La Quinta Full Moon Hike
2026-02-01 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
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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-02-02 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-10 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-16 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.

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, 2026-02-12 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
2026-02-05 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-12 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.

Tortoise Chat
2026-02-06 08:30 - 11:30 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 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. Also, great opportunity to meet Bowser, our adopted Mojave desert tortoise who lives on site.
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.

Aggregate Canyon in the Mecca Hills
2026-02-06 08:30 - 12:30 | Aggregate Canyon Trailhead, H2RJ+VQP, North Shore, United States
Join us for a NEW hike in the Mecca Wilderness of the Chuckwalla National Monument. This is not your typical Coachella Valley hike, so do not miss this opportunity to experience the Chuckwalla National Monument. On the hike we will walk along a sandy wash with the amazing geology of the Mecca Hills surrounding us. We will stop and talk about plants that survive and thrive in the desert wash. Hopefully, we will see annual and perennial shrubs in bloom after the rains this fall and winter. We will then explore a side path that leads to a slot canyon. At the end of the slot, there is an optional short but moderate scramble up a loose sand and gravel path to a hill that provides a stunning view of the Salton Sea.
Hike is classified as moderate with distance of 4.5 to 5.0 miles and over 600 feet of elevation gain. Sorry no dogs are allowed in The Park. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks/lunch, wear closed-toed shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
Note: We will meet on Box Canyon Road. Be sure to view this map/UTM coordinates: 33.592222, -115.968056
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.

Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2026-02-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-13 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.

Desert Mountains Art Fair
2026-02-07 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.

Endangered Animals of the Monument: Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-02-08 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
2026-02-08 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.

Rainbow Rock Trail Hike
2026-02-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Rd, Whitewater, CA, 92282, United States
Rainbow Rock Canyon Trail is in the Sand to Snow National Monument. You will have great canyon views, potential seasonal waterfalls with access via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The trail is in a BLM Wilderness area. This trail has become popular with hikers and is considered strenuous. The trail is not well defined or maintained by the BLM. Feral cattle have been seen in the area.
The trail is an out-and-back, approximately 6.5 miles, with elevation gain of 1100 feet. There is no shade on the trail. Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event. Wear sturdy closed toed hiking boots, long pants, layers, light-weight jacket, sun hat, and sunscreen. Bring 3 liters of water, lunch and snacks. Hiking poles are recommended.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
NOTE: We will meet at the Ranger Station at Whitewater Preserve. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.98914, -116.65609
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.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2026-02-11 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.

Art Smith Trail Hike
2026-02-12 08:30 - 10:30 | 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.

Mastadon Peak Trail in Joshua Tree National Park
2026-02-13 09:00 - 12:30 | Cottonwood Springs Parking Lot, P5PQ+RMQ, Chiriaco Summit, CA, United States
Join Friends volunteers on our INAUGURAL hike in Joshua Tree National Park at its Southern Entrance. On this hike we will walk through the lush green zone of desert fan palms and cottonwood trees of the Cottonwood Springs Oasis. Then we will head into the Joshua Tree Wilderness area with its amazing geology and diverse plant life. After a short distance we will join the Mastodon Peak Trail that will bring us to the top of a craggy granite peak that offers outstanding view of the park. On the way back to the parking lot, we will talk about park history with a brief stop at the abandoned Mastodon Mine.
This loop hike is classified as moderate, distance 3.5 miles and 400 feet of elevation gain. Sorry no dogs are allowed in The Park. Bring 3 liters of water, snacks/lunch, wear closed-toed shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
We will meet in the Cottonwood Springs Oasis Parking Lot. View this map/UTM coordinates: 33.737080, -115.810768
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.

Junior Ranger Day at the National Monument
2026-02-14 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 in the Mountains
2026-02-14 17:30 - 21:00 | Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot, HGHX+XQG, Pinyon Pines, CA
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.

Geology of the Coachella Valley: Randall Henderson Interpretative Hike
2026-02-15 08:30 - 11:00 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Hiking the Randall Henderson Trail makes the ideal place to talk about the Geology of the Coachella Valley. From the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, we have views of the San Bernadino, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains. There is evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our Valley. A volunteer docent will lead the discussion while hiking the trail.
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.

Wildflower Nature Walks
2026-02-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
The flowers are very happy to show off their blooms thanks to the rains. Enjoy learning about our desert spring wildflowers, how to identify the various blooms and interesting facts. You will walk the lower Randall Henderson “Wash” trail only, approximately 0.25 mile.
Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring 1 liter of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sunhat, and sunscreen.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to your group’s departure 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.

Theilman Trail Hike
2026-02-17 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.
