Edition 2: December 22, 2011

SCPD HIKES LISTED BY DIFFICULTY

Key: ABSP: Anza-Borrego State Park; CVP: Coachella Valley Preserve; JTNP: Joshua Tree National Park; PCT: Pacific Crest Trail EASY Bear Creek Trail Butler-Abrams Trail CVP, Biskra Palms Oasis CVP, Guided Tour, Sand Dunes CVP, McCallum Grove Oasis Earl Henderson Trail Indian Canyon Sampler Indio Hills Walkabout, I Indio Hills Walkabout, II JTNP, Barker Dam and Wall Street Mill JTNP, Keys Ranch Tour & Hidden Valley Hike JTNP, Pine City Plus Living Desert Private Walking Tour Lower Palm Canyon Mecca Hills, Big Utah Canyon Mecca Hills, Little Painted Canyon Walkabout Morrow Trail (Beginning) La Quinta Cove Loop Oak Glen, Redwoods, Tri-Tip Sandwich & Apple Pie Randall Henderson Trail Salton Sea Bat Caves Sonny Bono Refuge Center, Obsidian Butte & Mud Volcanoes Tahquitz Canyon Waterfalls Trail Whitewater Preserve: Wine & Wildflowers EASY/MODERATE ABSP, Borrego Palm Canyon Bear Canyon Big Morongo Canyon Preserve Bump & Grind (Beginner’s) Carrizo Canyon CVP, Bee Rock Mesa Ridge CVP, Hidden Palms CVP, Moon Rock Trail & Canyon Wash Loop CVP, Willis Palms Trail Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail Long Valley Hike Mecca Hills, Big Split Rock/ Slot Canyon Walkabout Mecca Hills, Little Painted Canyon Walkabout Whitewater Canyon View Loop MODERATE ABSP, Calcite Mine Big Morongo Canyon (One Way) Bump & Grind/ Herb Jeffries/ Mike Schuler Loop Bump & Grind (by Moonlight) CVP, Bee Rock Mesa & Pushawalla Canyon CVP, Herman’s Peak Hike CVP, Horseshoe Palms Hike CVP, Pushawalla Canyon Eisenhower Peak Loop, The Living Desert Gabby Hayes Trail to the Cross Hopalong Cassidy/ Gabby Hayes/ Homestead Trailhead JTNP, Desert Queen Mines JTNP, Ryan Mountain Macomber Palms Mecca Hills, Big Colorful Canyon Mecca Hills, Linville Grotto of Reflection, Afternoon Hike Mecca Hills, Little Painted Canyon Walkabout Mecca Hills, Painted Canyon/ Ladder Canyon Loop Mecca Hills, Pyramid Canyon Mecca Hills, Slot Canyon Cave Trail Morongo Canyon Murray Canyon Trail PCT, Autumn Foliage Hikes, Warner Springs Rock Point Round Valley Loop Victor/ Fern Canyon Trails MODERATE/ADVANCED Araby Trail Chocolate Drop/Flag Peak Loop Trail CVP, Herman’s Peak Loop Hike Four Trails Loop Hopalong Cassidy Trail to the Cross Horsethief Creek Indian Mountain JTNP, Boy Scout Trail JTNP, California Riding & Hiking Trail, Black Rock C.G. to Upper Covington Flat JTNP, Carey’s Castle and Mine JTNP, Lost Horse Mine JTNP, Lost Palms Oasis Trail Lost Canyon via Boo Hoff Trail Lykken Trail (South) Mecca Hill, Grottos (The) Morrow Trail Red Cloud Great Western Mine Tour Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve ADVANCED Araby/ Burns/ Garsten /Henderson Trails Art Smith/ Schey/ Hopalong Cassidy Trails Bear Creek Canyon Ridge Bear Creek Canyon Ridge Oasis Black Mountain Boo Hoff Trail, Via Rattlesnake Alley Butterfly Peak Cactus Springs via Horsethief Creek Cat Creek Trail to Art Smith & Schey Trails Cathedral City to Trading Post Cedar Springs Trail/ Fobes Saddle Key Exchange Devilʼs Slide to Tram, Key Exhange Dunnʼs Steep Mining Road Folly Peak Guadalupe Trail Hahn Buena Vista Trail Henderson/ Garstin/ Shannon Trails Herb Jeffries Trail Hopalong Cassidy/ Art Smith Trails Hopalong Cassidy Trail to Stone Eagle Jo Pond/ Cedar Spring Trail to Palm Canyon Trading Post JTNP, California Riding & Hiking Trail, Upper Covington C.G. to Keys View Road JTNP, California Riding & Hiking Trail, Keys View Road to Twin Tanks JTNP, Eureka Peak JTNP, Little Berdoo and Bernard Peaks JTNP, Pinto Mountain JTNP, Quail Mountain JTNP, Warren Peak (Via Panorama Loop Trail) Lykken Trail (North) Maynard Mine Mecca Hills, Coffee Bean Canyon, Mecca Hill Walkabout Mecca Hills, Meccacopia and Godwin Trails Murray Hill Murray Hill Loop via Araby/ Wild Horse/ Shannon & Henderson Trails Murray Hill and Dunn Steep Mining Road PCT, Chihuahua Valley Road to Tule Truck Trail PCT, Fuller Ridge to Snow Creek Village PCT, Snow Creek Village to Whitewater Preserve PCT, Mission Creek Preserve to Whitewater PCT, Mission Creek Trail Camp to Mission Creek Preserve PCT, Deep Creek Bridge to Silverwood Lake PCT, Silverwood Lake to Swarthout Canyon PCT, Bouquet Canyon to Soledad Canyon PCT, Bouquet Canyon to Lake Hughes Road PCT, Lake Hughes Road to Pine Canyon Road Palm View Peak Pine Mountain Ramona Trail/ East Thomas Mountain Road Red Tahquitz Peak San Gorgonio (Mt.) via Vivian Creek Trail Schey and Hopalong Cassidy Trails Shadow Mountain Shadow Mountain via the Cross Sheep Moyuntain Sierra Peak, Santa Ana Mountains Spitler Peak via Fobes Saddle Trail Suicide Rock via Deer Springs Trail Tahquitz Peak Lookout Key Exchange Traversing the Three Tʼs Wellmanʼs Divide with Mt. San Jacinto Extension SCPDHC HIKE FILE Edition 2, December 21, 2011

A compilation of hikes done by the Sun City Palm Desert Hiking Club during the three seasons, Oct. 2008 to May 2011 & hikes from Oct. through Dec. 2011.

ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK: CALCITE MINE MODERATE Hike: 4 miles Elevation gain: 800 Feet Area; Duration of Hike: 2-3 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; South End, Santa Rosa Mts.; Beginning at a turnoff on State Hwy. 22, about 10 miles west of Salton City, this hike wends up an eroded jeep road to an abandoned calcite mine. “During World War II, this area was an important site for the extraction of optical-grade calcite crystals for use in gun-sights.” Crystals can still be seen strewn around, glittering in the sunlight. On our way back, we’ll pass through a slot canyon that narrows until it allows the passage of only one person at a time (think Ladders Canyon). Date & Hike Leader: December 2, 2011, Burt Falk

ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK: BORREGO SPRINGS/PALM CANYON EASY/MODERATE Hike: 3 miles; Elevation Gain: 200 ft. with Water Crossing; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: Approximately 1 hour. Drive to the largest and one of the most diversified State Parks in California. Small parking fee. We’ll scan the canyon walls for big horn sheep as we meander along a stream leading to a waterfall and oasis of giant palm trees. (Big horns sighted on last four hikes). After lunch at local restaurant, we leave Anza- Borrego for a driving tour past many artistic life-size metal replicas of field animals and prehistoric creatures. Date & Leaders: December 14, 2010, Shirley Hastie & Bill Pivar

ARABY TRAIL Moderate/Advanced: 6 miles; Elevation Gain: 800 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 1/2 to 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 30 min.; Area: Palm Springs The trail heads straight up from Highway 111, past a mobile home park, into the canyons behind the homes of Bob Hope and Steve McQueen with great views of each. We climb for 3 miles to the top of the ridge, seeing great Palm Springs views. We then return by the same route. Optional lunch for those interested. Date & Leader: October 16, 2009, Jan. 6, 2010, Jack Wersbe

ARABY/BURNS/GARSTEN/HENDERSON TRAILS ADVANCED Hike; 10 miles; Elevation Gain: 1800 feet; Area: Palm Springs Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Driving Time one Way: 30 minutes We will start the hike on the Araby Trail along Bob Hope’s house and continue to the Burns/Garsten Trail and pickup the Earl Henderson Trail. We will see the first ever ranch and first concrete swimming pool in Palm Springs. It is now an historical monument. We will return to the cars with lunch optional at the Manhattan Deli. Date & Leader, April 14, 2010, Jack Wersbe

ART SMITH, SCHEY, HOPALONG CASSIDY TRAILS Advanced Hike: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 1806 feet; Area: Santa Rosa Mtns.: Duration of Hikes: 5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes This hike provides many majestic views of Palm Desert Cove from the Art Smith, Schey, and Hopalong Cassidy trails. Hikers will have excellent view of the Big Horn Country Club, the Stone Eagle Golf Resort, Haystack Mountain, and Eisenhower Mountain. The trail will take hikers through beautiful mountain canyons, up a sandy wash through an oasis, and some parts of the trail are steep in ascent and descent and, likewise, hiking sticks are strongly recommended. Date & Leader: Nov. 19, 2009 Wesley L. Bond

BEAR CANYON Easy/Moderate: 4 miles; Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 hours; Driving Time One Way: 5-10 minutes; Area: North of Sun City We will drive from SCPD to the end of Coyote Song Way, the street that borders the north side of Sun City, and travel part way up a dirt road toward the gate in front of the water tank road. We will park on the road and hike north up through some very scenic and beautiful washes, otherwise known as Bear Canyon, for about two miles. We should be treated to lots of evidence of a beautiful wildflower bloom. This is a wonderful desert hike with spectacular views of the Coachella Valley and Sun City from high up in the wash. Hiking sticks are recommended for this hike. Date & Hike Leader: March 11, 2010, Jack Maddan

BEAR CREEK CANYON RIDGE Advanced: 8 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet; Duration of Hike: 5 hours; Driving Time One Way: 20 minutes; Area: La Quinta Cove Trail begins with a gradual ascent through a wash and then ascends rapidly up the ridge to a plateau affording great views of the surrounding mountains, the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree National Park. Bring lunch or snacks because of the duration of the hike. Date & Hike Leader: March 10, 2010, John Beringer

BEAR CREEK CANYON RIDGE OASIS ADVANCED Hike: 9 miles; Elevation gain: 2,200 feet; Duration of Hike: 5-6 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes; Area: La Quinta Cove The trail begins with a gradual ascent through a wash and then ascends rapidly to follow the ridge line to a plateau affording great views of the surrounding mountains and vistas. We make a slight descent to an inviting oasis. Bring lunch or snacks because of the duration of the hike. Date & Leader: November 16, 2011, John Beringer

BEAR CREEK TRAIL EASY Hike: 4.75 miles; Elevation gain: Negligible; Duration of Hike: 2- 2 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 18 minute; Area: La Quinta A lovely part desert, part urban hike, which, beginning at the Bear Creek Trail, makes a 1.6 mile round trip to the Oasis and back. (A well-packed sandy trail.) We will then walk the Bear Creek trail along the wash and mountains for 11/2 miles. This outing offers sweeping vistas of Martinez Mountain, the Santa Rosa Mountains and foothills, as well as beautiful desert landscape. The trail is paved, though you can walk on hard packed sand along the trail. We will return on this same trail to our cars. Date & Leader : April 17, 2010, February 26, 2011, November 12, 2011, Carol Thomas

BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE Easy/Moderate Hike: 4 miles; Elevation Gain: 300 feet; Area: Morongo Valley Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 Hours; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes This spectacular hike roams through a valley, a ridge, a canyon and a marsh - all in just a few miles. The trailhead is at 2,500 feet, thus temperatures will be at least 10% cooler than the Sun City area. The whole area has grown back beautifully since the June 2005 fire. Plant life, wildlife and over 30 varieties of birds now inhabit the protected areas of our hike. Date and Hike Leaders: October 9, 2008, Iona Scapple & Marsha Hansen; February 10, 2010, Shirley Hastie & Bill Pivar

BIG MORONGO CANYON (ONE WAY) MODERATE Hike: 6 miles Elevation: Loss of 1800 feet Area: Morongo Valley Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 40 minutes The hike begins in a lush riparian oasis at Big Morongo Preserve, a spectacular landscape of cottonwoods, willows, cattails, and other riparian species. The trail quickly plunges into the sharply barren desert down the canyons towards Desert Hot Springs. This is a one-way downhill hike with a short shuttle from Indian Avenue near Hwy. 62 back to Morongo Valley. Wildflowers may be in full bloom. Bring snacks and water. Date & Leaders: March 16, 2011, Marsha Hansen & Iona Scapple

BLACK MOUNTAIN, A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED Hike: 8.5 miles Elevation gain: 3,100 feet Area: San Jacinto Mountains Duration of Hike: 4 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Black Mountain is a “50 in 5” summit topping off at 7,772 feet. This hike starts on the Northwest side of San Jacinto and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and chaparral. We will hike up the trail through bands of pine and oak forest, as well as chaparral. Near the summit, we will encounter and enjoya boulder-strewn ridge. Our return will be on the same trail. Date & Leader: April 26, 2011, Ray Cheeney

BOO HOFF TRAIL VIA RATTLESNAKE ALLEY ADVANCED Hike: 13.4 miles Elevation gain: 1,565 feet Area: Santa Rosa Mountains; Duration of Hike: 7-8 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes This is an exciting loop hike (clockwise) that starts and ends at La Quinta Cove. The hike is over sandy trails, sandy washes, and over defined mountain trails. Hikers will pass by Lake Cahuilla and proceed to the Boo Hoff Trail for grandeur and majestic views of Coachella Valley, Little San Bernardino Mountains, Mt. San Gorgonio, San Jacinto Peak and La Quinta Cove. Bring plenty of water and prepare for warm/hot weather. Date & Leader: April 2, 2009, Jan. 5, 2010, March 8, 2011, Wes Bond

BUMP AND GRIND (BEGINNER’S) EASY/MODERATE Hike: 3.8 miles round trip; Elevation gain: 723 feet to the top. 1.8 miles round trip, 218’gain to where the Mike Schuler connects to the B & G. Duration of Hike: 1+ hour depending on how far up you hike Area: Palm Desert Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes This is a nice “starter” hike for those wishing to come out on the Bump and Grind via the Mike Schuler Trail. We’ll park on Painter’s Path and proceed up the Mike Schuler Trail behind Moller’s Nursery to where it connects to the Bump and Grind. We will make frequent stops. Lee will then continue on to the gate (new top of bump & grind) for those that wish to go to the top for the 723’ climb. We will return on the same trail. Be sure to bring water. Date & Leaders: December 28, 2011, Nina Thomas with Lee Thomas

BUMP & GRIND/ HERB JEFFRIES/ MIKE SCHULER LOOP Moderate Hike: 3.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 723 feet; Duration of Hikes: 1.5 + hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes; Area: Palm Desert This short but challenging hike begins on Painter’s Path and connects to the Herb Jefferies Trail. While not long, the steep switchbacks and occasional loose gravel make this portion of the Herb Jeffries advanced. Where the HJ connects with the Bump & Grind we will descend using the goat hill trail and the original B&G picking up the Mike Schuler Trail to our cars. Hiking poles recommended. Bring plenty of water. Date & Leader: Multiple Dates, Multiple Leaders

BUMP & GRIND (BY MOONLIGHT) MODERATE Hike: 4.5 miles Elevation gain: 950 feet Area: Rancho Mirage Duration of Hike: 2 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes Come join a first for the SCPDHC. A moonlight hike up the Bump & Grind on the first Full Moon night of April. Bring your cameras as the views of the valley should be spectacular. Wear clothing to accommodate the evening Desert chillness. Proper footwear and a headlamp or flashlight to help illuminate the trail for safe hiking is a must. Our hike will be on the cautious side as safety is and will be our mantra. Date & Leader: April 17, 2011, Ray Cheeney

BUTLER-ABRAMS TRAIL EASY: 2.7 miles; Elevation Gain: 0; Area: Rancho Mirage Duration of Hike: 1 1/2 hrs; Driving Time One Way: 20 minutes This beautiful hike/walk begins a MICHAEL WOLFSON PARK at Frank Sinatra Dr. We follow the JOE BUTLER TRAIL above the channel on either asphalt or dirt trails, running next to each other. As it continues between a residential area and Morningside Country Club, we cross the wash and travel along a lovely tree lined path. You will see and hear many birds flying into and around the eucalyptus trees. Fabulous view of mountains and golf course are abundant on this quiet travel route between Frank Sinatra Dr and Country Club Dr. We will retrace our steps and return to the lovely, small fragrant park with Braille marked trail and fragrance garden. Hiking boots and sticks not needed. Optional coffee afterwards at place to be determined. Date & Leader: April 4, 2009, February 13, 2010, October 16, 2010, Carol Thomas BUTTERFLY PEAK (6,228’), A NIFTY FIFTY PEAK ADVANCED Hike: 6 miles; Elevation gain: 1,700 feet; Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Desert Divide, San Jacinto Mtns; Butterfly Peak is located on the Desert Divide, north of the Garner Valley on Highway 74. This hike involves a paved road, a jeep road and off trail scrambling. Date & Leader: November 8, 2011, Burt Falk

CACTUS SPRINGS, HORSE THIEF CREEK Advanced Hike: 9 miles; Elevation Gain: 1200 feet; Duration of Hike: 5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: Santa Rosa Mtns This hike is into the Santa Rosa Mtn Wilderness wherein we will see thickets of vegetation, cacti and pinion pine. We will see the remnants of an abandoned dolomite mine, and an historic horse thief corral made of dried Manzanita. Once we cross Horse Thief Creek we will continue to Cactus Springs with delightful views of the chaparral covered slopes of the Horse Thief Creek watershed. Martinez Mtn is directly ahead as we approach Cactus Springs. We will return by the same route. Date & Hike Leader: April 9, 2009,Ray Cheeney

CARRIZO CANYON Easy/Moderate Hike: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 300 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area: Palm Desert Carrizo Canyon is a narrow, picturesque canyon off Highway 74, sharing the same parking area as the Art Smithtrail. The hike is rated as Easy/Moderate as it requires some small boulder traversing at short segments. Hiking sticks may be useful if you anticipate difficulty with traversing thru boulders. Date & Leader: October 22, 2009, Sam Kaplan

CAT CREEK TRAIL TO ART SMITH & SCHEY TRAILS ADVANCED Hike; 7.21 Miles; Elevation Gain:1,500 Feet; Area: Santa Rosa Mountain; Duration of Hike: 4 – 5 Hours; Driving Time To Trailhead: 30 Minutes This hike provides many majestic views of Palm Desert Cove from the Hopalong Cassidy trail and the Schey trail (including the outlook point). Hikers will have excellent view of the Big Horn Country Club, the Stone Eagle Golf Resort, Haystack Mountain, and Eisenhower Mountain. The trail will take hiker through beautiful mountain canyons, up a sandy wash through an oasis, and some parts of the trail are steep in ascent and descent and, likewise, hiking sticks are strongly recommended. A camera on this hike is a must. Date & Hike Leader: April 8, 2010, Wesley L. Bond

CATHEDRAL CITY TO TRADING POST ADVANCED Hike: 12 miles Elevation gain: 1,600 feet; Duration of Hike: 7 hours Drive Time One Way : 30 minutes; Area: Santa Rosa Mountain The Palm Canyon Trail at the base of the Trading Post in Indian Canyon is one of the best oases in a canyon gorge that competes in beauty with the Palm Canyon Oasis. The trek involves walking on dirt roads, defined trails, and sandy washes. Date & Leader: February 8, 2011, Wes Bond

CEDAR SPRINGS TRAIL/FOBES SADDLE KEY EXCHANGE Advanced Hike: 8 miles; Elevation Gain: 1200-1400 feet; Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours; Driving Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Garner Valley/Desert Divide Burt will lead hikers from the Fobes Ranch TH to Cedar Springs TH, while John will lead hikers from the Cedar Springs TH to Fobes Ranch TH. Both THs begin with a series of switchbacks to the Desert Divide, the ridge line separating the mountains to the West from the Coachella Valley, traverse along the Pacific Crest Trail which also follows the ridge, and drop back down to the respective trail heads. Beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mtns to the southeast and the San Jacinto Mtns to the Northwest Date & Leaders: April 7, 2009, Burt Falk & John Beringer

CHOCOLATE DROP AND FLAG PEAK LOOP TRAIL MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 3.5 miles; Elevation gain: 1,063 feet; Area: Desert Hot Springs Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes Follow a wash to a use trail that ascends to the top of Chocolate Peak. After enjoying the views, drop back to the wash and take a narrow canyon to the top of Flag Peak. This section involves climbing around several dry waterfalls. From Flag Peak, we hike down the top of a ridge to our waiting cars. Date & Leader: October 20, 2011, John Beringer

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, BEE ROCK MESA RIDGE EASY/MODERATE Hike: 3.6 miles; Elev gain: 340 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes To avoid crossing busy Thousand Palms Canyon Rd., we will park our cars in the small parking area on the east side of Thousand Palms Canyon Rd. just before the visitor center. We will then head easterly along the foot of the northerly slope of Bee Rock Mesa in a wash and up rock steps to a trail going up to a flat area west of Pushawalla Canyon. We will return by looping up to Bee Rock Mesa ridge and back to the trailhead. Good hiking boots and poles are recommended. Date & Leader: February 14, 2011, Duane Paschall; March 7, 2011, April 11, 2011,Ken Linville; November 7, 2011, Ernie Manson

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, BEE ROCK MESA & PUSHAWALLA CANYON MODERATE Hike: 4.4 miles Elevation gain: 510 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 ½ hours Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes We will start our trek at the trailhead in the Preserve visitor’s parking lot and traverse southeasterly across Thousand Palms Road to the steps leading up to the ridge of Bee Rock Mesa. The trail then heads easterly on top of the ridge to the last high bump, then heads down a steep section and on to the bottom of Pushawalla Canyon natural palm tree grove. We will then head back looping around the south side of the ridge next to Horse Shoe Palms and up a steep rocky trail to the ridge which takes us back to the steps and on to the trailhead. Good hiking boots and poles recommended. Date & Leader: February 21, 2011, Ken Linville; March 14, 2011, April 25, 2011, Duane Paschall

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE: BISKRA PALMS OASIS Easy Hike: 3.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 250 ft; Duration of Hike: 2 hours Driving Time One Way: 10 minutes Biskra Palms is the oasis we see looking eastward from SCPD. We will begin the hike at approximately one-half mile in along a gravel road running easterly from the end of Adams Street. As we hike out we will see several small oases on our left not seen from Sun City and which follow the San Andreas fault system. At Biskra Palms the San Andreas fault splits into the Banning and Mission faults which can be observed at this location, in the form of water flowing to the surface at the fault junction. Date & Hike Leader: Jan. 6, 2009, Feb. 17, 2010, Sam Kaplan

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, GUIDED TOUR, SAND DUNES Easy: 5 miles; Elevation Gain: Negligible; Duration of Hike: 3 Hours; Driving Time One Way: None. Walk from Lakeview Don’t miss the chance to hike the Coachella Preserve located right across Washington Street without trespassing through the signed fences. Ginny Short, Preserve Manager, will guide us to interesting areas of the Preserve including the sand dunes. Hopefully we will see the endangered Fringe-Toed Lizard and wild flowers in bloom. There is a $10 per person donation for this hike which will be collected when the sign-up sheet is passed around at Lakeview parking lot. Date & Leader: March 12, 2010, Ken Linville

