Theilman Trail Hike
2026-01-20 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.

Chuckwalla Trail Hike
2026-01-21 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
2026-01-22 08:30 - 11:00, 2026-01-29 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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-01-23 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-01-27 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-02 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.

Art Smith Trail Hike
2026-01-23 08:30 - 12:00 | Art Smith Trail Parking Lot, Art Smith Trailhead, Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Join 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.

Tortoise Chat
2026-01-24 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.

Junior Ranger Day at the National Monument
2026-01-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Learn about our desert through hands-on activities that explore the land, animals, and plants. After completing six challenges, you’ll earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
This program is suited for ages 8 to 18, and tickets should be in the youths’ name. 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.

Star Party at the Monument
2026-01-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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.
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.

Wildflowers - How do they Survive in a Desert? Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-01-25 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
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 in the desert.
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
2026-01-25 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.

Earl Henderson Trail Hike
2026-01-27 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.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2026-01-28 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.

Friends & Volunteers 2026 Kick-Off BBQ
2026-01-29 12:00 - 14:00 | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
We’re excited to kick off the year by gathering together with our amazing volunteer crew for some good food, great company, and plenty of laughs! Let’s celebrate all that’s ahead and enjoy a relaxed BBQ together. We’ll be providing hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers—just bring your favorite side dish to share and your appetite!
The event will take place on the patio by the Friends of the Desert Mountains office.
Questions? Contact Allison at astrong@desertmountains.org

The Grottos Trail via Sheep Hole Oasis and Hidden Springs Oasis
2026-01-30 08:30 - 13:30 | Box Canyon Road at Mecca Hills Grotto Trailhead, Box Canyon Road, Mecca, CA, 92254, United States
Join us on this guided hike in the Mecca Hills Wilderness area and Chuckwalla National Monument. The Mecca Grotto hike is classified as strenuous: 5.75 miles with an elevation gain of over 800 feet. Unfortunately, the Mecca grotto collapsed several years ago, so this hike leads us to the towering canyon where the Grotto entrance previously existed.
We’ll start the hike by following a ridge trail that offers outstanding views of the Salton Sea. We’ll climb down from the ridge on an uneven and steep path until we reach a sandy wash that leads to the Grotto canyon. After exploring the canyon and stopping to talk about the incredible painted hills geology and plant life that thrives here, we’ll start our return trip. On the way back to the trailhead, we’ll take a short side hike to visit a palm grove at Hidden Springs.
Sorry, no dogs allowed for this event. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks/lunch, wear closed-toed shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: We will meet on Box Canyon Road and then walk a short distance to the trailhead. Be sure to view this map/UTM coordinates: 33.589100, -115.930060
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
2026-01-30 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.

Rancho Mirage-Chuckwalla Trail Full Moon Hike
2026-01-31 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
2026-01-31 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.

Public Lands Day with City of Palm Desert
2026-02-01 08:00 - 11:30 | Homme Adams Park, 72500 Thrush Road, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Roll up your sleeves and make a difference with Friends of the Desert Mountains and the City of Palm Desert at a community cleanup you won’t want to miss!
We’ll kick things off at 8 AM with a special bench dedication in loving memory of Buford Crites.
Then it’s time to get our hands dirty (in a good way!) with cleanup activities like:
Removing dead plants
Trimming bushes and trees
Hauling off odds and ends like concrete and tiles
Light grading to beautify the area
Wrap up the morning with a FREE lite lunch to celebrate our hard work!
Grab your friends, bring your energy, and let’s give Homme Adams Park a glow-up together!
Sign up today – let’s clean, green, and make it a scene!

Who Made That Hole? Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-02-01 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.

La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2026-02-01 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.

Night Sky Star Observations - La Quinta
2026-02-01 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.

