miles of designated trails, geological wonders, thousands of plant and animal species and a living laboratory for various scientific studies.
Embark on a visual journey of the Monument while learning more about the biological, cultural, geological, recreational, educational and scientific values it was designated for.
Space is limited, must RSVP. Reservations begin 14 days prior to event.
For more information contact the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.67149, -116.40839

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2025-02-01 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.

Twisted Canyon in the Mecca Wilderness
2025-01-31 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Twisted Canyon at Box Canyon Road, H2RG+6Q2, North Shore, California
Our volunteers will take you on a guided hike in the Chuckwalla National Monument.

Join us for a hike into the Mecca Wilderness and the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 2.7 to 3.0 miles and an elevation gain of 400 feet.
We will start our hike in a sandy wash that provides excellent views of the Mecca Hills that have been eroded, folded and crushed by the San Andreas Fault network over the eons. Then we will enter a side canyon and explore two separate paths that twist and turn their way through these hills. You will experience firsthand the incredible landscape of the Mecca Wilderness.
Bring 3 liters of water per person and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, 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 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 on Box Canyon Rd, view map/UTM coordinates: 33.59051, -115.97312

Twisted Canyon in the Chuckwalla National Monument-2:30pm
2025-01-30 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Twisted Canyon at Box Canyon Road, H2RG+6Q2, North Shore, California
Join us for a hike into the Mecca Wilderness and the Chuckwalla National Monument. This hike is classified as easy with 2.7 to 3.0 miles and an elevation gain of 400 feet.
We will start our hike in a sandy wash that provides excellent views of the Mecca Hills that have been eroded, folded and crushed by the San Andreas Fault network over the eons. Then we will enter a side canyon and explore two separate paths that twist and turn their way through these hills. You will experience firsthand the incredible landscape of the Mecca Wilderness.
Bring 3 liters of water per person and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, 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 nonrefundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs. Each person must sign up individually and acknowledge our waiver form.
REGISTER
For more information contact Friends at 760-568-9918.
NOTE: We will meet on Box Canyon Rd, view map/UTM coordinates: 33.59051, -115.97312

Twisted Canyon in the Chuckwalla National Monument-11:30am
2025-01-30 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Twisted Canyon at Box Canyon Road, H2RG+6Q2, North Shore, California

Twisted Canyon in the Chuckwalla National Monument-8:30am
2025-01-30 08:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Twisted Canyon at Box Canyon Road, H2RG+6Q2, North Shore, California

Cathedral Canyon Trail Hike
2025-01-29 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cathedral Canyon Trailhead, 68000-67902, Foothill Rd, Cathedral City, CA, 92234, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a guided hike in the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Join us for this strenuous hike along Cathedral Canyon Trail. This distance is 5.7 miles with an elevation gain of over 1,100 feet.
The hike begins in Cathedral Canyon Cove and climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks where we will have outstanding views of Cathedral City and the mountains of the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument. We will discuss the many unique desert plants along the trail and how they have adapted to changing environmental conditions. We will also share some local history and talk about the Dunn Road – the manmade intrusion that scarred these National Monument lands and damaged critical habitat of the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep.
It is highly recommended that you wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. Sneakers WILL NOT provide sufficient traction navigating the steep switchbacks and hills. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks, 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 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 Cathedral Canyon trailhead on Foothill Road.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.76020, -116.47814

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-01-28 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Earl Henderson Trail parking at Shannon Trailhead, S. Araby Drive in Araby Wash, Palm Springs, 92264, United States
Our volunteers will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument!

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 on South Araby Dr.
Click here for map/UTM coordinates: 33.794641, -116.514338

Star Party in the Mountains - CANCELLED
2025-01-25 17:00 - 21:00 UTC | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
THE GOOD NEWS: We have a winter storm warning beginning at 4pm Saturday and we might finally get some precipitation!
THE BAD NEWS: We have to cancel our 1/25 Star Party due to expected cloudy skies.
Please join us at our upcoming Star Parties either on Feb. 1st at the Visitor Center or on Feb. 22 in the Cactus Springs parking lot in Pinyon Flats. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for us then.
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 - Full Trail
2025-01-25 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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-01-25 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

Art Smith Interpretative Hike
2025-01-24 08:30 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Art Smith Trailhead, MH9R+7Q, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Explore this steep trail overlooking Palm Desert.

