Ed Hastey Garden Walk
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Enjoy 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.

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.

Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-02-16 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-20 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-02-26 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.

Wildflower Nature Walks
2026-02-16 09:00 - 10:30, 2026-02-23 09:30 - 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.

CANCELLED: Chuckwalla Trail Hike
2026-02-18 08:30 - 10:30 | Rancho Mirage City Hall Parking Lot, 69825 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
DUE TO RAIN AND WET, SLIPPERY TRAILS – THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
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
2026-02-19 08:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-26 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.

Red Hill Vista Trail
2026-02-20 08:30 - 12:00 | Red Hill Vista Trail, H2PW+V2J, North Shore, CA, United States
Join us for this STRENUOUS hike to Red Hill Vista in the Chuckwalla National Monument. The hike is a 4-mile loop with an elevation gain of 550 feet. Please read the full description below since once we reach the strenuous section of the hike it will be difficult to turn around.
Hiking boots or shoes are mandatory since sneakers or similar footwear will not provide sufficient traction on the trail. The hike begins with a 1-mile walk through a sand wash before climbing up a moderately steep canyon hillside that involves scrambling over moderate size rocks. Comfort hiking on uneven surface is essential. After the scramble we will reach a plateau 100 feet above the canyon floor with incredible views of the surrounding Mecca Hills and the Salton Sea. We will hike 1/2 mile on the plateau where several sections of the trail narrow to less than 2-3 feet wide with steep drop off to the canyon floor on both sides of the trail. We leave the plateau and hike down through another rocky section before returning to a sandy wash that leads back to the trailhead.
Sorry no dogs are allowed for this event. Bring 3 liters of water (102 ounces) and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Hiking poles are optional.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
We will meet on Box Canyon Road. View this map/UTM coordinates: 33.587222, -115.955000
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.

Wildflower Nature Walk - Bear Creek Wash
2026-02-21 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-28 08:30 - 10:30 | Cove Oasis Trailhead Parking Lot, Calle Tecate and Avenida Juarez, La Quinta, CA, 92253, United States
Fun for the entire family to explore the Bear Creek Wash searching for wildflowers. Thanks to all the recent rains in December the wildflowers are happy to show off this season. You and your children will learn how to identify the blooms and learn interesting facts. We will begin hiking from the small parking lot to the Oasis and down into the Bear Creek Wash and returning. The walk will be about 2.0 miles.
Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring 1 liter of water per person. Wear close-toed shoes, sunhat, and sunscreen.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please Note: we will meet at the Cove Oasis Trailhead parking lot. View map/UTM coordinates: 33.64875, -116.31708
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
2026-02-21 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.

New Volunteer Orientation
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Calling All Nature Lovers & Community Champions!
Are you passionate about protecting our beautiful desert landscapes? Do you love hiking, wildlife, or simply giving back to your community? Friends of the Desert Mountains needs YOU!We’re looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to help us preserve the natural wonders of the Coachella Valley. Whether you’re a trail enthusiast, wildlife watcher, environmental educator, or just someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you here! No experience? No problem! We provide training and a supportive team that shares your love for the desert.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
Please register.

Returning Volunteer Orientation
2026-02-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
Welcome Back, Volunteers!
As we gear up for another amazing season, we’re inviting all returning Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteers to join us for a mandatory orientation session.Why Attend?- Get the latest updates on our programs and projects- Brush up on best practices and volunteer guidelines- Sign your updated volunteer paperwork for the new season- Share your ideas and enthusiasm!This orientation is your opportunity to get back in the loop and ready to hit the ground running as we continue our mission to protect and celebrate our incredible desert environment.
Questions? Contact Allison Strong at 760 568-9918 or email astrong@desertmountains.org
VOLUNTEERS: Please register.

Star Party at the Monument
2026-02-21 17:30 - 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
2026-02-22 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
2026-02-22 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.

