Desert Trails Hiking Club leads hikes in and around the Coachella Valley

Desert Trails Hiking Club

Oct, Nov, & Dec 2011

Box 10401, Palm Desert, CA 92255

Web Site: www.DesertTrailsHiking.com E-mail: deserttrails2000@yahoo.com

REQUIREMENTS: Register with the listed hike leader not more than one week in advance between the hours of 9:00 am -5:00 pm. Bring proper hiking gear, i.e., boots, windbreaker/rain gear, gloves, hat, sunscreen, etc., 1-4 quarts of water and whatever else the hike leader asks you to bring. Good hiking boots are mandatory. Please notify the hike leader if you cannot make a hike for which you have registered. Remember to be punctual at the meeting place or you will be left behind. If you choose not to finish a hike, you must sign out. Carry emergency contact information.

EMAIL SIGN-UP: Use email sign-up only for hikes with hike leaders with whom you have previously hiked. Also, please make sure you have hiked similar or more difficult hike levels with that hike leader.

NFAP: A National Forest Adventure Pass (NFAP) is required on some hikes. A NFAP may be purchased at the BLM Visitors Center on Hwy 74, at all Big 5 Sporting Goods, or any National Forest Ranger Station. The National Park Service’s Golden Age Passport or Golden Eagle Passport is accepted in National Forests in lieu of a NFAP.

CARPOOLING: Ride sharing is required for some hikes. The suggested contribution is $1.00/per 10 miles to be given to the driver for gas, cleaning and maintenance of the vehicle.

MEMBERSHIP: To become a member, mail a completed application (form available on club website), and a check to the club at the address above. $10 per year for an individual or $15 per year for a family(2 or more adults living in the same home). Renewals are due on January 1 to cover the new calendar year.

NON-MEMBERS: Guests are charged a $5 guest fee per person per hike.

HIKING LEVELS:

EASY: 0-500 ft. accumulated elevation gain; typically 3-6 miles.

MODERATE: 500-1800 ft. accumulated elevation gain; typically 6-10 miles.

STRENUOUS: 1800-5000 ft. accumulated elevation gain; typically longer than 8 miles.

Note: Rock scrambling or difficult footing may upgrade the difficulty level of a hike.

Note: Depending on your personal fitness level, any hike may "feel" different than its defined level

Oct 1-Sat, 8:30 AM, Carizzo Canyon (Palm Desert); Moderate; 4 miles; 400 ft; Sure-footed hikes only for scramble over dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Suzanne, 760-636-0322,

Oct 2-Sun,

Oct 3-Mon,

Oct 4-Tue, 8:00 AM, Fobes to Spitler (Garner Valley); Strong Moderate; 9 miles; 1700 ft; The shorter route to Spitler along the PCT at a Moderate 2 mile an hour pace; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Oct 4-Tue, 4:00 PM, Until 6:00 PM; October Potluck Social at Whitewater Preserve; celebrate friendships and the beginning of a new hiking season; bring food, beverage, chair, possible light, view evite for details; Those who would like to do a hike in the Whitewater Preserve prior to the potluck, please gather at 12:30 in the parking lot. Everyone will start out together but there will be 2 options at the junction of the PCT - those interested in a more strenuous option, led by Larry Liguori, will go south up the switchbacks towards Cottonwod and the other more moderate hike, led by Eric Baecht, will go north to Red Dome. There will be water crossings and some rocky terrain so bring sticks. Wear waterproof boots, unless you want to get wet in the stream or the pond upon return, which is another option! The length of each hike will be based on time, so turnaround will get us back to the picnic area before 4:00. - Added 10/1/11

Oct 5-Wed, 7:00 AM, Ritz Ramble (Rancho Mirage); Easy; 4 miles; 400 ft; Explore a new trail with nice views over the valley; a nice way to shape-up for the hiking season; No entry fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Oct 6-Thu, 5:00 PM, Village Fest Loop: Palm Springs. Moderate/Strenuous 6 miles. Elevation gain 1000 ft. Museum Trail to Ramon Rd., walking back thru the Village Fest, snacking and shopping along the way., Larry & Robin, 760.322.6324,