Indio Badlands Trail Full Moon Hike
2026-02-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Strap on your hiking boots for a full moon hike on the first mile of the Indio Badlands Trail. As we embark on this hike, the moonlight casts enchanting shadows on the desert terrain. The sky will be brilliantly lit up for the desert creatures to be scurrying about.
This family-friendly adventure offers a manageable 2-mile out and back hike with minimal elevation gain. Bring your hiking poles for stability getting up to the ridge, and, of course, 1-2 liters of water for each family member.
The astronomers will set up their telescopes for star gazing, adding an extra layer of magic to your night experience in the desert.
RSVP is required. Check-in 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure time.
VIEW MAP/UTM coordinates: 33.744235, -116.199386
For more information contact the Friends of the Desert Mountains at 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

CANCELLED: Night Sky Star Observations in Indio Hills - CANCELADO: Vistazo de Estrellas en Indio
2026-02-02 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 during this event.
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 durante este evento.
NOTA: CONSULTE EL CLIMA ANTES DE SALIR, ESTE EVENTO SE CANCELARÁ SI ESTA NUBLANDO, HAY VIENTO O LLUVIA.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/las coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends of the Desert Mountains al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.

—–NOTES FOR REGISTRATION—–NOTAS PARA EL REGISTRO—–
Ticket reservations begin 1 week prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.
Las reservas de boletos comienzan una semana antes del evento y se publicará en ese momento. Su donación opcional no reembolsable no es un boleto para asistir.

Excursión Bajo la Luna Llena en el Sendero Indio Hills
2026-02-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Indio Hills Badlands Trail, Golf Center Parkway, Indio, CA, 92203, United States
Póngase las botas de montaña para una caminata bajo la luna llena en el sendero Indio Hills. Mientras nos embarcamos en esta caminata, la luz de la luna proyecta sombras encantadoras sobre el terreno desértico. El cielo estará brillantemente iluminado para que las criaturas del desierto puedan corretear.
Esta aventura familiar ofrece una caminata manejable de 2 millas ida y vuelta con un desnivel mínimo. Traiga sus bastones de senderismo para tener estabilidad al subir a la cresta y, por supuesto, mucha agua para cada miembro de la familia.
Los astrónomos instalarán sus telescopios para observar las estrellas, añadiendo un toque extra de magia a su experiencia nocturna en el desierto.
Se requiere confirmación. Regístrese 15 minutos antes de la hora de salida.
Haga clic aquí para ver el mapa/coordenadas UTM: 33.744235, -116.199386
Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Friends al 760-568-9918.
Se agradece y sugiere una donación no reembolsable de $5.00 por persona para apoyar nuestros programas voluntariados.
Las reservas de boletos comienzan una semana antes del evento y se publicará en ese momento. Su donación opcional no reembolsable no es un boleto para asistir.

McManus Trail Hike
2026-02-03 09:00 - 12:00 | McManus Trailhead, Palm Hills Road, Palm Springs, CA, Palm Hills Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
A 3 mile out-and-back trail near Cathedral City. This is a popular trail to the Goat Trails area, but you can still enjoy some solitude during a quieter time of the day. Trail is moderately difficult. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested as trail can be uneven.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Please note: we will meet at the gate on The Ramp/Goat Trails, Palm Hills Drive, Palm Springs (adjacent to the Von’s Rimrock Shopping Center. View map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.790410, -116.492232
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.

Volunteer Lecture Series: From Designation to Preservation - How BLM Protects Our Public Lands
2026-02-03 13:30 - 14:30 | Friends of the Desert Mountains, 51500 California 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
This upcoming volunteer lecture will highlight the Bureau of Land Management’s vital role in conservation and land stewardship, with a special focus on the establishment of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Our guest speaker, Jim Foote, former Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Manager, will share his firsthand experience and insights into the monument’s creation, along with other conservation-based designations. The presentation will also explore how these efforts fit into the broader landscape of public land protection, illustrating BLM’s involvement in a wider, collaborative management approach.
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

Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-02-05 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
