Indianhead Peak (3,960') & Borrego's Signature Palm Canyon Loop: ~ 11 M/3,750' G

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What: Muchachos & Muchachas, ANDALE! It's a steep, challenging, rugged, adventurous, all-day, cross-country (no stinkin' trails, so hikes harder than the rating) desert scramble. Warm up in a wash while looking for desert flowers, then work hard while climbing from the desert floor straight up to this rugged 3,960' summit. Enjoy excellent, 360-degree views of the entire Borrego area. Bighorn sheep will envy you as we scramble down rocky slopes into a canyon containing smooth dry waterfalls. Return via Borrego's famous signature Palm Canyon where you'll encounter scores of palm trees along a creek of water, and maybe a bighorn sheep or two if we're lucky (best place in the desert to see them). Hike in your shorts & shirt without all the extra mountain/snow gear!

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Details: this loop hike to Indianhead Peak (3,960') is approx. 11 cross-country (but no trails) desert miles long with 3,750' of elevation gain (uphill), but hikes a bit harder since there's about 3K of steep uphill in about 1.5 miles. Some moderate scrambling using hands is also required in a side canyon later before dropping into the famous Borrego Palm Canyon where there's a creek & palm trees along our exit route. Estimated hiking time is 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM, with a 1/2 hr or longer break around noon on the peak. Optional dinner stop afterwards at the nearby Red Ocotillo Restaurant in Borrego Springs, CA for those interested.

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When & Where to Meet: either of 2 places depending on where you're coming from - (1.) 5:45 AM at the Scripps Poway Parkway P&R lot for optional carpooling IF in San Diego (I-15, exit Scripps Poway Parkway, east 1 block to first signal, turn left / Nth into USA gas station, P&R is next to it), ...(2.) or 7:15 ish AM in Borrego Springs, CA at the entrance booth to the Borrego Palm Canyon State Park campground (note: NOT at the nearby Visitor's Center, but nearby - just 2 blocks Nth of it) where we'll re-group before driving a few minutes away to our nearby starting & ending point. (note: this is NOT the standard / boring Jerry Schad route up Palm Canyon).

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Bring: a minimum of 3.5 - 4 quarts or liters of H2O with electrolytes (or 2.5 - 3 quarts/liters & a H2O filter), snacks to eat WHILE MOVING, lunch for the break @ the peak, layers (jacket, beanie, gloves), hat / sunglasses / sunscreen, headlamp or light just in case since we'll finish just before or just after dark, any first aid you need including "drugs", a plastic men's comb & pointy tweezers for getting any cactus out, hiking poles, cycling or other gloves for scrambling, etc. Pre-hydrate by drinking in the AM & also 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 or pictures as necessary; I take a 1/2 hr or longer break at the peak to eat "real" food / sign peak register / enjoy the 360 degree view; I prefer to hike at a bit faster than average pace; you need to be comfortable with off-trail hiking & some scrambling.

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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:

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

Indianhead Peak (3,960'): 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 - all attending must be group members. This is for liability reasons & so that I can see the profiles of those attending before the hike to get a feel for the group. It's free & easy.

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