CANCELLED: Birding Walk-About, Desert Willow
2026-02-24 08:00 - 10:00 | Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, CA, 92260, United States
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.
Grab your binoculars and join a Friends’ volunteer docent birding expert to look for our feathered desert residents. In this unique urban area, we are still able to find a little native desert environment surrounded by local trees and shrubs that many of our feathered friends call home. As you walk the perimeter of an open desert property adjacent to the golf course, you will find approximately 25-30 different species on your 1-mile walk-about. This is truly a “jewel in the desert” location to be enjoyed.
Bring your binoculars, 1 liter of water, a sun hat, sunscreen and wear close-toed shoes. Sorry, no dogs are allowed for this event.
RSVP required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to start time.
Note: We will meet in the parking lot on the right side of Desert Willow Drive just before entering the golf club. View UTM/Map coordinates: 33.76560, -116.36554
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Araby Trail Hike
2026-02-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Araby Trailhead, Southridge Drive, Palm Springs, CA, 92264, United States
J. Smeaton Chase, an Englishman is credited with naming the Araby Trail. The hike begins with a continuous switchback ascent uphill. The trail climbs to the ridge, you will see historic homes and mansions. Great views of Palm Springs and the surrounding area may be seen. As the trail continues uphill, it gets steep in some places and offers great views of the mountains, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail.
Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear closed-toed shoes, sun hat and sunscreen. Hiking poles are suggested.
RSVP required. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to start time.
Please Note: We will meet at the trailhead located off Highway 111 at Rim Road (Southridge Dr). Click here to view map/UTM coordinates directions for trailhead location: 33.79735, -116.51042
For more information contact Friends of the Desert Mountains 760-568-9918 or the Visitor Center at 760-862-9984.
A suggested non-refundable donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated and encouraged to support our volunteer programs.
Ticket reservations begin 2 weeks prior to the event and will be published at that time. Your optional non-refundable donation is not a ticket to attend.

Nature Walk at Blixseth Park
2026-02-25 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
2026-02-26 08:30 - 10:30 | Randall Henderson Trailhead, 51500 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 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.

Pushawalla Palms Oasis Hike
2026-02-27 08:30 - 12:30 | Pushawalla Palms Trailhead, Thousand Palms Canyon Road, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 92241, United States
Join us for a MODERATELY STRENUOUS hike to Pushawalla Palms Oasis. The hike begins in a sandy wash that quickly transitions to a series of steep ridge climbs. Along the way we will discuss how and why palm oasis form along earthquake faults in this area. We will then descend through a narrow-eroded path to Pushawalla Canyon with its contorted cliffs, colorful terrain, and lush palm oasis. As we explore the oasis, we will discuss this unique ecosystem. Our return starts with climbing a steep, rocky hill to a plateau that leads back to the trailhead.
This 4.8-mile hike involves an elevation gain of over 700 feet. Sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail. Bring 2 liters of water and snacks. Wear a sun hat and sunscreen. We strongly recommend hiking shoes or boots; sneakers will not provide sufficient traction on the steep and rocky climbs. Hiking poles optional but suggested.
RSVP is required. Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to departure time.
View map/UTM coordinates for meeting location: 33.835341, -116.306906
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.

Astronomical Society of the Desert Lecture: Seven Wonders of the Cosmos
2026-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Portola Community Center, 45480 Portola Ave, =, Palm Desert, Palm Desert, 92260, United States
Dennis Mammana is author of six books on astronomy and the “Stargazer” nationally syndicated newspaper column. He has held planetarium positions at the Smithsonian Institute and San Diego’s Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Dennis will be speaking about the “Seven Wonders of the Cosmos.” Voyage across the universe to witness the most spectacular phenomena in existence… from the collisions of massive galaxies to the wonder of star-birth to the delicate majesty of a total solar eclipse—and all in between. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget!
This free event will be held at the Portola Community Center, 45-480 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, 92260. No RSVP required. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments and the talk begins at 7:00 pm. Open to all ages.
Presented by the Astronomical Society of the Desert.
