Hike Booklet V6

NATURE PURSUITS NOVEMBER - APRIL 2018-2019

NATURE PURSUITS Join us for our extensive program of Nature Pursuits this 2018-19 season. Ranging from moderate to aggressive hikes, adventures await all fitness levels. The following pages will provide a brief overview of the specific hikes being offered this season. As we make every effort to plan our trail adventures well in advance, they can be significantly impacted by temperature and current weather conditions. Guided hike dates and trail locations can be found on the Fitness Calendar. All hiked durations are estimated. Registration is encouraged. HIKE RATINGS While the hikes are rated Level 1, 2 or 3, feel free to hike at your own pace. Level 1 is like a walk in the city, but on uneven terrain. Not guaranteed to seem easy if you are not familiar with trail walking. Level 2 is a brisk walking pace with elevation gains under 1000 feet and mileage under 6 miles. Level 3 is generally 7 miles+ with elevations over 1000 feet and portions of difficult terrain and some rock scrambling. Level 3 requires sustainable endurance.

ACTIVITY REGISTRATIONHike registration can be completed by accessing theMembers Only Website/Fitness Classes and Programs/Nature Pursuits. You may also register directly from theFitness Calendar. Registration is encouraged as it alsoprovides opportunities to caravan to area trailheads.CARAVAN OPPORTUNITIESHiking is a very popular pastime during season in theCoachella Valley and parking can be limited at areatrailheads. When possible, we recommend membercaravanning.DAY OF HIKEMeet at the Fitness Center 15 minutes prior to thescheduled hike to follow or caravan to area trailheads.WHAT TO BRING• Water• Hat• Sunscreen• Camera• Snacks or Packed Lunch (dependent upon route)



ART SMITH TO HOPALONG CASSIDYMileage 3.5 | Rating 2.5 | Duration 2hrsBeginning at the parking lot west of the Santa RosaMountains Visitor Center, and following Art Smithtrailhead, you reach the beginning of the Hopalong CassidyTrail. The initial mile and a half is notably climbing Thetrail than goes northbound with beautiful views of BighornGolf Course and Palm Desert. Barrel Cactus, Cholla, andCreosote are found along the way. You are likely to see a variety of birds and lizards, and it is possible to see Desert Bighorn Sheep in this area..BEAR CREEK CANYONLa Quinta Cove Bear Creek Canyon provides a heart-pumping hike with spectacular glimpses of the Coachella Valley below and the high country above. Due to its remoteness, you may be rewarded with a bighorn sheep sighting if you keep your eyes peeled. Mileage 4 | Rating 2 | Duration 3hrs



CACTUS SPRINGSCactus Spring Trail is a 31.1 mile, lightlytrafficked out and back trail, located nearMountain Center, California. This scenic trailwinds through a mix of pinyon pine, juniper andchaparral, past an abandoned gypsum mine toHorsethief Canyon, and a wilderness canyon witha seasonal stream. It’s a good introduction to theSanta Rosa Wilderness.Mileage 4 | Rating 2.5 | Duration 3.5hrs

DEER SPRINGS TO SUICIDE ROCK Deer Springs is one of the four maintained trails that climb up the west face of the San Jacinto Peak. This trail is best after a wet winter as several streams cross or run alongside the trail and thick moss sometimes can blanket rocks where the runoff is generous. The Ponderosa Pine tower over this trail. Once reaching Suicide Rock you will enjoy a 360 degree view of the lands south and west of Idyllwild. We will wander around Idyllwild to garner some mountain charm before heading back! Mileage 3 | Rating TBDIDYLLWILD

PACIFIC CREST RAIL (PCT)SOUTH FORK The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends 2,600 milesThis trail is a part of from Mexico to Canada.the famous Pacific Although a few marathonCrest Trail which is hikers have traveled thethe west version of the length in one trip, mostAppalachian Trail. hike the trail inThis endurance hike sections. Cheryl Strayed,takes you through sage author of the internationaland low brush, up a best selling memoir frommountainside and 2012, Wild: From Lost toalong a low ridge with Found on the Pacific Crestviews of the North Trail, has inspired anFort of the PCT. After increasing number of hikers4.5 miles you will to take up the challenge ofreach Table Mountain. the Pacific Crest Trail.The turn around pointis a field of brilliantgolden poppies!ALLOW 7-8 HOURS FOR THIS FULL DAY HIKE (INCLUDES DRIVE TIME)



THE LIVING DESERT WILDERNESS OVERVIEW The Living Desert Wilderness Trail is a 4.8 mile, moderately trafficked loop, located near Palm Desert, California. Featuring beautiful wild flowers and offering a number of activity options, the wilderness trails are best explored September until May. Living Desert Loop This private hike begins at The Reserve Fitness Center and winds up Hidden Valley Trail North where we access the trailhead. Meandering down the coyote trail following rock cairn, we drop into a rocky riverbed that leads us to a loop hike with amazing vistas of the valley and other area clubs, including The Reserve. Mileage 5.5 | Rating 2.5 Duration 3-4hrs Eisenhower Loop As part of The Living Desert, the Eisenhower Trail Loop offers beautiful views of the Coachella Valley and San Andreas Fault. Your journey begins with a hike through the natural wash before reaching the base of Eisenhower Mountain. Mileage 4-5 | Rating 3 Duration 3hrs



The Painted PAINTED CANYON Canyon Trail Ladder hike is anEPIC adventure! The 6-mile round trip trailfeatures slot canyons, ladders and countlessphoto opportunities. You’ll feel as though you’vestepped into a movie adventure as you traverseup ladders and through canyon slots along theroute. The slot canyons were formed by the SanAndreas Fault pushing the North American Plateinto the Pacific Plate. The plate’s shift causednarrow passages & canyons to form. The area’sgeographic formations arebreathtaking and unusualcompared to other canyons inthe Palm Springs area. It isrecommended to bring plentyof extra water and a fewsnacks to keep you going.Mileage 6 | Rating 3 |Duration 4-5hrs



You are invited to explore the canyon with our neighbor to the south. The tour will begin with a UC Riverside Boyd Deep Canyon Research update and orientation, led by Dr. Chris Tracy, Director. Interpretive, research and geological information will be shared making this a most memorable private tour. The actual hike will be determined by the hiking experience of those participating. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy as Chris and his team moderate a discussion at the Center following the hike.BOYD DEEP CANYON