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, HERMAN’S PEAK HIKE MODERATE Hike, 5.5 Miles; Elevation Gain, 1,000 ft.: Duration of Hike, 3.5 hours; Drive Time One Way, 10 minutes Not a trail for beginners, the trail starts at the Thousand Palms Oasis and follows a drainage wash west for about a mile and a half and then climbs over the course of a mile to an elevation of approximately 1300 ft at the summit of Herman’s Peak. After a scenic break we’ll return to Thousand Palms Oasis. Date & Leader; January 13, 2011, Jack Madden COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, HERMAN’S PEAK LOOP HIKE MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike, 6 Miles; Elevation Gain, 800 ft.: Duration of Hike, 3.5 hours; Drive Time One Way, 10 Minutes Starting from the Coachella Preserve parking lot, we hike northwest up the 1000 Palms Canyon to a trail switch-backing up to the summit of 1,308’ Herman Mt. We descend south toward Willis Palms, then hike back a wash to the parking lot. Date & Leader: January 16, 2011, Burt Falk

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, HIDDEN PALMS EASY/MODERATE Hike: 3.7 miles; Elev gain: 480 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes To avoid crossing busy Thousand Palms Canyon Rd., we will park our cars in the small parking area on the east side of Thousand Palms Canyon Rd. just before the visitor center. We will then trek southeasterly to the steps going up to the start of Bee Rock Mesa. From the top of the steps, this hike will loop easterly and southerly to Hidden Palms, which is a natural grove nestled at the bottom of slopes and hard to spot from most directions. We will then traverse northerly back to the steps and on to the trailhead. Good hiking boots and poles are recommended. Date & Leader: Jan. 2, 2011, Duane Paschall; February 7, 2011, Ken Linville; February 24, Duane Paschall; March 21, 2011, Ken Linville; April 18, 2011, Duane Paschall; October 6, 2011, Ernie Manson

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE: HORSESHOE PALMS HIKE MODERATE Hike: 4 miles Elevation gain: 300 Feet; Duration of Hike: 2.5 hours Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes This is not a trail for beginner hikers; and, if heights bother you, skip this hike. Otherwise, this is a wonderful desert hike. We will hike above a canyon of virgin palms, marking the San Andreas Fault, on a ridge bordered with sharp drop-offs. We will hike down an old mining road to the Horseshoe Palm grove. We will hike along the grove for about a mile and then hike back up a narrow, steep, physically demanding trail to the ridge. We will retrace our steps to the trailhead. There are spectacular views of the Coachella Valley and Sun City from the ridge trail that leads into and out of the canyon. A camera and especially hiking sticks are recommended. Date & Leader: December 14, 2011, Jack Maddan

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, McCALLUM GROVE OASIS EASY Hike: 3.2 miles; Elevation gain: 100 feet; Duration of Hike: 2.5 hours Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes We will begin our hike at the end of the Preserve visitor’s parking lot and enter the Thousand Palms Oasis, a lush desert oasis of more than a thousand palms created by ground water seeping up to the surface. We will walk through the oasis and then hike through some very scenic and beautiful washes known as the McCallum Trail for about a mile. We will enter and walk through the McCallum Grove Oasis, a classic desert oasis, and then head to Vista Point about a half-mile further to the West, where we’ll find an awesome panoramic view of the surrounding desert terrain. . Date & Leader: February 10, 2011, November 30, 2011, Jack Maddan

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE: MOON ROCK TRAIL & CANYON WASH LOOP EASY/MOD Hike: 4.3 miles Elevation gain: 300 feet; Duration of Hike: 3.5 hours Drive Time One Way: 15 minutes Walk the first mile on McCullum Trail to the junction of Canyon Wash (hard surface, slight elevation gain of 1.5 miles). See evidence of wind & water erosion. Turn north and continue up a slight ridge to Moon Rock Trail, up a sandy hill, then on old hard packed Miners’ Trail for 1 mile, dropping into Large Canyon Wash. Return down the canyon to the parking area. Date & Leader: February 23, 2010, November 30, 2010, February 24, 2011, Paul Gershick

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, PUSHWALLA CANYON MODERATE Hike: 4.2 miles; Elevation gain: 510 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 10 minutes Parking will be by the side of Thousand Palms Road near the Coachella Preserve Visitor Center. We’ll then take the trail through the wash to steps leading to the top of the ridge which overlooks much of the Coachella Valley. The trail leads from the ridge winding down a steep rocky hillside to the bottom of the Pushwalla Canyon and the grove of palms in this oasis. We will then head back looping around the south side of the ridge next to Horse Shoe Palms and up a steep trail to the ridge which will take us back to the steps and on to the trail head. Good hiking shoes are essential. Hiking poles are helpful. Date & Leader: March 28, 2011, Duane Paschel; November 17, 2011, Duane Paschel

COACHELLA VALLEY PRESERVE, WILLIS PALMS TRAIL EASY/MODERATE Hike: 3 miles; Elev gain: 300 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes Our trail follows a wash, ascends to the top of a cliff, continues on a gently rising trail and then drops down into another wash which we will follow back past Willis Palms Oasis to our cars. Date & Leaders: December 26, 2008, Ann Levin; November 25, 2011, John Beringer

DEVIL’S SLIDE to TRAM – KEY EXCHANGE Advanced Hike: 8.3 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,980 feet; Total losses: 870 feet; Reverse for downhill; Duration of Hike: 6+ hours; Drive Time One Way: 40 min. to Tram and 60 minutes to Devil’s Slide TH in Idyllwild; Area: San Jacinto Mts. This will be a key exchange hike with vehicle(s) at each end. The Willow Creek Trail is replete with sylvan beauty and spectacular views. Along the way you will walk through an enchanting thicket of ferns and skunk Cabbage and cross Willow Creek. The up-hillers led by Nina Corwin will start their ascent at Humber Park (Devils Slide trailhead, el: 6,400) and the down-hillers led by Jack Maddan will begin at the Tram (el: 8,526). The two groups will exchange car keys and Tram passes on the trail. Tram fee: $10pp w/ o pass. NOTE: This hike may be canceled due to weather conditions and heavy running water in the creeks. Lunch optional. MUST CALL LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Hike Leaders: April 18, 2009, Nina Corwin & Jack Maddan

DUNN’S STEEP MINING ROAD Advanced Hike: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 772 feet (Total Ascent: 1,051 feet);Duration of Hike: ~3 hours Driving Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area: Santa Rosa Mtns The hike from the top of Dunn’s Steep Mining Road offers a great panoramic view of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. Gorgonio and Murray Peak. Hikers will hike down a cement levee to a well-defined trail that leads to a rocky trail going up a canyon, and then descending down a rocky road with a 23% slope/grade. This hike is for advanced hikers and requires good hiking shoes and a pair of hiking sticks. Date & Leader: January 8, 2009, Wesley L. Bond

EARL HENDERSON TRAIL EASY Hike: 4 miles Elevation gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area: Palm Springs We will begin this hike in South Palm Springs with the stunning views of the base of the San Jacinto Mountains and Palm Canyon. The trail goes parallel to the Canyon Country Club and continues northeasterly until it ends in the wash by East Palm Canyon Drive. Date & Leader: February 18, 2011, Anne Levin

EISENHOWER PEAK LOOP, THE LIVING DESERT MODERATE Hike: 5 miles Elevation gain: 700 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 ½ hours Drive Time One Way: 25 minutes; Area: The Living Desert This hike starts with a brief walk through the park, then on to the desert mesa floor until we reach the canyon. At this point, we divide into two groups. One group will approach the mountain via the canyon leg (be prepared to do some light boulder scrambling in a dry wash for approximately 750 yards until we begin the climb up the loop to the picnic ramada). This is the most challenging, but fun, part of the hike. The other group will go up the ridge leg of the trail stopping to observe the spectacular views of rugged hills, date groves, the two magnificent mountain peaks of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio and of El Dorado and Vintage Country Clubs. We will all meet at the ramada and after a brief rest, you can choose to descend the Ridge leg or the Canyon leg for you return. Entrance fee waived. Date & Leaders: Feb. 26, 2010, Ann Levin, March 10, 2011, Nina Corwin & Duane Paschall ERNIE MAXWELL SCENIC TRAIL Easy/Moderate: 5.2 miles; Elevation Gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Driving Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Idyllwild Come join us for an enjoyable leisurely hike in the mountains and experience the cooler fall temperatures, wonderful pine scents and a forest of Jeffrey, Ponderosa and Coulter pines on this gentle scenic trail. We will be at an elevation of 6,000’. Don’t miss the relaxing patio lunch after at Café Aroma in Idyllwild! Date & Leader : April 30, 2009, Nina Corwin; October 7, 2009, John Beringer; May 5, 2010, Marsha Hansen, Iona Scapple; October 27, 2010, Nina Corwin

FOLLY PEAK (10,480’), A NIFTY FIFTY PEAK ADVANCED Hike: 12 1/2 miles Elevation gain: 2,700 Feet Area: Duration of Hike: 6-7 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; San Jacinto Mountains Plan on taking the 8 a.m. weekend tram. Hike to a junction at a saddle just below San Jacinto Peak. Go downhill (northwest) past a small switchback to the first main switchback at 10,500’. Leave the trail here to the right and contour cross-country, staying at a constant altitude about 0.3 mile to the saddle west- northwest of San Jacinto Peak (10,400’). Continue west along the ridge to a second saddle. Go over the top of the ridge and then cross a narrow gully. Continue to the west end of the ridge which is the summit. Return the same way. Date & Leader: November 1, 2011, Burt Falk

FOUR TRAILS LOOP MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 4.4 miles Elevation gain: 930 Feet Area; Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 hours Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes; Palm Desert; This four (4) trail loop hike will take us on the Herb Jeffries (HJ), Bump & Grind (B & G), Mike Schuler (MS) and Hopalong Cassidy (HC) trails starting at the Target Store parking lot. We will trek south next to the Storm Channel, up the HJ, down the B & G and MS to Painter’s Path trailhead. We will then hike part way up the HC to a user footpath, which will take us back down to the parking lot. The highest point will be the junction of the HJ and B & G where there will be good view of the Coachella Valley and little San Bernardino Mts. Date & Leader: December 6, 2011, Ken Linville

GABBY HAYES TRAIL TO THE CROSS MODERATE Hike: 3.4 miles Elevation gain: 865 Feet Area: Palm Desert Duration of Hike: 1.5 to 2 hours Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes This hike will start at the Eastern beginning of the Gabby Hayes Trail which is off of Hwy 74 and connect with the Hopalong Cassidy Trail and continue on to the Cross. The hike offers great views of the Valley and some interesting sights along the way which may be overlooked by the casual hiker. Expect a challenging and enjoyable trek. Date & Leader: December 12, 2011, Duane Paschall

GUADALUPE TRAIL ADVANCED Hike: 16 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,915 feet ascent; 5,264 feet descent; Area: Santa Rosa Mountains; Duration of Hike: 5 hours Driving Time (1 way): 45Minutes This combines several great hikes into one. We will start at the Cactus Spring Trailhead on Highway 74 with continuance onto the Guadalupe Trail to the upper reaches of the Boo Hoff trail and ending our day in La Quinta Cove. This hike will start at approx. 4,000 ft elevation. Due to the logistics of the start point and destination pick up please: CALL HIKE LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Leader: April 23, 2010, Ray Cheeney

HAHN BUENA VISTA TRAIL ADVANCED Hike, 10.6 Miles; Elevation Gain, 1,952 ft.; Duration of Hike: At Least 6 Hours; Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area, Santa Rosa Mts The grandeur of this hike is reflected in the name of the trail, the “Hahn Buena Vista.” The trail offers 360 degree view of the desert cities and its surrounding mountains, encompassing panoramic views of Palm Canyon, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, Little San Bernardino Mts. Date & Leader: February 2, 2010, December 8, 2010, Wes Bond