Oct 7-Fri,

Oct 8-Sat, 8:00 AM, Art Smith to the Third Oasis (Palm Desert); Strenuous; 10 miiles; 2000 ft; Some off-trail hiking near the last oasis; No entry fee, Rich J, 760.636.0322, rich.jarvinen@dc.rr.com

Oct 9-Sun,

Oct 10-Mon,

Oct 11-Tue, 8:00 AM, Crazy 8 Loop. 8 miles, 800’. Moderate. 2.5 MPH traveling pace except in the dry waterfalls. 2.0 MPH net. Connect the Palm Canyon, Dry Wash, and East Fork (descent) Trails returning on the Victor Trail; Entry Fee, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Oct 12-Wed,

Oct 13-Thu, 7:30 AM, Eagle Canyon Lower Loop (Cathedral City); Easy; 3miles; 500 ft; Easy; B&G after; No entry fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Oct 14-Fri,

Oct 15-Sat,

Oct 16-Sun, 7:00 AM, Tahquitz Peak (Idyllwild); Strenuous; 7 miles; 2000 ft; From South Ridge with lunch at the lookout; No entry fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Oct 17-Mon,

Oct 18-Tue, 8:00 AM, Carrizo and Dead Indian Canyon. 5.5 miles, 400'. Strenuous because of terrain, going all the way to the top of each canyon which requires extensive boulder and dry waterfall scrambling. Experience required. No entry fee, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Oct 19-Wed,

Oct 20-Thu, 8:00 AM, Cathedral Canyon (Cathedral City); Moderate; 4 miles; 1000 ft; Explore the lands above the cove. Breakfast after at the Sunshine Cafe; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Oct 21-Fri,

~~Oct 22-Sat, 5:30 AM, Skyline Trail: Palm Springs. Extremely Strenuous 10-11 miles, 7 to 9 hours. Elevation gain 8000 ft. Limit of 8. Members only., Larry & Robin, 760.322.6324,~~ ~~robnlar@gmail.com~~ - Cancelled 9/17/11

Oct 23-Sun, 7:30 AM, San Jacinto Peak (San Jacinto Tram); Strenuous; 12 miles; 2400 ft; Spectacular hiking high in the mountains, slow pace, bag your first peak; Tram fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Oct 24-Mon,

Oct 25-Tue, 8:00 AM, 3rd Oasis on the Art Smith Trail. 10.4 miles, 2,400’ including some side hill scrambling, and easy bouldering into the oasis. Strenuous; fast-pace: 2.7 MPH traveling pace, 2.4 MPH net, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Oct 26-Wed, 8:00 AM, Thomas Mt. via Toolbox Springs (Garner Valley); Strenuous; 12 miles; 2300 ft; Hike through ribbonwoods, oaks and pines with views of Garner and Anza valleys; No entry fee, John & Christy, 760.341.6176, christyanderson48@gmail.com

Oct 27-Thu,

Oct 28-Fri,

Oct 29-Sat,

Oct 30-Sun, 9:00 AM ~~10:00 AM~~, Pre Halloween ~~Costumed-~~Carizzo Canyon (Palm Desert) Hike - Costumes required; Moderate; 4 miles; 400 ft; Sure-footed hikes only for scramble over dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Suzanne, 760-636-0322 - Start time & costume requirement changed 9/30/11

Oct 30-Sun, 7:30 AM, Top of Tram to Wellman's Divide (San Jacinto Tram); Moderate; 8 miles; 1400 ft; A good prep. for the peak hike; Tram fee., Carl, 760.321.7759,

Oct 31-Mon,

Nov 1-Tue, 4:00 PM, November Social - tba,

Nov 2-Wed, 8:00 AM, Calcite Mine plus Slots (): Moderate; 7 miles; 700 ft; Some moderate off-trail/scrambling. Hike to an old WWII ditch mine, then scramble several scenic slot canyons. Lunch after. No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Nov 2-Wed, 5:30 AM, Skyline Trail: Palm Springs. Extremely Strenuous 10-11 miles, 7 to 9 hours. Elevation gain 8000 ft. Limit of 8. Members only., Larry & Robin, 760.322.6324, robnlar@gmail.com

