La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Experience a hike by moonlight! See the beauty of the shadows and wash of moonlight over our mountains. We will be looking for all types of night creatures along the trail. Our astronomers will have their telescope set-up to view the night sky.
This is a family friendly easy 3-mile loop hike with 150 feet elevation gain. The trail is 6 feet wide at the beginning and narrows to 2 feet wide with cobbled, uneven desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear closed-toed shoes. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the National Monument Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer astronomers will be setting up their telescopes and are inviting you to their “star party”. A clear night sky offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects to see — stars, constellations, bright planets, a full moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers or an eclipse. While observing the night sky, occasionally we might see the international space station moving over the Coachella Valley.
This event is wheelchair accessible with compacted dirt surfaces.
Stop by any time between 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
NOTE: CHECK WEATHER BEFORE DEPARTING, THIS EVENT WILL BE CANCELED FOR HEAVY CLOUD COVER, WIND OR RAIN.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.648969, -116.309324
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the National Monument Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2025-12-06 09:00 - 15:30 | 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 or Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
Sponsored by the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-12-07 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-11 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-14 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-18 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-21 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-28 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 Visitor Center
2025-12-07 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-12-21 09:00 - 10:30 | 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.

Friends & Volunteers Holiday Party
2025-12-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Hey amazing volunteers! It’s time to trade in your work gloves for some holiday cheer — you’ve earned it!
Join us for our Annual Volunteer Holiday Party, a festive evening packed with laughter, good food, twinkling lights, and plenty of merry mischief. Come celebrate the season and the incredible difference you’ve made. We can’t wait to toast you, our holiday heroes! Fun and festive attire is encouraged!
Bring a dish or dessert to share – drinks will be provided by Friends. Purchase a unisex gift for $20 to participate in the Christmas gift exchange game.
The event will take place on the patio by the Friends of the Desert Mountains office.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
Please register so we know how many will be attending.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2025-12-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-15 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.

Araby Trail Hike
2025-12-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Araby Trailhead, Southridge Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
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. 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 required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please Note: We will meet at the trailhead located off Highway 111 at Rim Road (Southridge Dr). Click here to view map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.79735, -116.51042
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.

Art Smith Trail Hike
2025-12-11 08:30 - 10:30 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our docents will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! You will have excellent views of the Coachella Valley and learn some of the local history. 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 950 feet. This hike is considered strenuous as there are a few steep inclines. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear closed-toed hiking boots, a sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Dead Indian Canyon Hike
2025-12-11 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-18 08:30 - 11:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Dead Indian canyon is only open from October through December and provides wonderful opportunities to see the endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and many other desert critters. You will learn about the geology of the area and a great outdoor experience close to downtown Palm Desert.
This trail traverses a sandy wash with uneven terrain with cobble (small rocks). Hike rating is easy, approximately 2 miles round trip. Elevation gain is approximately 250 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring snacks and 1 liter of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Art Smith Trailhead parking lot located just past the driveway for the Visitor Center approximately 100 feet on the southwest side of Highway 74.
View map/UTM coordinates for trailhead location: 33.667957, -116.407666
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Yoga with a Ranger
2025-12-11 09:00 - 10:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join a National Monument park ranger for an outdoor fun yoga flow for all skill levels. Connect with the landscape through a sequence of physical postures, movements, and breathing techniques that also strengthen your body and mind. Poses commonly mimic Earth, animals and trees. This outdoor activity is routinely performed barefoot.
Bring a yoga mat or towel, water, and sunscreen. Limited to 15 participants. Meet on the Visitor Center patio.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.
RSVP required. Reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event.

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2025-12-12 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.

Magnesia Canyon Hike
2025-12-13 08:00 - 11:00 | Blixseth Mountain Park paved parking lot, 71231 Mirage Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join our volunteers for a unique hiking experience in the Magnesia Spring Ecological Canyon trail. This canyon is only open Oct-Nov-Dec as it is home to the endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep.
We begin our trek from Blixseth Park to the canyon. At the canyon entrance you will begin hiking a series of dry waterfalls. The second waterfall is approximately 50 feet high. At this point you may choose to return or continue the trail. Once atop the waterfall you will find much smaller ones to traverse to the back of the canyon. The dramatic canyon walls tell their own story of how rain events have shaped our mountains and canyons over the millennia of time.
This trail is an out and back trail approximately 4 miles. Sorry no dogs allowed on this trail.
Wear sturdy closed toed hiking boots, long pants, sun hat, and sunscreen. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
We will meet in the Blixseth Mountain Park paved parking lot. View map/UTM coordinates directions for meeting hike leader at this location: 33.742407, -116.420214
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
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 | 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
2025-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

CANCELLED: Star Party at the Monument
2025-12-13 17:00 - 21:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
DUE TO FORECAST HEAVY CLOUD COVER, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN 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.
Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope field.
NOTE: OVERCAST SKIES CANCELS THIS EVENT.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-598-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
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.

Garstin Trail Hike
2025-12-16 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.

Monumental Clean-up at SRSJMNM Visitor Center
2025-12-20 08:00 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Show your love and support of public lands by going outdoors and helping with some maintenance around the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center. Participants will help with planting new native plants along the Ed Hastey Garden Trail, installing new signs, removing invasive weeds, and other helpful stewardship projects around the Visitor Center Campus.
View map/UTM Coordinates for the Visitor Center: 33.67149, -116.40839
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.
Please Register.

CANCELLED: Star Party in the Mountains
2025-12-20 17:00 - 21:00 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO 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 AND HIGH WINDS CANCEL THIS EVENT.
View map & UTM coordinates for the Sawmill Parking Lot: 33.57995, -116.45056
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-598-9918. RSVP is not required.

Theilman Trail Hike
2025-12-23 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.

Tortoise Chat
2025-12-28 08:30 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Have questions about desert tortoises? Come visit our desert tortoise enclosure and learn about conservation efforts to study and protect our wild desert tortoise population in the Monument.
Meet at the tortoise enclosure any time between 8:30am – 11:30am.
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED.
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2025-12-30 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.