HENDERSON GARSTIN SHANNON TRAIL Advanced Hike: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 1450 feet; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 25 minutes; Area: Palm Springs A must for all advanced hikers! See the grand view of Palm Canyon, Mt. San Jacinto and the adjacent city of Palm Springs. Witness the spectacular view of Coachella Valley and observe Bob Hope's house that separates you by a gorgeous canyon. Hiking poles recommended. Bring plenty of water and snacks. For those interested lunch after at Manhattan of the Desert. Date & Leader: Nov. 5, 2009, Jan. 13, 2010, Jack Wersbe

HERB JEFFRIES TRAIL ADVANCED: 4 miles; Elevation Gain: 1050 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes; Area: Painters Path We will begin on Painter’s Path Road and take the connector trail to the Herb Jeffries Trail. While not long, the steep switchbacks and occasional loose gravel make the trail “advanced”. We will then proceed up the last 300 feet to the top of the Bump and Grind where we will take a brief rest and enjoy the views. Date & Leader: October 25, 2010, Jack Wersbe

HOPALONG CASSIDY/ART SMITH TRAILS Advanced Hike: 9.6 miles; Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet, Art Smith Trailhead to Painter’s Path.2,700 feet, Painter’s Path to Art Smith Trailhead. Duration of Hike: 5 1/2 hour; Drive Time One Way: 25 minutes; Area: Santa Rosa Mtns. Foothills This will be a key exchange hike. Burt’s group will start at the Art Smith trailhead and trek (Northerly) to Painter’s Path Trailhead. Ken’s group will start at Painter’s Path and trek (Southerly) to the Art Smith Trailhead. The Southerly 1.4 miles of this hike is on the Art Smith Trail with the remaining 8.2 miles being on the entire Hopalong Cassidy Trail. The trail traverses around the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, around the Golf Course, passes by the Cross, over the Herb Jefferies Trail saddle and down to Painter’s Path Trailhead. Bring snacks for a rest break when the two groups meet up for the key exchange. Date & Leader: December 11, 2009, Ken Linville & Burt Falk

HOPALONG CASSIDY TRAIL TO THE CROSS MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 6.5 miles; Elevation gain: 1,390 Feet; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes; Area: Palm Desert This hike will start at the northerly terminus of the Hopalong Cassidy Trail and Painters Path. We will trek up to the saddle intersecting the Herb Jeffries Trail and continue on the Hopalong Cassidy Trail around Fox Canyon passing the west terminus of the Gabby Hayes Trail and up to the Cross where we will have great views of the Valley and the Santa Rosa Mountains. After a rest and snack, we will proceed back down to Painters Path. Date & Leader: May 14, 2010, May 21, 2010,May 28, 2010, Jack Wersbe; April 4, 2011, November 3, 2011, Duane Paschall

HOPALONG CASSIDY TRAIL TO STONE EAGLE Advanced: 8 miles; Elevation Gain: 1980 feet; Area: Palm Desert Duration of Hike: 5 hours; Driving Time One Way: 25 minutes We will follow the Hopalong Cassidy from Painter’s Path going up to the cross. After a brief rest, we will continue over to the Stone Eagle golf course, enjoy the views and return back along the same trail. Hiking poles are recommended. Bring a snack and sufficient water for the weather. Date & Hike Leader: March 25, 2010, Anne Levin

HOPALONG CASSIDY/GABBY HAYES/HOMESTEAD TRAILHEAD MODERATE Hike: 3.2 Miles; Elevation Gain: 840 ft/Gabby Hayes, 740 ft. Homestead; Area: Palm Desert; Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 25 Minutes This is a key-exchange hike with one group starting at Cahuilla Hills Park, trekking up the Gabby Hayes trails to the Cross then back down the Hopalong Cassidy and Homestead trails to the parking area by the storm drain channel north of Thrush Road. The second group will hike to the Cross in the reverse direction, ending up at Cahuilla Hills Park. Parts of the trail are steep. Hiking poles and good boots are recommended. Date & Leaders: December 8, 2010, Ken Linville & Burt Falk HORSETHIEF CREEK MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 5 miles; Elevation gain: 900 Feet; Area: Pinyon Pines; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Hike will follow the Cactus Spring Trail, an old Cahuilla pathway down to Horsethief Creek. Old West lore says this was a place where rustlers hid out and rebranded horses they stole in the San Diego region. The trail drops down from the trailhead, undulating up and down to the creek. Most of the gain is on the way back. Bring lunch or snacks. Date & Leader: April 9, 2010, Sam Kaplan; December 9, 2011, John Beringer

INDIAN CANYON SAMPLER EASY Hike, 2-1/2 miles; Elevation Gain, 150 ft.; Duration of Hike, 2-1/2 hours; Area, Palm, Andreas & Murray Canyons; Drive Time One Way, 40 minutes Combining the three most breathtaking canyons in the South Palm Springs area, be ready to photograph two dazzling, spectacular waterfalls and magnificent rock formations. Bring your lunch for a comfortable picnic in a palm grove. There is a $6 entrance fee for the canyons. Date & Leaders: April 16, 2010, January 20, 2011, Shirley Hastie & Bill Pivar

INDIAN MOUNTAIN, A NIFTY FIFTY PEAK MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 6.5 miles(R/T); Elev gain: 1,260 feet; Area: West side San Jacinto Mtns; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour The trail is a jeep road, which starts on the west side of Hwy 243 at a vista parking lot. We will trek down 445 feet to a saddle then up 815 feet to the peak of Indian Mountain which has great views at an elevation of 5,790 feet. Date & Leader: October 9, 2009, January 14, 2011, November 18, 2011, Ken Linville

INDIO HILLS WALKABOUT, I EASY Hike: 4 miles Elevation gain: Very Little Area: Duration of Hike: 2 hours Drive Time One Way: 15 minutes; Badlands, Indio Hills Drive north on Thousand Palms Canyon Rd., turn west (left) on Dillon Rd., turn left (south) on Larson Lane. Continue to end of Road and park. We will then start hikingacross level desert floor toward eroded badlands to the south and walk up a canyon as far as possible. Date & Leader: Feb. 22, 2011, Burt Falk

INDIO HILLS WALKABOUT, II (A Key Exchange) EASY Hike; 4.5 miles; Elevation gain: minimal; Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 15 minutes; Area: Sky Valley Drive north on Thousand Palms Canyon Rd., turn west (left) on Dillon Rd., turn left (south) on Larson Lane. Continue to end of Road and park. We will then start hiking across level desert floor toward Coachella Valley Preserve Parking Lot Date & Leaders: December 15, 2011, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

JO POND/CEDAR SPRINGS TRAIL TO PALM CANYON TRADING POST ADVANCED Hike: 13 miles Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet; Loss: 5,850 feet; Duration of Hike: 7-8 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: San Jacinto Mtns This is a shuttle hike requiring a drop off at the Jo Pond trailhead in Garner Valley and a pick up at the Indian Trading Post. Unless we can find more than one driver, the hike is limited to the first seven who sign up. Our entire elevation gain will come during the first 2 miles as we climb to the top of the Desert Divide. Stopping briefly to enjoy the stunning vistas, we’ll then descend a mile to Cedar Springs, after which we’ll continue north along Garnet Ridge, then make a long drop on a good trail to the Trading Post in Palm Cyn. Date & Leaders: Oct. 6, 2009, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

JOSHUA TREE N. P., BARKER DAM AND WALL STREET MILL EASY Hike: 3 ½ miles Elevation gain: 100 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour 10 minutes Two short hikes from same parking lot. Hike around a lake in the desert plus view Indian petroglyphs and on to an intact mill where gold was recovered from ore supplied by local mines. You will view Indian millstones. Pass through piano valley and view out-of-this-world rock formations. Wild flowers and cactus will be in bloom. Enjoy lunch at the Sizzler in Yucca Valley. Date & Leaders: March 13, 2010, March 8, 2011, Shirley Hastie and Bill Pivar

JOSHUA TREE N.P., BOY SCOUT TRAIL Mod/Adv Hike: 8 miles one way-car shuttle; Elevation Gain/Loss: 290'/1,480'; Duration of Hike: 4 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour, 15 minutes A largely downhill point to point hike along the west edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, requiring a car shuttle to the Indian Cove Entrance of the park. This popular well-signed trail travels through a picturesque Joshua tree forest sprinkled with yucca/rock gardens and cholla cacti, along with gorgeous views of the San Bernardino Mountain. At the half way point the trail narrows and drops steeply into an extremely rugged canyon. This hike is partly in sandy washes and on well constructed trails. Bring lunch, water and a sense of adventure. With car shuttle, lunch and drive time, we will be gone most of the day. Date & Hike Leaders: March 3, 2010, Iona Scapple and Marsha Hansen

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: CALIFORNIA RIDING & HIKING TRAIL, BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND TO UPPER COVINGTON FLAT Moderate/Advanced Hike: 7.5 miles; Elevation Gain 800 feet; Duration of Hike 3-4 hours; Driving Time One Way: 1-1/4 hours Black Rock Campground to Upper Covington Flat key exchange. Reservations mandatory. Date & Hike Leaders: April 2, 2010, Burt Falk & Ray Cheeney

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: CALIFORNIA RIDING & HIKING TRAIL, UPPER COVINGTON CAMPGROUP TO KEYS VIEW ROAD Advanced Hike: Key Ex. 11 miles one way; Elevation Gain: 1,100’feet; Duration of Hike: 6 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour, 15 minutes The California Riding and Hiking Trail extends 37 miles through Joshua Tree N.P. We intend to hike its full length during the 2009-2010 hiking season. This segment will be from Upper Covington Flat to Keys View Road. Hikers must call a leader to make a reservation. Date & Hike Leaders: January 29, 2010, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: CALIFORNIA RIDING & HIKING TRAIL, KEYS VIEW ROAD TO TWIN TANKS Advanced Hike: Key Ex. 10.8 miles one way; Elevation Gain: 1,100’feet; Duration of Hike: 5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour, 30 minutes This is the second of this season’s four hikes to complete the California Riding and Hiking Trail in JTNP. We’ll start at Keys View Road and hike east to Twin Tanks, or vice versa depending on which leader you’re with. Hikers must call a leader to make a reservation. Date & Hike Leaders: February 26, 2010, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: CAREY’S CASTLE AND MINE ADVANCED/MODERATE Hike: 8 miles Elevation gain: 1,400 feet; Duration of Hike: 5 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Carey’s Castle or, more aptly said, an abandoned, mysterious hidden shelter of a desert squatter, is built under a boulder. It has in it some of the furnishings and memorabilia of the 1940’s, which is when it is estimated that he built his “Castle”. Our hike will bring us through a series of canyons and dry waterfalls with some “minimal” boulder hopping and scrambling. Hiking poles recommended. Date & Leader: February 5, 2010, February 23, 2011, Ray Cheeney

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: DESERT QUEEN MINES Moderate Hike: 3 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet; Duration of Hike: 6 hours (including lunch) Drive Time One Way: 1 hour The many gold mine shafts can only be appreciated by our up close examination. You’ll enter about 20 feet into one shaft. Bring strong flashlight to see into the carved rock mines and binoculars to take in the expansive canyons and boulders. A moderate hike due to some loose rock on the ascending and descending trails. You will be taking the same trail as miners did from 1895 to 1961. At Basset Hound Bounder, we start back to our vehicles and on to lunch at the Sizzler in Yucca Valley. Date & Leaders: November 19, 2009, Shirley Hastie, Bill Pivar JOSHUA TREE N.P., EUREKA PEAK, A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED Hike: 11 miles Elevation gain: 2,260 feet; Duration of Hike: 6 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Eureka Peak at elevation 5,518 feet is one of the major summits in the Park. This loop hike starts at Black Rock Campground and treks up the Burnt Hill Trail to the junction with the Eureka Peak Trail, which will lead us up to the Peak. The views are excellent from the summit in all directions. We will trek back down via the Eureka Peak with the last mile being on the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Date & Leader: February 24, 2011, Ken Linville