Nov 3-Thu,

Nov 4-Fri, 7:30 AM, Hike to the Cross (Palm Desert); Easy; 4 miles; 600 ft; Steep ascent to a notable desert feature and abundant views of Palm Desert and beyond – bagel and coffee after? No entry fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Nov 5-Sat, 8:00 AM, Deer Springs to Suicide Rock (Idyllwild); Moderate; 7 miles; 1900 ft; Legends say that an Indian maiden and her lover jumped to their deaths here. Lunch after the hike; No entry fee, John T, 760.834.8782

Nov 6-Sun, 7:30 AM, Round Valley Loop (San Jacinto Tram); Moderate; 6 miles; 600 ft; Tram fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Nov 7-Mon, 8:30 AM, Club Trail Work Day (Coachella Valley Preserve); All Levels; Tamarisk removal in the Willis palms oasis (the one that burned last year) and trail maintenance on Herman's hike trail; 4 hours - bring a lunch; Rich J, 760.636.0322, rich.jarvinen@dc.rr.com

Nov 8-Tue, 8:30 AM, Big Horn Overlook (Palm Desert); Moderate; 4 miles; 800 ft; Fantastic views of the desert cities (Schey only availabe for cross-country travel Oct 1 through Dec 31); No entry fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

Nov 9-Wed, 8:00 AM, Pinyon Loop (Pinyon); Strenuous; 10 – 12 miles; 1700 ft; short shuttle required near the trailhead; loop hike amidst the pines; no entry fee., John & Christy, 760.341.6176, christyanderson48@gmail.com

Nov 10-Thu, 9:00 AM, Carizzo Canyon (Palm Desert); Moderate; 4 miles; 400 ft; Sure-footed hikes only for scramble over dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Suzanne, 760.636.0322,

Nov 11-Fri,

Nov 12-Sat, 8:00 AM, Pushawalla Palms (Coachella Valley Preserve); Moderate; 6 miles; 800 ft.; Hike on an earthquake fault; No entry fee, Ed Woodson, 760.770.2800,

Nov 13-Sun, 7:30 AM, San Jacinto Peak (San Jacinto Tram); Strenuous; 12 miles; 2400 ft; Spectacular hiking high in the mountains; Tram fee, Carl, 760.321.7759,

Nov 14-Mon,

Nov 15-Tue, 7:45 AM, Ladder/Painted Canyon (Mecca); Moderate; 5 miles; 600 ft; A must see venture through narrow canyons accessed by ladders; No entry fee, Chris Z, 760.340.5016, zobelchris@gmail.com

Nov 15-Tue, Afternoon, Hike Leaders Training Session; Details TBA; Questions call Carl, 760.321.7759 - Added 10/18/11

Nov 16-Wed, 8:30 AM, Half way up Skyline Trail (Palm Springs); Strenuous; 10 miles; 4000 ft; WILD WEDNESDAY - Strenuous and fast paced; No entry fee, Nancy, 952.736.0886, nancydbone@yahoo.com

Nov 16-Wed, 8:00 AM, Salton Sea Overlook (Salton Sea); Moderate; 7 miles; 400 ft; A rocky trail makes this a moderate hike over an alluvial plain to a site of ancient petroglyphs; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Nov 17-Thu, 8:00 AM, Chuckwalla Loop (Rancho Mirage); Moderate; 6 miles; 1000 ft; Close-in views of the valley; No entry fee, Ed Woodson, 760.770.2800,

Nov 18-Fri, 8:30 AM, Willis Palms (Coachella Valley Preserve); Easy; 4 miles; 400 ft; Great views and an oasis; No entry fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

Nov 19-Sat, 8:00 AM, Coffman Loop (Palm Springs) Easy; 4 miles; 500ft; Entry fee; A delightful way to get acquainted with beautiful Indian Canyons., John T, 760.834.8782

