PS - HIKE & DOCENT TOUR LIVING DESERT

  • Thu, November 21, 2019
  • 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Living Desert Palm Desert

Registration

Registration is closed

HIKE & DOCENT TOUR-LIVING DESERT

GO member Richard Miller will present a historical and geological synopsis of the Coachella Valley and lead a tour of the Living Desert Zoo. Part of the tour will include an easy hike of the lower trails at the base of Eisenhower Peak. Those that wish to continue on to the advanced hike of the Eisenhower loop will complete the loop and meet  back at the zoo for more tour options.

Hikes:

1. The Inner Loop is a flat, sandy trail through a palo verde and smoketree desert riparian woodland. Graphic signs along the path will help you interpret the desert world. This quarter-mile trail is a brief fifteen minute interlude.

2. The Middle Loop extends you out a bit further with the same desert riparian woodland and then onto a rocky desert mountain slope or bajada. You will also experience a desert wash or arroyo and can visit the interpretive exhibit of the San Andreas Fault with broad views highlighting key features along the faultline along the northern edge of the Coachella Valley. This trail is about one mile long on a smooth dirt path, and includes interpretive signage. Excepting the dip into the wash, it is a very gentle rise and fall as you travel the loop.

3. The Wilderness Loop is for the adventurous or those ready to be adventurous and is shown in this trip. This trail traverses a very rocky desert canyon if you travel the loop in a counter clockwise manner, or a desert mountain ridge if you travel in a clockwise manner. Either way you peak at a covered picnic area at 1,000 feet elevation and can clearly see Eisenhower Peak at 1,952 feet. The path is narrow, but well marked. You will climb over, scramble around, or jump from one boulder to another in the canyon. This desert experience is intimate, the opportunities for wildlife viewing exceptional and the views of the Coachella Valley at the top are spectacular. The trail is 3.5 miles long from the junction with the Middle Loop or 5 miles from the trailhead. Hike leader Scott Connelly.
  • Eisenhower trail Length: 5 miles
  • Hiking time: 3 hrs
  • Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 700’
  • Difficulty Rating: Moderate Advanced - some steep areas

Admission to Living Zoo:

  • Adult: $24.95
  • Individual membership: $79.95 includes 2 guest passes
  • Dual membership: $99.95 includes 2 guest passes (sign up with a buddy for the best value)

Explore  exhibits and the animals and plants at the Living Desert following the hike. Ice cream at the cafe following the hike.

  • Meet: 8:00 AM at PetsMart Ramon/Crossley (Map)
  • Or 8:30 AM at Living Desert entrance  (Map)

Bring Ten Essentials (click here), water (2 to 3 liters recommended), lunch and/or snacks. Hat, sunscreen and layered clothing are recommended. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.

Hiking Requirements - you will need to be in good physical condition for the advanced part of the hike for the Eisenhower loop .  Click here for more information.

Non members and guest registration may be available 3 days prior if space is available.

You may purchase a 1 year Great Outdoors membership for $25: Click Here

Contact: Scott Connelly email click here

Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver.

Photos click here

Weather Policy: Inclement weather may cancel.


Health Problems/allergies:   Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike. 



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