JOSHUA TREE N.P., KEYS RANCH TOUR & HIDDEN VALLEY HIKE EASY Hike: 2 miles Elevation gain: 50 feet; Duration of Tour & Hike: 2.5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour, 30 minutes Tour space is limited to 25 hikers, so call Bill Pivar early for reservations to guarantee your tour spot. Your Fees: $2.50 per person. We begin with a fabulous 90-minute Ranger guided tour of Keys Ranch. After a break to “refresh”, we will do a short drive and hike along a well-traveled path amid rock formations in a spectacular scenic valley where notorious rustlers once kept their cattle. Date & Leaders: Jan. 8, 2009, March 27, 2009, May 6, 2010, April 28, 2011, Bill Pivar and Shirley Hastie

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: LITTLE BERDOO PEAK AND BERNARD PEAK, Nifty Fifty Peaks ADVANCED Hike: 6 miles Elevation gain: 1,400 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 90 minutes Take the opportunity to double your Peak Bagging experience by doing these two exploratory hikes in one outing. We will be doing a substantial portion of this hike off trail and “Bushwhacking” but will have outstanding views from each peak. These Peaks are and are located in Central Joshua Tree. Due to the nature of this hike PLEASE CALL LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Leader: March 25, 2011, Ray Cheeney

JOSHUA TREE N.P. LOST HORSE MINE MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike, 8 miles; Elevation Gain, 600 ft.; Duration of Hike, 6 hours; Driving Time One Way, 1 hour 30 minutes This is a loop hike located near the Park center. The trail winds through a gentle wash filled with Joshua trees, yuccas and junipers. About half way through the hike, we will come to the Lost Horse Mine. It is the best preserved old mine operation in the Park. We then will continue the loop with its many magnificent views and rock formations. Date & Leaders: January 26, 2011, Marsha Hansen & Iona Scapple

JOSHUA TREE N.P.:LOST PALMS OASIS TRAIL Moderate/Advanced Hike: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 700 feet; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes The trail starts at Cottonwood Springs, a lush oasis of California fan palms, palo verde, ironwood, and cottonwood trees plus ocotillo plants. We will hike over sandy hills past heaps of huge rocks and along sandy draws and washes. Finally we will rise above the washes and climb to a rocky outcropping overlooking the canyon of Lost Palms Oasis. For those who wish to explore the oasis you may descend the steep path into the canyon, or you can just enjoy the beautiful vista at the overlook. Bring trail snacks. Lunch will be decided. Date & Hike Leaders: April 14, 2009, Marsha Hansen & Iona Scapple JOSHUA TREE N.P.: PINE CITY PLUS Easy Hike: 4 miles; Elevation Gain: 100 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 1/4 hours Pine City is not a city or a town. It is a beautiful, isolated area of desert greenery and unusual boulder formations 4,563 feet above sea level. Cabins once dotted the landscape along with mineshafts as water trickled over boulder walls and pine trees. This is a photographic paradise of rocky walls and ridges overlooking deep ravines. We will be giving our own names to some of the boulder formations we pass! A short hike add-on will give you a panoramic view of Desert Queen Mine. This is a good beginners' hike. Bring your National Park card or entrance fee. Lunch at Joshua Tree area Sizzler. (Try the senior buffet!) Date & Leaders: May 1, 2009, Bill Pivar & Shirley Hastie JOSHUA TREE N.P.: PINTO MOUNTAIN, A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED Hike: 9 miles Elevation gain: 2,400 feet Area; Duration of Hike: 5-6 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 ½ hours Drive to Pinto Basin via Cottonwood Springs. Walk 2 ½ miles NNE across desert floor. Ascend ridge on faint use trail 2 miles to 3,983’ summit. Great views from summit. Date & Leader: March 22, 2011, Burt Falk

JOSHUA TREE N.P.:QUAIL MOUNTAIN, A Nifty Fifty Peak Advanced: 12 miles; Elevation Gain: 1473 feet;Duration of Hike: 6-7 Hour; Driving Time One Way: 1 hr,.20 min. Starting at an elev. of 4340’ on Keys View Road, we hike west 4.5 miles along the relatively flat California Riding & Hiking Trail. We then follow a moderate 1-1/2 mile ridge-line to the top of Quail Mt. If it’s a clear day, the 360-degree views will be outstanding. See the Salton Sea, Mt. San Gorgonio, Mt. San Jacinto, Wonderland of Rocks and several nearby small desert towns. Bring Golden Age Passport for no fee entrance (per vehicle) into park. Date & Leader: March 18, 2009, Burt Falk

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: RYAN MOUNTAIN MODERATE Hike, 3 miles, Elevation Gain, 1,000’; Duration of Hike, 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour, 20 minutes At 5,461’. Ryan Mt. offers perhaps the best panoramic view in Joshua Tree National Park. In the distance, the tall summits of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio capped with snow in the winter, rise above the scenic features of Joshua Tree. The wide and well-built trail begins climbing steadily and continues at a nearly constant grade all the way to the summit. Date & Leader: December 2, 2010, Burt Falk

JOSHUA TREE N.P.: WARREN PEAK (VIA PANORAMA LOOP TRAIL), A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED, 6 Miles; Elevation Gain, 1,200 ft.; Duration of Hike, 4 hours; Driving Time One Way, 1-1/2 hours We follow the Black Rock Canyon Trail, which passes through a classic scene of junipers, yuccas, silver cholla and a thick stand of large Joshua trees. From the summit of 5,102ʼ Warren Peak, we will enjoy great views of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio an the Little San Bernardino Mountains Date & Leader: January 25, 2011, Ray Cheeney

LIVING DESERT PRIVATE WALKING TOUR EASY WALK: 1.5 miles Elevation gain: Zero Area: The Living Desert Duration of Tour: 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes This is a Private Guided Walking Tour of The Living Desert. We will see learn and enjoy all The Living Desert has to offer with our own private guide. This tour will also include a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful state-of-the-art wildlife hospital. ALL FEES ARE WAIVED. MUST CALL LEADER IN ADVANCE. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES. LIMITED TO 25 MEMBERS OF THE HIKING CLUB. Date & Leader: Jan. 12, 2011, Nina Corwin; February 17, 2011, Nina Corwin

LONG VALLEY HIKE Easy/Moderate Hike: 3.2 miles; Elevation Gain/: 100 feet; Area: San Jacinto State Park; Duration of Hike: 2.5 hours time; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes The Long Valley hike is an easy/moderate 3.2 mile hike in the valley adjacent to the Aerial Tramway Mountain Station at 8600 ft. Part of the trail is relatively flat and offers a pleasant stroll through forest. Another part of the trail is a little more demanding, but offers various scenic overlooks of the desert and the high mountain country. This hike is an excellent introduction to the Park’s plants and animals. There is a $22.00 fee for riding the Aerial Tramway, but discounts are possible (bring AAA card and /or Living Desert membership card or other discount coupons). Hikers should pack a lunch. Prepare for temperatures possibly 30 degrees cooler than in Sun City and dress accordingly. Hiking sticks are recommended. Date & Leader: May, 5, 2009, May 12, 2010, Jack Maddan

LOST CANYON VIA BOO HOFF TRAIL Moderate/Advanced Hike: 6.7 miles; Total Ascent: 930; Area: La Quinta Cove Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 25 minutes This hike will start at La Quinta Cove and go along the Morrow Trail to the County Park at lake Cahuilla passing by the La Quinta Golf Course. Short sections of the trail are steep and rocky therefore it’s advisable to wear hiking boots and to use hiking poles. Mid way towards the Lake we will be trekking over a saddle with good views of the north portion of the Salton Sea and the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. We will stop at the Lake for snacks before our return back to the Cove. Date & Leader: Jan. 10, 2010, Ken Linville

LOWER PALM CANYON TRAIL Easy Hike: 4 miles; Elevation Gain: 400 ft.; Duration of Hike: 2-3 hours; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: Palm Springs The trail starts from the Trading Post and follows the stream through groves of palms, cottonwoods and desert plants. There will be stream crossing over rocks if the stream is running. It seldom runs this time of the year but it is beautiful in any case. Entrance fee required. Date & Leader, December 18, 2008, John Beringer

LYKKEN TRAIL, NORTH Advanced Hike: 6 miles; Total Gain: 1400 ft; Duration of Hike: 3.5 hours Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: Palm Springs This will be a key exchange Hike with a vehicle at each Trailhead. The south end of this trail starts at the west end of Ramon Rd., goes up to the end of the Museum trail then in a short distance intersects the famous Skyline trail that climbs 8,000’ to the Tram. This is the high point of our hike with views of Palm Springs and the Little San Bernardino and Santa Rosa MT ranges. Our trail then goes down and across Chino Canyon, up over a foothill and down to the north end of the trail at Cielo Rd. Lunch optional at Manhattan Deli on Hwy 111 after the hike. Date & Hike Leaders: December 17, 2008, March 3, 2009, Nina Corwin & Ken Linville

LYKKEN TRAIL, SOUTH MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 4 miles; Elevation gain: 1,100 feet;Duration of Hike: 2 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes (includes car shuttle); Area: Palm Springs This will be a car shuttle hike. We will start at the southerly trailhead west of South Palm Canyon Drive. Our trek will be at a slow to moderate pace traversing northerly to the trailhead at Mesquite Road near Tahquitz Canyon Visitors Center. Good views of the Little San Bernardino and the Santa Rosa Mts. Date & Leader: October 26,2011, Ken Linville

MACOMBER PALMS Moderate Hike: Approximately 5 miles; Elevation Gain: 400` feet Area: Indio Hills; Duration of Hike: 3 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 5-10 minutes We will drive to the end of Francis, the street that borders the north side of Sun City, and travel part way up a dirt road toward the front gate in front of the water tank road. We will park on the road and hike north up through some very scenic and pretty desert to a local palm oasis. We should be treated to lots evidence of a beautiful wildflower bloom and see a number of smaller oases along our route. We will be hiking beside or near the mission creek branch of the San Andreas Fault. Hiking sticks are recommended. There are no plans for lunch. Date & Leader: Jan. 26, 2010,Jack Maddan

MAYNARD MINE Advanced Hike: 7.0 miles; Elevation Gain: 2600 feet; Area: Indian Canyons Duration of Hike: 5 hrs.; Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes Maynard Mine is the site of an old abandoned tungsten mine worked during World War II. The trail is steep but offers tremendous views of the canyon slopes across Palm Canyon and the Desert Divide mountains to the West. Entrance fee to Indian Canyons. Date & Hike Leader: February 16, 2010, John Beringer

MECCA HILLS: BIG COLORFUL CANYON Moderate Hike: 6 miles; Elevation Gain: 350 ft.; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes This hike takes us into one of the largest canyons in the Mecca Hills wilderness complex. Of major interest is the colorful rock wall at the back of the canyon. We will observe a “bright red-orange burst of color embedded into equally colorful mauve, creamy coral, and burnt sienna” (Ferranti). We should look for owls in the canyon trees, seen on previous hikes. Date & Hike Leader: February 12, 2010, Sam Kaplan

MECCA HILLS; BIG SPLIT ROCK/ SLOT CANYON WALKABOUT Easy/Moderate: 6 miles Elevation Gain: 100 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 1/2 Hours Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes This hike is a real adventure with breathtaking sights! The colors, rock formations and many interesting slot canyons make for a Utah kind of hike. One slot canyon may be claustrophobic to some, and will be optional. There is some rock scrambling. Gloves and cameras recommended. Lunch afterwards at Papa Dan’s at Sun City. Date & Leader: Jan. 22, 2009, Anne Levin

MECCA HILLS; BIG UTAH CANYON Easy Hike: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 hours Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes Like most canyons we will be hiking in sand most of the way. In less than a half a mile the Utah feeling created by various shades of camel, rust, and creamy hues of white highlight the canyon walls. Areas of dark red wash down over lighter shades of cream near the bottom of the canyon. This should be easy and fun. Date & Leaders: Iona Scapple & Marsha Hansen