Nov 20-Sun,

Nov 21-Mon, 8:00 AM, Deer Creek in Idyllwild to Strawberry Crossing (Strawberry campground). 10.4 miles, 2,000'. Mild Monday Hike: strenuous, but at a moderate pace. Climb to the PCT campground in Strawberry Valley. Lunch in Idyllwild. No entry fee, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Nov 22-Tue, 8:00 AM, Magnesia Falls (Rancho Mirage); Strenuous; 5 miles; 400 ft; Strenuous due to rock climbing of amazing dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Chris Z, 760.340.5016, zobelchris@gmail.com

Nov 23-Wed, 8:00 AM, Pacific Coast North of Hwy 74 (Garner Valley); Strenuous; 10 miles; 1500 ft; Hike part of the famous national trail; No entry fee, John & Christy, 760.341.6176, christyanderson48@gmail.com

Nov 24-Thu,

Nov 25-Fri, 8:30 AM, North Lykken (Palm Springs); Moderate; 3 miles; 900 ft; Hike to the table for great views of Palm Springs; No entry fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

Nov 26-Sat, 8:00 AM, Rainbow Rock Canyon (Whitewater Preserve); Moderate; 6 miles; 700 ft; Follow the PCT to a side canyon, then user paths crisscross to the locations of colorful rocks - possible stream crossings; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Nov 27-Sun, 8:00 AM, Herman's Peak Trail (CV Preserve); Moderate; 7 miles; 1000 ft; Coachella Valley Preserve's newest trail overlooking spectacularly eroded Moon Country and the San Andreas Fault; No entry fee, Rich J, 760.636.0322, rich.jarvinen@dc.rr.com

Nov 28-Mon,

Nov 29-Tue,

Nov 30-Wed,

Dec 1-Thu, 8:30 AM, Herman's Peak Trail (CV Preserve); Moderate; 7 miles; 1000 ft; Coachella Valley Preserve's newest trail overlooking spectacularly eroded Moon Country and the San Andreas Fault; No entry fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

Dec 2-Fri,

Dec 3-Sat,

Dec 4-Sun, 9:00 AM, Carizzo Canyon (Palm Desert); Moderate; 4 miles; 400 ft; Sure-footed hikes only for scramble over dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Suzanne, 760-636-0322,

Dec 5-Mon, 8:00 AM, Palm Canyon to Agua Bonita Springs returning on the Palm Springs Jeep Trail. 14.4 miles, 2,300'. Mild Monday Hike: strenuous, but at a very moderate pace. Through the Portrero, and 1/2 way up Palm Canyon, turning at a beautiful spring; Entry Fee, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Dec 6-Tue, 4:00 PM, December Social - tba,

Dec 6-Tue, 8:00 AM, Pushawalla Palms (Coachella Valley Preserve); Moderate; 6 miles; 800 ft.; Hike on an earthquake fault; No entry fee, Chris Z, 760.340.5016, zobelchris@gmail.com

Dec 7-Wed, 9:00 AM, Maynard Mine (Palm Springs); Strenuous; 6 miles; 2400 ft; See abandoned equipment from a WWII tungsten mine and then hike down to Murray Creek for lunch; No entry fee, John & Christy, 760.341.6176, christyanderson48@gmail.com

Dec 8-Thu, 8:30 AM, Eisenhower Loop (Palm Desert); Moderate; 5 miles; 900 ft; Fee for those who are not members of the Living Desert; Entry Fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

Dec 9-Fri,

Dec 10-Sat, 8:00 AM, South Lykken Loop (Palm Springs); Moderate; 4 miles; 800 ft; ; No entry fee, Ed Woodson, 760.770.2800,

Dec 11-Sun,

Dec 12-Mon, 8:00 AM, The Long Loop. 14 miles, 2,300'. Mild Monday Hike: strenuous, but at a moderate pace. The two most scenic trails in Indian Canyons: climb the Buena Vista Trail and descend the East Fork Trail. Entry fee, Larry, 760.285.1568, LarryFox1310@gmail.com

Dec 13-Tue, 8:00 AM, Grottos (Mecca); Strenuous; 8 miles; 800 ft; Some rock scrambiing; flashlight required; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986,

