Entirety of Borrego's Palm Canyon/ Palm Mesa/ Henderson Canyon: ~ 17 M /4,650' G

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What: an off-trail desert hike that has a bit of everything: flowers, washes, climbing, views, dry waterfalls / scrambling, palm oasis, creek, etc. It will start with a warm up in a wash of Henderson Canyon where there should be some flowers, then work hard for awhile while climbing up out of Henderson Canyon & into the seldom visited Palm Mesa area with it's views (Toro, San Jacinto, Rabbit, etc. peaks) & Indian sites before dropping into the very uppermost part of where Borrego's famous Palm Canyon begins continuing on down through it / returning via it's entire length (something few people ever do or see) where you'll have an occasional bit of scrambling / bouldering / dry waterfalls before encountering numerous palm groves alongside a stream of water and maybe even some bighorn sheep if we're lucky (one of the best places in the desert to see them). See some pics of this hike:

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Details: this loop hike is estimated to be approximately 17 cross-country (no trails) desert miles long with around 4,650' of elevation gain (uphill). Estimated hiking time is 8:15 AM - 8:30 PM or so (note: we have to set-up a short car shuttle first @ the Borrego Palm Canyon State Park campground before driving to nearby Henderson Canyon for our start). Need to be comfortable with scrambling / dry waterfalls. Optional dinner stop afterwards for those interested in joining us at either the nearby Red Ocotillo Restaurant or Taco Shop depending on when we end our hike in Borrego Springs, CA.

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Bring: a minimum of 3.5 quarts or liters of H2O with electrolytes (& bring along a water filter or other device to treat creek water @ Middle Fork of Palm Canyon in mid-afternoon if you have one), snacks to eat WHILE MOVING, a lunch, layers (jacket, beanie, gloves, etc.), hat / sunglasses / sunscreen, headlamp or light with fresh batteries for our after dark finish (1 - 2 hrs in the dark depending on details?), first aid, poles, cycling or workout gloves for scrambling, etc. Pre-hydrate by drinking in the AM & on the drive out.

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My Hiking Style: we'll stay together as a group for camaraderie & safety; we snack & drink while moving except for short bathroom breaks as necessary; We'll take a short 20 min. or so break near Palm Mesa to eat "real food" for lunch / enjoy the view; I prefer to hike at a bit faster then average pace if possible.

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Contact me ahead of time if you have Q's: 619-315-9731 cell or stevefausset@gmail.com

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Weather links:

Henderson Canyon / AM starting place: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.3055686197355&lon=-116.40254974365234

Palm Mesa (3.5K elevation - early afternoon): http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=33.29276327839657&lon=-116.43035888671875

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My Meetup Rules:

1. *WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This group, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from hikes, or for any injuries or accidents before, during, and after group hikes. If you sign up and come on this hike outing you are acknowledging that you freely and voluntarily assume all risks of injuries and damages and agree to participate in the hike/outing.

2. Please no +1s or guests allowed - all attending must be group members signed up for this hike (membership is quick, easy, free so please just sign-up). This is for liability reasons & also allows me to know who's coming & see their profile / experience / etc. beforehand.

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