MECCA HILLS: COFFEE BEAN CANYON, MECCA HILL WALKABOUT ADVANCED Hike: 13 miles Elevation gain: 700 feet; Duration of Hike: 6 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes This hike is aptly named to reflect the unique color and texture of the soil through and around the canyon. We will encounter interesting soil and rock formations that accent the canyon as it winds in a serpentine fashion, which opens out into a vista of open canyons and foothills. The elusive 1,600 foot high Mecca Hill lies directly to the North. PLEASE CALL LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Leader: March 11, 2011, Ray Cheeney

MECCA HILLS; GROTTOS (THE) MODERATE/ADVANCED Hike: 5 miles Elevation gain: 1,000 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 30-40 minutes The hike to the grottos takes us along high barren ridges with spectacular views of the Salton Sea, and low sandy washes amid towering colorful cliffs in the Mecca Hills. You will love this delightful, moderately strenuous hike with a little mystery in the darkness! We will negotiate the cave system with flashlights and hike up and out of the canyon onto a steep, narrow ridge-line that will take us above Hidden Springs Oasis. Hikers will then scramble down into Hidden Springs Canyon and Oasis. This hike is for hearty, experienced hikers with a sense of adventure and sufficient ability and agility to low-crawl at least 10 yards under low rock overhangs and navigate steep, narrow ridge-lines. Hikers must have sufficient upper body strength to scramble over and between large rocks. Bring a flashlight, gloves, hiking stick, water and snacks. Date & Leaders: April 1, 2011, Iona Scapple and Marsha Hansen

MECCA HILLS: LINVILLE GROTTO OF REFLECTION, AFTERNOON HIKE MODERATE Hike: 5 miles; Elevation gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 3-3 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes; 1 p.m. Start Time Work up your appetite and enjoy the views afforded by the Little Painted Canyon located in the Mecca Hills. Our route will include a hike through a seldom seen high walled rock canyon with our destination coming to an abrupt end in the World Renowned “Linville Grotto of Reflection”. The timing of this hike is specifically being taken for the beauty of the shadowing afforded by the late afternoon sun on the colorful rock fall formations. Cameras are a must for this hike. Date & Leader: November 29, 2011, Ray Cheeney

MECCA HILLS: LITTLE PAINTED CANYON WALKABOUT EASY; EASY/ MODERATE; MODERATE Hike; 4 to 8 miles; Elevation Gain, 300 to 1,200’, Duration of Hike, 2-6 Hours; Area, Mecca Hills, Drive Time One Way, 1 hour This is an easy, moderate or advanced hike, depending on how far you choose to continue. Starting at the Ladder Canyon Parking Lot, we’ll proceed 2 easy miles up beautiful Little Painted Canyon, at which point we’ll start exploring side canyons. You may turn around at any point and head back down the canyon to your car. Virtually impossible to get lost. Date & Leaders: January 19, 2011, John Beringer, Ray Cheeney, Burt Falk, Ken Linville

MECCA HILLS; MECCACOPIA AND GODWIN TRAILS Advanced: 14.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 300 ft.; Duration of Hike: 6 Hours;Driving Time One Way: 45 Minutes This hike will take in the entire lengths of the two trails which oversee the Salton Sea, large expanses of farmland and partially follow the Coachella Canal. Many varied rock formations will be encounter during the duration of this long but relatively flat trek. Due to its length we plan on this being a key exchange. Bring extra water and call one of the hike leaders in advance. Date & Hike Leaders: March 24, 2010m Ray Cheeney & John Beringer

MECCA HILLS: PAINTED CANYON/LADDER CANYON LOOP MODERATE Hike: 5 miles; Elevation gain: 450 feet; Duration of Hike: 3-3 1/2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes Experience fun rock scrambling and 5 ladders as we hike through a magnificent slot canyon. At the top of the canyon enjoy spectacular views of the Salton Sea Basin and the surrounding Mecca Hills while we rest and have a snack. Continue for a mile to a steep but short drop down into Big Painted Canyon. The geology of this area is amazing and colorful! Stop for photos at this point before proceeding to 2 ladders partially formed from the rocks providing a means of descent, followed by a 0.75 mile walk on the wash to our starting point. Gloves recommended. Bring cameras! Date & Leader: Jan. 9, 2009, December 10, 2011, February 9, 2011, November 21, 2011, Nina Corwin Thomas

MECCA HILLS: PYRAMID CANYON Moderate Hike: 6.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 600 feet; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes This hike explores one of the many canyons in the Mecca Hills and is named for a small pyramid shaped rock formation encountered along the canyon trail. There are interesting colors on the canyon walls and a view of the Salton Sea is seen. Date & Leader: December 10, 2009,Sam Kaplan

MECCA HILLS; SLOT CANYON CAVE TRAIL Moderate Hike: 6.5 miles;Elevation Gain: 100 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes This hike begins in Big Colorful Canyon and follows another trail into a slot canyon that ends in a large cave-like chamber. The “cave area” reminds one of what the home of a stone-age man might have looked like! Date & Hike Leader: March 24, 2009, Anne Levin

MORONGO CANYON MODERATE Hike: 6 miles; Elevation Gain: 1800 Feet; Area: Morongo Valley Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes The hike begins in a lush riparian oasis at Big Morongo Preserve, a spectacular landscape of cottonwoods, willows, cattails, and other riparian species. The trail quickly plunges into the sharply barren desert down the canyons towards Desert Hot Springs. This is a one-way hike with a short shuttle from Indian Avenue near Hwy 62 back to Morongo Valley. Wildflowers should be in full bloom. Lunch optional after hike. Date & Hike Leaders: April 7, 2010, Marsha Hansen & Iona Scapple

MORROW TRAIL Moderate/Advanced Hike: 6.7 miles;Total Ascent: 930; Area: La Quinta Cove Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 25 minutes This hike will start at La Quinta Cove and go along the Morrow Trail to the County Park at lake Cahuilla passing by the La Quinta Golf Course. Short sections of the trail are steep and rocky therefore it’s advisable to wear hiking boots and to use hiking poles. Mid way towards the Lake we will be trekking over a saddle with good views of the north portion of the Salton Sea and the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. We will stop at the Lake for snacks before our return back to the Cove. Hike Leader: Jan. 8, 2010, Ken Linville

MORROW TRAIL (BEGINNING) LA QUINTA COVE LOOP Easy Hike: 3 ½ miles; Elevation Gain: 300 feet; Area: La Quinta Cove; Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Driving Time One Way: 20 minutes First ¾ mile on a hard jeep road. Next ½ mile on sandy rocky washes. Short climb on rocky trail to top of ridge. Fantastic views of quarry golf course and mountains. Return back the same way to the base of a rock dam. Continue west on easy wash to end of dam. Climb short ridge and continue to La Quinta oasis & Ramada. Short break and then return on easy trail to “Art Rock” and cars. Date & Leader: Jan. 12, 2010, Paul Gershick

MURRAY CANYON TRAIL MODERATE Hike: 4 miles Elevation gain: 500 feet Area: Indian Canyons; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes Trail takes you deep into the lower reaches of the San Jacinto Mountains via a palm-enclosed canyon stream, desert willow, assorted cacti and some cottonwoods. Multiple stream crossings via rocks, and several steep, but short inclines. Trail ends at the first of the Seven Sisters water falls, a beautiful and restful spot. Entrance fee ($6.00) to Indian Canyons. Date & Leader: March 6, 2009, Feb. 11, 2011, John Beringer

MURRAY HILL ADVANCED Hike; 8 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft.; Duration of Hike, 4 hours; Drive Time One Way, 30 Minutes We will ascend the Araby Trail and connect with the Wild Horse Trail before reaching the peak offering great views of the entire area. Date & Leader: January 7, 2011, John Beringer

MURRAY HILL LOOP VIA ARABY/WILD HORSE/SHANNON & HENDERSON TRAILS Advanced Hike: 10 miles Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet; Duration of Hikes: 6 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area: Santa Rosa Mtns The Murray Peak Loop hike via Araby trail will return via the Wild Horse trail, Shannon Trail, and the Henderson trail. The trail is well defined and hikers will get a good view of Murray Peak, San Jacinto Mountain, Mt. San Gorgonio,Indio Hills, Little San Bernardo Mountain range, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, and Cathedral City. Date & Leader: Oct. 23, 2009, Wesley L. Bond

MURRAY HILL AND DUNN STEEP MINING ROAD Advanced: 10 miles; Elevation Gain/Total Ascent: 1734’/2400’;Area: Santa Rosa Mts.; Duration of Hike: 6-7 Hours; Driving Time One Way: 30 minutes The hike involves going down a cement levee, crossing a sandy wash, walking on well defined dirt roads and trails, and walking down a 23% grade for 1/3rd of a mile. Hikers will have a panoramic view of the Coachella Valley and the mountains that border the valley from Palm Springs to Indio. This hike is for experienced hikers and requires good hiking boots. Hiking sticks are recommended. Date and Leader: March 5, 2009, March 2, 2010, Wes Bond

OAK GLEN, REDWOODS, TRI-TIP SANDWICH & APPLE PIE! EASY Hike: 1 1/2 miles Elevation gain: 100 feet Duration of Hike: 1 1/2 hour’s; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Enjoy 10-15 degree cooler temps at this4700 foot elevation! Stride through a mountain orchard and mystic grove of misplaced giant redwoods. Enjoy myriads of waterfowl traversing a nearby pond as we hike parallel to a rushing stream through lush vegetation. And, to end a perfect day, a delicious barbeque lunch (or bring your own). Dessert can be a slice of a freshly baked pie (ala-Mode)! An optional free tour of the apple packing plant may be available to us. Shop to your hearts delight for unique gifts: apples, honey, jams, and selection of pies. Date & Leaders: October 8, 2011, Shirley Hastie and Bill Pivar

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: AUTUMN FOLIAGE HIKES, WARNER SPRINGS Moderate Hikes: Day #1: 8.8 miles Day #2: 8.5 miles; Elevation Gain: Day #1: (net loss). Day #2: 300-400 feet; Duration of Hikes: 4-5 hrs. ea. Day; Drive Time One Way: 1.5 hrs; Area: Warner Springs This is an overnight venture with accommodations plus dinner & breakfast at Warner Springs. If you prefer not to stay overnight you can leave early from Sun City and join in on either or both day hikes. Day 1. Meet at Warner Springs, drive to Indian Flats Campground. Most of the hike follows beautiful Agua Caliente Creek down to Highway 79. Day 2. Hike up a trail following Canada Verde Creek to Eagle Rock. A unique natural rock. Call leader in advance for hike info and/or reservations at the Warner Springs Ranch, an interesting historic location. Date & Leader: October 27,2009, Burt Falk

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, CHIHUAHUA VALLEY ROAD TO TULE TRUCK TRAIL ADVANCED Hike: 10.3 miles; Elevation Gain: 1000 ft., Area; San Diego Cty; Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Driving Time One Way: 1.5 hours This is an extremely scenic trail offering wondrous views of both Anza-Borrego State Park and the southern slopes of the Santa Rosa Mtns Date & Leaders: October 17, 2008, Ken Linville & Burt Falk; April 6, 2010, John Beringer & Burt Falk

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, FULLER RIDGE TO SNOW CREEK VILLAGE ADVANCED, Segment B-8; Hike: 17.4 miles (R/T); Elev Loss, 6,000’; Area: San Jacinto Mtns; Duration of Hike: 7-8 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 1/2 hours going, 2-1/4 hrs. returning Two vehicles are necessary on this all downhill hike, one to be left at Snow Creek Village, the other, with all participants, driven on to the Fuller Ridge Trailhead. The vehicle left at the Fuller Ridge Trailhead must be picked up (involving a long drive) by the hikers after arriving at Snow Creek. Date & Leaders: November 1, 2011, Ray Cheeney and Ernie Manson