Dec 14-Wed, 9:00 AM, Murray Hill Loop (Palm Springs); Strenuous; 8 miles; 2200 ft; WILD WEDNESDAY - Strenuous and fast paced; No entry fee, Nancy, 952.736.0886, nancydbone@yahoo.com

Dec 15-Thu,

Dec 16-Fri, 8:30 AM, Araby-Berns-Shannon Loop (Palm Springs); Moderate; 7 miles; 1200 ft; Pass celebrity houses of Bob Hope and Steve McQueen on this hike though a mountain pass; No entry fee, Jonelle Dedrick, 760.341.0632, ljdedrick@comcast.net

~~Dec 17-Sat, 9:00 AM, Carizzo Canyon (Palm Desert); Moderate; 4 miles; 400 ft; Sure-footed hikes only for scramble over dry waterfalls; No entry fee, Suzanne, 760-636-0322,~~ CANCELLED 12/9/11

Dec 18-Sun, 8:00 AM, Garston-Shannon-Henderson Loop (Palm Springs); Moderate; 5 miles; 1000 ft; Energetic climb to desert meadows with mountain views and some wash walking; No entry fee, Ed Woodson, 760.770.2800,

Dec 19-Mon, 8:00 AM, Club Trail Work Day (); All Levels; ; ; ;, Rich J, 760.636.0322, rich.jarvinen@dc.rr.com

Dec 20-Tue, 8:00 AM, Chocolate Drop DHS (Desert Hot Springs); Moderate; 5 miles; 1000 ft; optional short off-trail scramble to the peak with views overlooking DHS; No entry fee; Members only, Rochelle, 760.399.5986, ADDED BACK 12/12/11

Dec 21-Wed, 6:30 AM, Keenwild to Tahquitz Peak Lookout via SouthridgeTrail: Idyllwild. WILD WEDNESDAY. Very Strenuous 15 miles. Elevation gain 4000 ft., Larry & Robin, 760.322.6324,

Dec 22-Thu,

Dec 23-Fri, 8:30 AM, Bear Creek (La Quinta); Strenuous; 9 miles; 2400 ft; FAST PACED hike to the oasis - tailgate after in The Cove; Mary Settle, 801.560.0965 - ADDED 11/12/11

Dec 24-Sat,

Dec 25-Sun,

Dec 26-Mon, 9:30 AM, Henderson Trail/Palm Desert (Palm Desert); Easy; 3 miles; 500 ft; Trail accessed from the National Monument Visitor's Center on Hwy 74; No entry fee, Chris Z, 760.340.5016, zobelchris@gmail.com-CANCELLED 12/16/11

Dec 27-Tue, 8:00 AM, Boo Hoff (La Quinta); Strenuous; 9 miles; 1650 ft; Impressive vistas of the Salton Sea Basin; No entry fee, Rich J, 760.636.0322, rich.jarvinen@dc.rr.com

Dec 28-Wed,

Dec 29-Thu, 8:00 AM, Lost Horse Mine Loop (Joshua Tree National Park); Moderate; 7 miles; 1300 ft; Historical hike to one of the largest gold mines and stamp mills in the park; Entry Fee, Rochelle, 760.399.5986, ADDED BACK 12/12/11

Dec 30-Fri,

Dec 31-Sat, All levels of hikes offered New Years Eve Day hike at Art Smith Trail (Palm Desert). Come and bring something tasty to ring out the old year for the Potluck approximately at Noon. Our objective is to have all hikes ending about 11:30 AM in the parking lot. Strenuous level hike to the second oasis on Art Smith Trail begins at 8:00 AM and is led by Rich Jarvinen and Jonelle Dedrick. Moderate level hike to the first oasis of Art Smith Trail begins at 9:00 AM and is led by Mart Settle and Cathy and Dave Luckwell. Easy level hike to Carrizo Canyon waterfall begins at 9:00 AM and is lead by Darrol Holstad and Suzanne Jarvinen; No entry fee. Contact Rick Jarvinen at 719-201-9925 for further details. UPDATED 12/28/11

DON'T FORGET THE SPRING GETAWAY IN LAGUNA!! Block your calendars for March 25-28, 2012.


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