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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
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 […]
Join Susan and Steve this spring as they explore the different Preserves that surround the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This trail in the Coachella Valley Preserve/Thousand Palms Preserve is rated as easy with a hike distance of 2 miles and an elevation gain of 200 feet. We will explore the desert […]
Join us for a hike into the Chuckwalla National Monument. On this hike we will walk through a wash full of amazing geology with colors that you will not see elsewhere. We will explore an impressive slot canyon with walls towering over our head and then return to the main canyon to continue exploring. With […]
Friends’ volunteers are celebrating our annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival. We will be walking on the paved Ed Hastey Garden Trail enjoying a conversation about the various native plants in the Monument, and where the wildflowers may be hiding this spring. It is highly suggested you wear close-toed shoes, sun hat, sun screen and bring […]
Join us for the 18th annual Coachella Valley Wildflower. Wildflower Festival is a free day-long event featuring skilled local artisans, shopping and information booths, enchanting wildflower displays, an exciting raffle, fun times and live music on the 1st Saturday in March. Our huge interactive Kids’ Zone and “Naturally Inspired” youth art contest brings families from […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
The Red Dome trail is in the Sand to Snow National Monument and part of the historic Pacific Crest Trail. The Friends’ docent will discuss how recent rain events and snow melt has changed the river bed. As we leave the ranger station, we will follow the trail and crossing the river and head North […]
Grab your hiking poles and join a Friends’ volunteer docent for the Mission Creek Preserve trail. This trail is in the Sand to Snow National Monument created in 2015. We will trek along a riparian area and anticipate seeing an area lush with spring wildflowers. Along the way you may see wonderful views of San […]
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 […]
Friends of the Desert Mountains Director of Education Oscar Ortiz will be delivering a presentation that discusses where our water comes from and how our water is used in the Coachella Valley. He will discuss topics such as the Salton Sea, the Colorado River, the underground aquifer, and how we interact with these systems during […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
Join us for a hike into the Chuckwalla National Monument. On this hike we will walk through a wash full of amazing geology with colors that you will not see elsewhere. We will explore an impressive slot canyon with walls towering over our head and then return to the main canyon to continue exploring. With […]
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 […]
Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a hike for persons with disabilities, their family, and friends on this wheelchair assessable hike. This time, we will meet at the gate and drive to the Stone House. From the picnic area we will start hiking to the PCT (Pacific Crest […]
We need ALL volunteers (that are new or have not attended an orientation in the prior season) to attend orientation and sign paperwork. If you have not already attended a general volunteer orientation this season, please attend one of these sessions to begin or continue your great work with our organization. RETURNING VOLUNTEERS WHO ATTENDED […]
We need RETURNING volunteers (those who have attended a general volunteer orientation) to attend ONE session this year and sign new BLM volunteer agreements. Please attend one of these sessions to continue your great work with our organization. Questions? Contact Dallas Williams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org To learn more about volunteering with us, […]
WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT? 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 […]
WILDFLOWERS! HOW DO THEY SURVIVE IN A DESERT? 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 […]
You and a guest are cordially invited to gather with all your fellow volunteers, Friends staff and board members in celebration and appreciation of your many accomplishments during the past few seasons. Please join us for a meal and awards presentation (of course, the raffle). Thank you for all that you do! Meet on the […]
Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. We have arranged a special trip to the Boyd Deep Canyon. While there we will have a rare opportunity to hike and explore the canyon. This trail involves hiking off-trail in a sandy wash and some light boulder scrambling. Bring 2 liters of […]
Join a Friends’ volunteer docent on a hike on the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail and learn about some of the epic resources unique to the Monument! Moderate hike through desert wash, 300-foot elevation gain, 3.0-miles round trip. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, wear closed-toed shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen. Sorry no dogs are […]
THIS LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Expand your knowledge of the Desert Mountains and be a better “Friend”. Join speaker Joe Migliore and learn the fascinating geology of the Coachella Valley. Questions? Contact Dallas Willams at 760 568-9918 or email dwilliams@desertmountains.org This event is for current volunteers only. To volunteer with us, go to https://www.desertmountains.org/become-a-volunteer/ to […]
DUE TO RAIN THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. 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 […]
DUE TO RAIN THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. 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 […]
DUE TO RAIN THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED. 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 […]
CHECK FOR RAIN BEFORE LEAVING HOME – THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED IF RAINING. 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 […]
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN AND WIND. 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 […]
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN AND WIND. 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED DUE TO WIND/ESTE EVENTO ESTÁ CANCELADO DEBIDO AL VIENTO. 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 […]
Hike through the largest palm oasis in North America to Palm Canyon trail to Indian Potrero trail. We come to a beautiful meadow like area along the Palm Canyon Trail and returning the same way. Distance is 7.5 miles with 1400 feet elevation gain. Hike is considered strenuous. We meet at Indian Canyons entrance station. […]
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. Sponsored by the […]
Enjoy lectures at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountain National Monument Visitor Center.The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument has been a living laboratory for scientific research even before the Monument was designated. Learn about some of the studies that have occurred over the years, as well as some of the research […]
ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF THE MONUMENT! 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 along […]
ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF THE MONUMENT! 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 along […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
This trail has everything you need in a hike: a good workout, phenomenal views, and wildlife. We will be hiking to the Desert Riders trail junction picnic area and the Simonetta Kennett Vista Point and listen for the calming sound of Tahquitz Canyon Falls. The trail has a few steep switchbacks and is rocky in […]
Our volunteers will take you on a nature walk in Rancho Mirage. Join our Friends’ volunteer docents for an interactive nature conversation at Blixseth Mountain Park. As we walk along the paths we can talk geology and look for evidence of how both fault systems and water have shaped our land. Perhaps we can sit […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
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 […]
The Randall Henderson Trail is habitat for the endangered desert tortoise. Meg, National Monument Park Ranger, will lead you on this 1-mile loop hike. You will learn many interesting tidbits as you search for the tortoises on the trail. At trails end, you will have the opportunity to visit with the National Monument’s desert tortoise […]
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. For more information call 760-862-9984. Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope […]
GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY! 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 […]
GEOLOGY OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY! 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 […]
Our experienced 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 on to the Ed Hastey Garden Walk (paved) and tortoise habitat areas. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. For more information call 760-862-9984. Etiquette: please do not touch equipment unless requested. No white lights near telescope […]
WHO MADE THAT HOLE! 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 […]
WHO MADE THAT HOLE! 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 […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
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 […]
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 on the sidewalk adjacent […]
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 […]
Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a hike for persons with disabilities, their family, and friends in Indian Canyons. We begin by crossing the bridge and hiking up the desert trail overlooking the oasis. At the top, we will hike down about 25 feet to the creek. We […]
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 – 11am. For […]
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. Sponsored by the […]
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 – 11am. For […]