Do you plan to spend the holiday season here in the desert? If so, I recommend taking full advantage of the cooler weather to get outside and hike. Why not start now and work on taking off the excess pounds—so that you can justify putting them back on, or at least maintaining, during holiday indulgences?
As the days become shorter, and darkness arrives around 5 p.m., it’s a great time for night hiking, especially during the weeks of the full moon. The next two full moon cycles fall on Nov. 15 (Beaver Moon, at 1:28 p.m. PST) and Dec. 15 (Cold Moon, at 1:02 a.m.).
One way to experience the desert under the full moonlight is to sign up for a Full Moon Hike guided tour by Friends of the Desert Mountains. See their calendar of events and sign up at www.desertmountains.org/calendar. For a $5 suggested donation to support the volunteer programs, the full moon night hikes are very informative and are usually within 1-3 easy, family-friendly miles. You’ll need to bring a liter of water and a headlamp or flashlight; wear close-toed shoes; and check in 15 minutes prior to the group departure time. I’d leave the dogs at home for these hikes, unless they say it’s OK to bring them. Astronomers sometimes set up telescopes for stargazing along the way, and blacklights may be provided for scorpion sightings. Very exciting stuff!
I recently joined a volunteer-led night hike on the East Indio Hills Badlands Trail with the Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer group in preparation for the upcoming full moon hikes. I learned so much within two short hours about the history, the flora and the fauna of the trail. First, the hike leader gave a safety talk to the group prior to starting the hike. Then, the leader stopped periodically to provide useful information. Aside from the leader, there’s a trail sweep—the last hiker in the group who ensures that everyone is accounted for and stays with the group. It truly is an incredible system, showing how a team of volunteers can work so well together.
Desert night hikes and full moon hikes are also offered at Borrego Springs on some clear, wind-free nights. The next full moon hike at Borrego is on Friday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There’s no charge; just call the Nature Center at 760-767-3098 to register. See the calendar for more hikes, webinars and other activities at www.borregoexperience.com/full-moon-desert-nights.
If you’re not up for night hiking, you’ll notice a variety of other interpretative hikes, birding walk-abouts and other events posted on the Friends of the Desert Mountains calendar at www.desertmountains.org/calendar.
Either way, be sure to carve out some trail time on Sunday, Nov. 17—National Take a Hike Day! This is a special day that’s about more than taking a simple walk; it’s about taking a break from your daily work routine, being outdoors on a trail with family and friends, and connecting with nature. We are surrounded by beautiful trails here in the desert that are plentiful with wildlife right now, and you may be lucky enough to see something special.
Being out on the trails is not only therapeutic, but also great exercise. Do you know that hiking can burn between 400 and 550 calories per hour? I can’t think of a better way to prepare for all the holiday cravings. Don’t forget to post your hike and use #NationalTakeAHikeDay when sharing on social media. I hope to see all sorts of cool pictures!
Most importantly, don’t forget to prepare for your hike by taking at least a liter of water for every hour. Wear proper hiking shoes and sun protection, too. Trekking poles are also great for the trails.
Here are two big annual outdoor events coming up:
• The Wild Turkey Trot 5K (3.1 miles) takes place from 8 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 28—Thanksgiving Day—in downtown Palm Springs, at the corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive, in front of Starbucks. Make room for the extra helpings or a piece of pie by joining the Palm Springs Marathon Runners and race director Molly Thorpe as they put on this themed race that’s friendly to runners, walkers, strollers and doggies, all in support of local charities. The course is flat and fast, through the beautiful neighborhoods of Palm Springs. All participants receive a long-sleeve tech T-shirt, a finisher medal, a finisher photo download, and a wild turkey hat, as well as Thanksgiving-themed knee-highs for this crazy-awesome race. Don’t be bashful! Feel free to show your holiday spirit by dressing up for the run as a turkey, a pilgrim, or anything else festive. Also, keep your eye out for Santa, who will make a special appearance to welcome the holiday season. The cost is $40, and a portion supports the Mizell Center’s Meals on Wheels Program, providing food for homebound seniors, as well as other important local causes. Register online today before this race sells out, as it has for the past three years, at pswildturkeytrot5k.racewire.com.
• The Santa Paws 5K and Elf Dash happens from 8:30 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at 332 W. Alejo Road, in Palm Springs. Each participant receives a Santa suit for the event—which is yours to keep. Following the 5K, a 200-meter Elf Dash for children 10 and younger is offered. Entry for the kids’ event at a cost of $15 (plus a $2.90 fee) includes a finisher medal. Join the Greater Palm Springs Lions Club, the presenting sponsor (and other various sponsors), and get into the Christmas spirit while supporting Guide Dogs of the Desert, nonprofit that provides trained guide dogs at no cost to the blind and sight-impaired, as well as assistance dogs for those with seizures, autism or PTSD. Register online today for $45 (plus an additional $4.70 fee) here. The cost will increase to $50 on Dec. 1 through race day. Participants can also sign up in person on Friday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, or on the morning of the race at 7:30 a.m. at 332 W. Alejo Road, the race site. Runners, walkers, strollers and dogs are all welcome to join this holiday cheer-filled event.