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: SNOW CREEK VILLAGE TO WHITEWATER PRESERVE, Segments B-8 & C-1 (partial) Advanced Hike: 14 miles (one way) Elevation: Starting @ Trout Farm 1200’ Gain, 2200’ Loss; Starting @: Snow Creek 2200’ Gain, 1200’ Loss; Duration of Hike: 6+ hours Driving Time One Way: 30 minutes; Area: Banning Pass This will be a key exchange hike with one group starting at the Trout Farm in Whitewater and hiking south to Snow Creek Village. The second group will hike in the reverse direction starting at Snow Creek Village. Be prepared to cross the Whitewater River by the Trout Farm with hiking poles and foot wear as it may have running water in it. Those who would like a shorter hike on the famous PCT for a distance of 5 miles can start with Ken’s group and end at Cottonwood Trailhead where a vehicle will be left. This overall section of the PCT is along the west foothills of Whitewater, around the wind tower hills west to Cottonwood Trailhead and south crossing under I-10 to Snow Creek Village. Date & Leaders: January 15, 2009, Burt Falk & Ken LinvillePACIFIC CREST TRAIL,

MISSION CREEK PRESERVE TO WHITEWATER PRESERVE, Segment C-1 (partial) Moderate/Advanced Hike: 6.2 miles; Elevation: 600 feet Gain, 1000 feet Loss; Duration of Hike: 2.5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: Whitewater Cyn. / West Fork Mission Creek We will be dropped off at the Mission Creek Preserve to start and will hike westerly along the West Fork Trail (2.1 mi.) to the junction with the PCT. We will then trek south along the PCT in Whitewater Canyon (3.5 mi.) to the Trout Farm Trail. The last segment of this hike (0.6 mi.) will terminate at the Trout Farm located in the Whitewater Preserve where we will be picked up. Lunch optional on drive back to Sun City. CALL HIKE LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Hike Leaders: Burt Falk & Ken Linville PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: MISSION CREEK TRAIL CAMP TO MISSION CREEK PRESERVE, Segment C-1 (partial) Advanced Hike: 19 miles total; Elevation: Zero Gain, 5100’ Loss:Duration of Hike: 9 hours: Driving Time One Way: 2 hours; Area: San Gorgonio Wilderness This section of the PCT mostly follows Mission Creek at elevations between 8,000 and 2,900 feet. We will be dropped off at Mission Creek Campground to start the hike and will trek down the PCT (16.9 mi.) to a junction with the West Fork Trail. We will then hike down the West Fork Trail (2.1 mi.) to Mission Creek Preserve where we will be picked up. You must contact leader before doing this very advanced hike. Date & Hike Leaders: May 15, 2009, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: DEEP CREEK BRIDGE TO SILVERWOOD LAKE, Segments C-7 & C-8 ADVANCED Hike: Day 1: 15.9 miles, Day 2, 15.4 miles; Duration of Hikes: Days 1 & 2: 7 hrs ea. Drive Time One Way: 1 hr. 45 min; Area: San Bernardino Natl Forest Day 1: Day 1: Hike 15.9 miles from Deep Cr. Bridge to Hwy 173. Stay overnight at area motel. Negligible Gain and 1,400’ Loss Day 2: Hike 15.4 miles from Hwy 173 to Silverwood Lake. 400’ Gain and 200’ Loss. This section of the PCT starts east of Lake Arrowhead and treks northerly, then westerly to 1/2 mile west of Silverwood Lake. Elevations along this section of the PCT vary from 4,600’ at Deep Cr. Bridge to 3,200 ft at Hwy 173. On Day 2, we may do a key exchange hike depending on the amount of hikers and transportation. Dates & Leaders: Nov. 17-18, 2009, Ken Linville & Burt Falk

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: SILVERWOOD LAKE TO SWARTHOUT CANYON, Segments C-9 & D-1 Advanced Hike: Day 1: 13.6 miles Silverwood Lake to I-15 Area: Cajon Pass, East & West of I-15; Day 2: 5.5 miles Swarthout Canyon Rd to I-15; Elevation: Day 1: Gain: 1400 feet, Loss: 1800 feet; Day 2: Gain: 1200 feet, Loss: 1800 feet Duration of Hike: Day 1: 6 hours Drive Time 1 Way: Day 1: 1.5 hours; Day 2: 2.5 hours Day 2: 15 minutes Depending on the number of participants, we’ll attempt to hike as a group on both days. Plan for overnight stay at Best Western Cajon Pass Motel, and group dinner in nearby Wrightwood. Must call hike leader to reserve a space for both hike and motel. Date & Leaders: Jan. 21 & 22, 2009, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: BOUQUET CANYON TO SOLEDAD CANYON, Segments D13 & E1; ADVANCED Hikes: Area: Angeles National Forest; Drive Time One Way: 2-1/2 hrs. Day 1: Drive to Palmdale area, hike 10.3 miles from Bouquet Cyn Rd to Agua Dulce; Elevation gain: 1,100’ gain, 1,300’ loss (approximate); Duration 5 hours. Day 2: Hike 9.7 miles from Agua Dulce to Soledad Cyn Rd.; Elevation gain: 1,200’ and 2,100’ loss (approximate); Duration, 5.5 hours; Drive back to Sun City These segments of the PCT are at elevations between 2,200’ and 4,800’. We may do one or both days as a key exchange hike depending on the amount of hikers. YOU MUST BE AN EXPERIENCED, ADVANCED HIKER. Contact hike leaders for details, starting time, car pooling and motel reservations. Dates & Leaders: March 29 & 30, 2011, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: BOUQUET CANYON TO LAKE HUGHES ROAD, Segments E-2 & E-3 Advanced Hike: Day 1 – 7.6 miles;Elevation Gain: 1050 feet; Duration of Hike: Day 1- 3 1/2 hours; Day 2 – 12.4 miles; Elevation Gain: 1000 feet; Day 2 – 51/2 hours Area: Angeles Nat’l Forest ; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes Day 1: Drive to San Francisquito Canyon Road and hike to Lake Hughes Road, which has approximately 500’ of gain and 1,300’ of loss. Check into area motel for one night stay. Day 2: Hike from San Francisquito Canyon Road to Bouquet Canyon Road, which has approximately 1,000’ of gain and 1,500’ of loss. Drive back to Sun City. Dates & Leaders: Jan. 20 & 21, 2010, Ken Linville & Burt Falk

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: LAKE HUGHES RD. TO PINE CANYON RD., Segments E-4 & E-5,. ADVANCED; Day 1, 14.5 miles; Day 2, 9.6 miles; Elevation Gain: NA; Area: Angeles Nat’l Forest; Duration of Hike: Day 1, 6.5 hours; Day 2, 4.0 hours; Driving Time One Way: 2.5 hours This section of the PCT varies in elevation between 3,000 feet and 5,700 feet. Depending on the number of hikers, we may have the option of doing a key exchange for Day 2 and Day 3. These two segment take us to the northwesterly end of the Angeles National Forest with the Mojave Desert remaining to the north. Contact hike leaders for details, starting time, car-pooling and motel reservations. YOU MUST BE AN EXPERIENCED ADVANCED HIKER AND CONTACT HIKE LEADER IN ADVANCE. Date & Leaders: Oct. 19- 21, 2010, Burt Falk & Ken Linville

PALM VIEW PEAK (7,160’) A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED Hike: 8 miles; Elevation gain: 2000 feet; Area: Desert Divide, San Jacinto Mtns.; Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Drive up Morris Ranch Road to Cedar Springs trailhead (5,430’). Climb 2.5 miles on a wellgraded trail to junction with Pacific Crest Trail (6,830’) on the Desert Divide. Turn left on PCT and proceed north about 1.5 miles. Turn right and hike a short distance through brush ad trees to summit. Truth in Advertising: Neither palm nor view is visible from the summit. Great views from the PCT, however. Date & Leader: October 3, 2011, Burt Falk

PINE MOUNTAIN, A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED Hike: 8 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.; Area: Desert Divide; Duration of Hike: 5 hrs.; Driving Time One; 45 minutes The hike ascends the Cedar Springs trail to the Desert Divide where it intersects with the PCT. From there, we will continue south along the Desert Divide to a use trail ascending the flank of Pine Mountain to the summit. The use trail was very overgrown when last seen and will require some bush whacking and some scrambling through rough spots to get to the top. Long pants are recommended. On our return, if time permits and energies allow, we will also ascend Pyramid Peak which is a short distance from the Pine Mt. trailhead. Must call hike leader in advance Date & Leaders: April 15, 2010, John Beringer, Burt Falk

RAMONA TRAIL/EAST THOMAS MTN RD Advanced Hike: 11 miles; Elevation Gain: 2000 feet; Area: San Jacinto Mtns Duration of Hike: 6 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes Our hike will start on Ramona Trail through growths of Manzanita, Ribbonwood, and Sage ascending to Tool Box Springs and then to the pinnacle of Thomas Mtn. We will ascend approx. 2,000 feet in five miles (to a total elevation of approx. 6,800 feet). The views will be of Anza Valley to the South, the San Jacinto Mountains to the North and Garner Valley in between. The descent will be via the same route. Date & Leader: April 21, 2009, Nov. 10, 2009, Ray Cheeney

RANDALL HENDERSON TRAIL EASY Hike: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 350 feet Area: Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains; Duration of Hike: 1 ½ hours National Monument Visitor’s Center Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes We will park on the left side of Hwy. 74 at the Visitor’s Center, then cross the street to the trail; expect to see spectacular wildflowers along this trail. You may wish to visit the Visitor’s Center after the hike. Hiking poles and boots recommended. Date & Leader: March 19, 2011, Carol Thomas

RED CLOUD GREAT WESTERN MINE TOUR Moderate/Advanced Hike: 7 Miles; Elevation Gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 4 Hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 Hour; Area: Orocopia Mountain Wilderness Let’s explore history in the Orocopia Wilderness by visiting the Red Cloud and Great Western Gold Mines. These mines started up in as early 1887. We will visit the ruins of the remains of a stamping mill, cyanide leaching pits as well as the two mines including some of their rigging frame work and machinery. The adventurous hikers should bring headlamps or flashlights and canaries if they wish inspect the interior of a mine. Our trail is mostly on an old Jeep road with some side trips but with Gold at $1,200 an ounce you may desire to return and try to make your fame and fortune. Date & Leader, Jan. 27, 2010, Ray Cheeney

RED TAHQUITZ PEAK, A Nifty Fifty Peak Advanced Hike: 11 miles; Elevation Gain: 2000 feet;Duration of Hike: 6 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Idyllwild The hike will begin by ascending the Devil’s Slide Trail, then through Tahquitz Valley where we join the Pacific Crest Trail with magnificent views to the North. We’ll then follow a side trail up to the overlook. Bring lunch because of the duration of the hike. Date & Leader: Oct. 8, 2008, John Beringer

ROCK POINT, 5,280’, A Nifty Fifty Peak MODERATE Hike: 4 miles Elev. gain: 720 feet total Area: Desert Divide, San Jacinto Mtns.; Duration of Hike: 3 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour Located north of the intersection of Hwy. 74 & Hwy 371, Rock Point is a prominently peak overlooking theGarner Valley.The hike involves road, use trail and a short bit of rock scrambling. Date & Leader: April 26, 2011, Burt Falk

ROUND VALLEY LOOP MODERATE Hike: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 550 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 40 minutes; Area: Mt. San Jacinto State Park The hike starts with a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and begins at an elevation of 8500 feet at theMountain Station. We depart from the State Park Visitors Center and descend into Long Valley to the RangerStation. There the trail winds 2 miles up through the pine forest, with many birds to see in beautiful Round Valley.After a brief rest we continue on the loop to see lodge pole and sugar pines with spectacular views of Jean Peak and Mt. San Jacinto Peak. Bring lunch. Tram fee required Date & Leaders: October, 14, 2009, Marsha Hansen and Iona Scapple