Our docents 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 Peninsular bighorn sheep with one of their newborn lambs.
The trail is about 2 feet wide with some cobble. The distance may be 3-4 miles with elevation gain of 500 to 850 feet.
This hike is considered strenuous. 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 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

Lecture: Hiking 101 Trails of the Coachella Valley
2025-01-23 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Rancho Mirage Library, 71100 CA-111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join Friends of the Desert Mountains as their hike leaders share their tips and tricks for hiking in the Coachella Valley! You’ll learn about different trails, tips for safe hiking, trail entry, and how to be a good steward for our natural lands and wildlife as you’re enjoying the outdoors.
No reservations required for this free lecture, view event at Rancho Mirage Library.
For more information 760-568-9918.
Hosted by the Rancho Mirage Library. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Chuckwalla Trail Interpretative Hike
2025-01-23 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. Arrive 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 U TM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379

Araby Trail Hike
2025-01-21 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

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-01-19 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 the garden surrounding the National Monument Visitor Center.

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

Winter Bioblitz: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
2025-01-19 05:00 - 2025-01-25 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join us for a week of recording observations in the SRSJM National Monument’s desert, foothills and mountains.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains is a hotspot for biodiversity with over 3,100 species. Help us find and document more species by participating in this yearlong bioblitz event to keep identifying new species.
Anyone can participate by going outside and exploring any of the over 280+ miles of designated trails in the Monument and identifying any plants or animals you see using the iNaturalist app on your phone. Be sure to add the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument project to your iNaturalist account to participate. Alternatively, you can upload your photos from your computer at iNaturalist.org to share with us. Click here for basic information on using iNaturalist.
Participants are encouraged to explore the trails and record as many species as they can using the iNaturalist app.
There will be one day that week that participants can participate in a special bioblitz event with other participants and local researchers and specialists. Info can be requested by calling the Visitor Center (760) 862-9984 a week prior to the start of the event.
Location: Special one day event with researchers and specialists is To Be Determined. Otherwise, participants can explore any of the Monument trails on their own at any time.
Guides: Various Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument staff and research partners
THE REGISTRATION HERE IS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEK-LONG EVENT. REGISTRATION FOR A DAY OUT WITH OUR RESEARCHERS WILL BE POSTED THE WEEK PRIOR.
We will send an email to registered participants to advise when sign-ups are ready for this special research activity. Space will be limited, so sign up ASAP after receiving notice. This is a free event.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with the Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Returning Volunteer Agreement Signing + Updates
2025-01-18 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
Orientation for returning volunteers

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.

Volunteer Orientation
2025-01-18 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
Orientation for new volunteers

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.

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2025-01-18 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

GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY!
Hiking the Randall Henderson Trail makes the ideal place to talk about the Geology of the Coachella Valley. From the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, we have views of the San Bernadino, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. There is evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our Valley. A volunteer docent will lead the discussion while hiking 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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Partial Trail
2025-01-18 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

GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY!
Hiking the Randall Henderson Trail makes the ideal place to talk about the Geology of the Coachella Valley. From the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, we have views of the San Bernadino, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. There is evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our Valley. A volunteer docent will lead the discussion while hiking 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

Boo Hoff Interpretative Trail Hike
2025-01-18 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Explore a popular trail in La Quinta Cove!

Join Friends’ volunteer docent for this interpretive hike on the Boo Hoof trail which follows an ancient Cahuilla pathway passing along canyons and ridges. We will do a moderate version of the trail.
We begin hiking through sandy desert wash for nearly 2 miles and then at the trailhead, climb about 500’ elevation and return the same route. We will pass side canyons and washes common to the Santa Rosa Mountains and savor scenic views of the Santa Rosa Wilderness and La Quinta while reveling in the peace and quiet of the remote sanctuary.
We will point out and discuss plants that thrive in this environment, how the Cahuilla people survived using these plants, as well as the geology and water of the Santa Rosa Mountains. We will hike about 8 miles round trip, out and back. We will be in Bighorn Sheep territory!
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 begins 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: 33.648969, -116.309324
