ACTIVITIES - DAY HIKES

Day Hikes	Moonlight Hikes	Camping/RV	Game Nights	4x4 Trips
Social Events Special Day Trips Courtesy Essentials Waiver

We just don't hike in Palm Springs! Our day hikes cover many areas in the Coachella Valley and nearby areas. Imagine going on a gay and lesbian hiking experience by exploring the floor of the desert surrounded by majestic mountains (San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto & Santa Rosa). We also take trips to the Joshua Tree National Park and other interesting places.

We usually have 3 or 4 hikes each month and try to have both weekday and weekend hikes. During the summer months, our hikes tend to be in the higher elevations to take advantage of cooler temperatures. We have several hikes in the Mount San Jacinto State Park and the San Bernardino National Forest Wilderness areas. We usually meet at a local meeting spot and then carpool to trail heads located within 60 or so miles from Palm Springs. Both members and guests are asked to share resources for gas and any gate entrance fees.

It is important to recognize weather patterns while out on the trail. Noticing certain cloud formations is the first step. Watch out for cumulonimbus clouds or head clouds. These are grayish, puffy, fluffy clouds, which form in masses early in the day. They can be precursors to afternoon thunderstorms. These clouds will stack vertically and begin to form a flat base with a towering center and an anvil shaped upper which can mean heavy precipitation, thunder, lightning and hail.

Try uphill walking: outdoors, treadmills or stair climbing. Any type of cardiovascular exercise: aerobics, swimming, or jogging. Don't forget to break in those new hiking boots. Strap them on and walk several miles before your adventure so you'll have maximum comfort on the trail.

Hiking with Man's Best Friend

Hiking with your dog can be a great experience. Dogs love the great outdoors as much as we do. Besides being great company on the trail, your dog can be an early warning system: He'll detect wildlife or other hikers on the trail ahead before you will. Before your next hike, make sure your canine is in good shape, vaccinated, and has proper identification. If water is not available for your pet in streams or lakes, bring a little extra water. Dogs dehydrate faster than humans, so be prepared.