Three days of desert hiking and geology in the Santa Rosa Mountains, CA

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING ON.
Here is a opportunity to visit, hike, and learn about the geology of a unique part of the Santa Rosa Mountains that is closed to the general public. This will be a small group event. Maximum 6 participants, including me, Thom Davis, visiting and staying at the UC Reserve System's Boyd Deep Canyon facility above Palm Desert, CA. We will be hiking Coyote Canyon (photo), the lower portion of Deep Canyon, the east side of the Santa Rosa Mtns, and discussing the geology. There's some interesting and beautiful flora and fauna in these areas too! Hikes will be from 4-7 miles long with about 1,000 ft of elevation gain. Late September weather is usually pretty nice, however, if it is too warm we'll head to higher elevation to do the geo-hikes, there are lots of options.

If you have a solid interest in attending this trip, absolutely know you can make the trip, can afford the trip, then sign-on, otherwise please do not sign-on. You'll be put on the waitlist and notified later.

If you are placed on the trip, You will need to email me, ASAP, your full name, email address, and vehicle color, make, year, and license plate number, if you plan on driving (send to geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com) and state the trip you are on. If I don't receive this info you will be removed from the trip.

You need to be in good hiking shape and stay-up with the group (approx. a 2.0-2.5 mph pace). Some of the routes are desert cross-country, we have no sweep, and we need to stay together as a group; getting lost in this place could be bad!

We will not be camping out but staying at the UC Boyd Deep Canyon facility. Facility has a well equipped kitchen facility (you bring and prepare all your meals including preparing lunch for the field). Kitchen has a stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, two refrigerators, plates, cups, eating utensils, pot and pans, etc. Facility has private rooms with two beds (we'll have to double up and there needs to be an equal number of men and women to maximize the attendance), and the facility has showers.

You will need to bring a sleeping bag (or blankets), sheet to cover the mattress, pillow, your personal hygiene stuff, don't forget a towel; plus your hiking gear: boots, hiking clothes (trail runners and short pants are a painful option given the amount of spiny plants in this place), water bottles, and a flashlight or headlamp. Facility has a swimming pool we can use (but it's not heated). There is good wifi but the cell coverage is spotty. I recommend checking the weather before the trip and be prepared for cool nights, warm days, and most likely lots of sun.

IMPORTANT: We meet at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the intersection of Buckboard Trail and Portola Ave. in Palm Desert, CA. We need to check-in, as a group, at the security kiosk at the Reserve. If you are placed on the trip, You will need to email me, ASAP, your full name, email address, and your vehicle color, make, year, license plate number if you plan on driving (send to geologicmapsfoundation@gmail.com) and state the trip you are on. If I don't receive, you will be removed from the trip.

This is a fund raiser for the nonprofit GMF (Geologic Maps Foundation), www.geologicmapsfoundation.org. GMF is a 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Cost is $190.00/person for 3 days and 2 nights payable by check to the Geologic Maps Foundation at the start of the event (please don't forget your check). GMF is a 100% volunteer effort with no employees. Donations pay for event expenses (in this case the facility) and GMF operating costs. Please read the cancellation policy.

THE COST OF THE TRIP IS $190.00.

PLEASE BRING A CHECK MADE OUT TO THE GEOLOGIC MAPS FOUNDATION FOR $190.00. DO NOT MAKE IT OUT TO ME!! GIVE ME THE CHECK AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EVENT WHEN WE MEET AT THE MEETUP POINT.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY (IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY)

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Geo-hikes Meetup event, you are releasing the Geo-hikes Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

No one under 18 years age will be allowed on this event and no dogs.