SALTON SEA BAT CAVES EASY Hike: 2 miles; Elevation gain: 300 feet; Area: Salton Sea Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour We hike under a railroad bridge along a gently rising jeep trail amidst rapidly changing landscape and arrive at the Bat Caves Butte. Enjoy exploring a large group of sea caves formed by wave action from the ancient Sea of Cortez that are home to bats, owls and ? We’ll climb to top of the butte for a panoramic view of the entire Salton Sea! This is the only place where all shores of the Salton Sea can be viewed at the same time. Our “trail” back home leads to delicious date shakes at Oasis Date Garden (Optional). Date & Leaders: November 14, 2011; Shirley Hastie and Bill Pivar

SAN GORGONIO VIA VIVIAN CREEK TRAIL ADVANCED Hike: 17 miles; Elevation gain: 5,500 feet; Area: San Gorgonio Wilderness; Duration of Hike: 9 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1.5 hours Join us on a trek up Southern California’s highest peak which tops out at 11,499 feet and enjoy magnificent 360 degree views. This is a hike for the hardy and brave. Due to potential weather conditions, this hike may be replaced with one on Martinez Mountain which comes in at around 16 miles and 4,300 feet elevation gain. Date & Leader: November 11, 2011, Ray Cheeney

SANTA ROSA PLATEAU ECOLOGICAL RESERVE MODERATE/ADVANCED: 6.5 miles Elevation gain: 830 feet Area: Murrieta Duration of Hike: 4 ½ hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour 40 minutes Our hike will be on a loop trail in the Santa Rosa Reservoir located on the southeastern spur of the Santa Ana MTS at elevations of 1,700 to 2,000 feet and is well worth the drive. This ecological reserve has a vernal pool with rolling hills covered with native grasses, Engelmann and California Oak trees and trickling brooks. The area wild grasses and flowers should be spectacular this time of the year. Late lunch optional after the hike in Murrieta. Date & Leader: March 17, 2011, Ken Linville

SCHEY AND HOPALONG CASSIDY TRAILS ADVANCED Hike, 7 miles; Elevation Gain, 1,192 ft., Duration of Hike, 5-6 hours; Area, Santa Rosa Mtns.; Drive Time One Way, 30 Minutes This hike provides many majestic views of Palm Desert Cove from the Art Smith, Schey and Hopalong Cassidy Trails. Hikers will have excellent view of the Big Horn Country Club, the Stone Eagle Golf Resort, Haystack Mountain and Eisenhower Mt. The trail will take hikers through beautiful mountain canyons and up a sandy wash through an oasis. Some parts of the trail are steep in ascent and descent; therefore, hiking sticks are strongly recommended Date & Leader: January 11, 2011, Wes Bond

SHADOW MOUNTAIN ADVANCED Hike: 4.60 miles Elevation gain: 2000 feet Area: Palm Desert Duration of Hike: 3-4 hours Drive Time One Way: 30 minutes We will begin our hike on the Homestead Trail ascending steeply to the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, which we will follow for a short distance to the intersection with the Shadow Mt. Trail. From there, we will ascend to the peak about a mile and a half in the distance. The hike affords great views in all directions. This is a strenuous hike! Date & Leader: March 2, 2011, John Beringer

SHADOW MOUNTAIN VIA THE CROSS Advanced Hike: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 1700 ft.; Area: Palm Desert Duration of Hike: 4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 20 minutes We will start on the “Hike to the Cross” Trail then proceed to the Shadow Mountain Trail. Along the way we will have to work along a cyclone fence. “Gloves are a Must”. On top of Shadow Mountain we will be looking down on the top of the Bump and Grind and all of the other various trails. Date & Hike Leader: Feb. 22, 2010, Jack Wersbe

SHEEP MOUNTAIN, A NIFTY FIFTY PEAK ADVANCED Hike: 13 miles Elev. gain: 2,900 feet total--2,100 feet going in, 800’ on return; Area: Santa Rosa Mountains; Duration of Hike: 6-7 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes Take Cactus Spring to Cactus Spring, turn north-northeast, cross-country over bump 5,067 feet, descend through a saddle, then go north past a false summit to the peak. Sheep Mountain (5,141’) is the peak visible from Hwy. 74, approximately 3 miles northwest of Martinez Mountain. Cancel, if weather is bad. (note—cancelled due to bad weather) Date & Leader: February 26, 2011, Burt Falk

SIERRA PEAK, SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS Advanced Hike: 14.3 miles Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet Area: Santa Ana Mtns.; Duration of Hike: 6 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour 40 minutes This hike will go to the top of Sierra Peak at an elevation of 3,045 feet at the Riverside/Orange County Line above Corona which is the most Northwesterly peak of the Santa Ana Mountains. The Peak offers good views of Prado Dam, the Santa Ana River and the distant San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain Range. Most of the trail is on a dirt jeep road. Date & Leader: Nov. 13, 2009, Ken Linville

SONNY BONO REFUGE CENTER, OBSIDIAN BUTTE AND MUD VOLCANOES EASY Hike: 2 miles Elevation gain: 100 Feet Area: Salton Sea Duration of Hike: 2.5 hours Drive Time One Way: 1 hour 20 minutes Walk among bubbling pools of prehistoric volcanoes, climb an ancient obsidian butte and drive on to take a guided tour through a refuge that is home to some 375 bird species among which are snow geese and pelicans. Bring a lunch & beverage for a picturesque picnic. A visit to the Visitor Center and bookstore are a MUST before we depart. Sales benefit the Refuge’s Educational programs. Location is along the course of the Pacific Flyway in the Imperial Valley. A few stops, a few walks, and a lot of fun. Date & Leaders: Jan. 24, 2009, Jan. 14, 2010, November 16, 2010, December 8 , 2011, Shirley Hastie and Bill Pivar

SPITLER PEAK (VIA FOBES TRAIL), A Nifty Fifty Peak ADVANCED: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft.; Area: Garner Valley/Desert Divide Duration of Hike: 4 hours Driving Time One Way: 1 hour From the Fobes Ranch Road trail head, we will ascend the trail to Fobes Saddle, and then turn North along the PCT to the Spitler Trail junction. From there we will ascend a use trail to the peak. Bring lunch or snacks because of the duration of the hike. Must contact hike leader in advance. Date & Leader: October 28, 2011, John Beringer SUICIDE ROCK VIA DEER SPRINGS TRAIL Advanced Hike: 7 miles; Elevation Gain: 1800 feet; Duration of Hike: 3-4 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Idyllwild Suicide Rock is an outcropping of white granite jutting out from the south slope of Marion Ridge, high above Strawberry Valley. It offers fantastic views of the valley floor, Lily Rock and Tahquitz Peak. Optional lunch in Idyllwild. Date & Leader: May 12, 2009, John Beringer, Oct. 15, 2010, Iona Scapple & Marsha Hansen

TAHQUITZ CANYON WATER FALLS TRAIL EASY Hike: 2 miles Elevation gain: 200 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 hours Drive Time One Way: 40 minutes; Area: Tahquitz Cyn. Palm Springs Our Ranger-led tour takes us deep into one of the most beautiful flowering areas of the Agua Caliente Reservation. We will hike to the spectacular 60-foot waterfall. Along the way, view rock art, an ancient water system, hear native stories and legends. In the beautiful Visitor’s Center, we will view a video on the history of the Canyon. Reduced rate entrance fee $10 cash. Call leader for reservation. Ranger-led hikes are limited in number. Date & Leaders: March 3, 2009, Feb. 16, 2010, Feb. 3, 2011, March 17, 2011, Shirley Hastie and Bill Pivar

TAHQUITZ PEAK LOOKOUT, KEY EXCHANGE ADVANCED Hike; 8 miles, Elevation Group 1: 2,400 ft., Group 2: 2,000 ft.; Duration of Hike: 5+ hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 hour; Area: Idyllwild A key exchange hike with one group hiking the Devil’s Slide Trail and the other group hiking the South Ridge Trail, both to the 8,828 ft. summit. Tahquitz Peak affords beautiful panoramic views of the entire surrounding area. Because of the duration of the hike, bring a snack or lunch. Date & Leaders; November 22, 2010, John Beringer & Ray Cheeney

TRAVERSING THE THREE T’S ADVANCED Hike: 8.5 miles; Elev gain: 2,700’, loss 3,400; Duration of Hike: 6-7 hours; Drive Time One Way: 1 1/2 hours to Mount Baldy Ski Lift (fee required), which operates only on weekends during ski season; ’; Area: San Gabriel Mtns. Preserve From Baldy Notch at the top of the ski lift, hike mostly south along a ridge, climbing Thunder Mt. (8,587’), Telegraph Peak (8,985’) and Timber Mt. (8,303’) before descending to pick up vehicle(s) at the base of Icehouse Canyon. Date & Leaders: October 23, 2011, Burt Falk and Ernie Manson

VICTOR/FERN CANYON TRAILS Moderate Hike: 5 miles; Elevation Gain: 400 feet; Duration of Hike: 3 hours; Drive Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: Indian Canyons We will follow the Palm Canyon Trail from the Trading Post passing along the stream in Palm Canyon, then crossing the stream and traveling through a palm oasis before meeting the Victor Trail. From the Victor Trail we will have views of Palm Canyon below and the mountains above. We will then take the Fern Canyon and trail where if we have enough moisture, we’ll see giant ferns. Optional lunch at Manhattan Deli. Date & Leader: December 15, 2009, John Beringer

WELLMAN’S DIVIDE—MT. SAN JACINTO EXTENSION Advanced Hike: 6 miles; Elevation Gain: 1200 feet;11.9 miles to peak 2300 feet to peak; Duration of Hike: 3.5 hours; Driving Time One Way: 45 minutes; Area: San Jacinto Mtns. The hike starts with a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and begins at an elevation of 8500 feet at the mountain station. We depart from the Visitor Center and descend into Long Valley to the Ranger Station. There the trail winds up through the pine forest to beautiful Round Valley. After a brief rest we continue up the last steep mile to Wellman’s Divide with spectacular views of both Tahquitz Peak and the Santa Rosa Mtns. From this point we are only 2.7 miles from San Jacinto Peak. At Wellman’s Divide we will decide whether to push on to the peak – another 1 1/2 hours. THOSE NOT WANTING TO GO TO THE PEAK WILL HAVE A MINIMUM 1 1/2 HOUR WAIT FOR THE PEAK CLIMBERS TO RETURN. Bring lunch and provide the tram fee of approx. $20+ Date & Hike Leader: May 21, 2009, Jack Wersbe

WHITEWATER PRESERVE: WINE & WILDFLOWERS Easy Hike: 3.5 mile; Elevation Gain: 200 feet; Duration of Hike: 2 hours; Driving Time One Way: 50 minutes; Area: Whitewater Canyon Philip Ferranti, the grand guru of Coachella Valley hiking, along with his dog Spot will lead us on a not-to- be-missed afternoon romping through daisies and other assorted flora. We cross a rushing stream and meander up the Grand Whitewater Canyon after which we dine on wine, cheese and assorted gourmet goodies while viewing variegated colors as dusk descends upon the desert. There is a $5 fee to cover wine, soft drinks and food. Make reservations early, as space is limited. Date & Hike Leaders: April 1, 2009, Shirley Hastie & Bill Pivar

WHITEWATER CANYON VIEW LOOP EASY/MODERATE Hike; 3.5 miles; Elevation Gain, 500 ft.; Area, Whitewater Preserve; Duration of Hike, 2 hours + Lunch; Drive Time One Way, 35 minutes Wilderness and the 2,650 mile-long Pacific Crest Trail. Our loop trail follows a section of the PCT south, ascending 500ʼ to the top of a winding ridge, with excellent views of Whitewater Canyon, and the north face of Mt. San Jacinto. The trail starts near the Ranger Station and heads northwest and winds up switchbacks for a short three-quarters of a mile. We will follow the path along the top of the ridge, stopping at several overlooks to enjoy the views of the preserve and canyon. Then we descend the ridge via switchbacks to have a picnic lund by the old trout farm pools and shady trees. Date & Leaders: December 3, 2010, Marsha Hansen & Iona Scapple