Theilman Trail Hike
2025-12-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Theilman Trailhead aka Frank Bogert, Bogert Trail and Andreas Hills Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
Grab your hiking poles and join our Friends’ volunteer docent, on the Theilman Trail. This urban hike begins with a few rolling hills, a steep ascent with some switchbacks and levels out as you near the Whitehorse intersection. Once you reach the top, there are sweeping vistas of the Coachella Valley, Mount San Jacinto, the Santa Rosa mountains, and Little San Bernardino mountains. Along the way you will learn about the National Monument and some of the colorful local history of Palm Springs. This 3.5-mile hike is rated strenuous with an elevation gain of 700 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water 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.

Carrizo Canyon Hike
2025-12-28 08:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-31 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.

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.

Art Smith Trail Hike
2025-12-31 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 - SOLD OUT
2025-12-31 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.

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2026-01-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-09 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.

La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2026-01-02 19:00 - 21:00 | 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.

CANCELLED: Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2026-01-02 19:30 - 21:30 | La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot, Calle Tecate & Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
DUE TO FORECAST HEAVY CLOUD COVER, THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
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
2026-01-03 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.

CANCELLED: Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike
2026-01-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
CANCELLED FOR TRAIL SAFETY REASONS AFTER THE STORM.
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.

CANCELLED: Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - CANCELADO: Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio
2026-01-03 19:00 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED – ESTE EVENTO HA SIDO CANCELADO.
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.

CANCELADO: Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2026-01-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
CANCELADO POR RAZONES DE SEGURIDAD EN EL SENDERO DESPUÉS DE LA TORMENTA.
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.

Who Made That Hole? Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-01-04 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.
Hike rating is easy for both the 3 loops/2.5 miles OR the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail. Elevation gain for the 3 loops is 350 feet. While elevation gain for 2 loops is 250 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 is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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.

Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2026-01-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
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.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Rancho Mirage-Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook Trail Full Moon Hike
2026-01-04 19:15 - 20:15 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a full moon hike on the Jackrabbit/Bighorn Overlook trail loop. 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 1-mile hike with 200 feet of elevation gain (approx. 1 hour duration). The trail is narrow, 2 feet wide and on cobbled desert terrain. Bring 1 liter of water per person, headlamp or flashlight and wear close-toed shoes. No dogs allowed for this event.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Long Canyon Trail Hike
2026-01-06 09:00 - 12:00 | Long Canyon Trailhead, XH74+2F, Desert Hot Springs, CA
This is one of the newest trails to open in the Coachella Valley. The first mile of the trail is in the Sand to Snow Monument. Beginning at mile two of the trail you will be in Joshua Tree National Park. We will explore the area and learn about the Metropolitan Water District and how water is transported to the Los Angeles area. As we enter the wilderness area, we will discuss how the low desert plants have adapted to the higher elevation.
This trail is mostly level with gradual elevation gain. Hike rating is easy. We will hike approximately 2 miles and turn back. Sorry, no dogs allowed in Joshua Tree National Park. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: we will meet at the Long Canyon Trailhead parking area in Desert Hot Springs. View Map at UTM coordinates: 33.962520, -116.443808
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: Preserving Culture and Inspiring Learning at Desert Lake Shore
2026-01-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Desert Lake Shore is an ongoing project development in Thermal where Friends is planning to provide educational tours for our community to learn about sustainability, natural history, and cultural history. The project is being planned on 38 acres of land that was donated to Friends and contains artifacts from past Cahuilla villages including fish traps, petroglyphs, and ceramic shards. Our goal for this project will be to preserve these cultural artifacts, provide learning opportunities around Cahuilla traditions and Ancient Lake Cahuilla, and grow native plant gardens that can be displayed for tours and used in our educational courses. We are planning a low-impact development with minimal structures that will include educational kiosks, a small stage, trails, botanical gardens, shade structures, and restrooms.
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

Chuckwalla Trail Hike
2026-01-07 08:30 - 10:30 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
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. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates: 33.771071, -116.448379
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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.

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike - Full Trail
2026-01-08 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Our Friends’ volunteer docent will take you on a guided hike through the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument! You will see excellent views of the Coachella Valley and learn the history of the area. You will see many unique desert plants and learn how they survive the long hot summers. There are lizards and animals on the trail including a chance to see the endangered desert tortoises. This trail is in a sandy wash and portions can be on narrow uneven desert terrain.
We will hike all 3 loops of the trail approximately 2.5-miles round trip. The elevation gain is approximately 350 feet. This hike is considered easy. Sorry, no dogs allowed on this trail. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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
2026-01-08 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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-01-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-13 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.

Tortoise Chat
2026-01-10 12:00 - 14:00 | 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 12pm – 2pm.
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.

Endangered Animals of the Monument: Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-01-11 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Explore the Randall Henderson Trail with a volunteer docent and learn about two of our federally threatened animals and the challenges they face in the ever-changing environment. Both play different, but equally important roles in the desert ecology. The docent will help you search for them as you hike.
Hike rating is easy for both the 3 loops/2.5 miles OR the 2 loops/1.5 miles of trail. Elevation gain for the 3 loops is 350 feet. While elevation gain for 2 loops is 250 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 is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please note: We will meet at the Randall Henderson Trailhead parking lot located at the Visitor Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.670193, -116.406895
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
2026-01-11 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.

Kim Nicol Trail Hike
2026-01-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Kim Nicol Trailhead, WH35+8W, Cathedral City, CA, 92241, United States
The trail is named for Kim Nicol, who dedicated her life to protecting endangered species and open spaces in Coachella Valley. The trail is located in the Indio Hills on an active sand dune and home to several endangered species.
We will be hiking approximately 3.0+ miles of the loop trail with elevation of 500 feet. Sorry, no dogs allowed for this event. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: we will meet at the Kim Nicol Trailhead parking lot, 20th Avenue and Corkhill Road, Desert Edge. View map at UTM coordinates: 33.90392, -116.43985
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.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Blixseth Mountain Park, Mirage Road, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
Join our Friends’ volunteer docents for a nature walk in Blixseth Mountain Park. The Park features both native and non-native desert landscape, a wide walking path with benches for observing desert vistas, plants, and mountains. We will share fun facts about desert flora and fauna as well as interesting information about the Native Cahuilla people.
This is a leisurely 1.0 mile wide walking path for persons with limited mobility. There is no elevation gain and little shade. This path is friendly to dogs on a leash. Bring 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map at UTM coordinates: 33.742715, -116.420995
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains at 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.
